Three Line Rasbora

Three Line Rasbora is also known as Scissortail Rasbora. In the biological world, it is known as Rasbora trilineata. Its forked tail makes an opening and closing scissor like movement while swimming. This unique swimming style is the reason for its common name- Scissortail Rasbora. Its care level is very easy. It gladly eats prepared foods and has no special care necessities.

Origin of Three Line Rasbora

The Three Line Rasbora originated in Mekong and Chao Phraya basins in Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Malay Peninsula, Borneo and Sumatra. It is found in swamps, lakes and slow-flowing streams and rivers in wooded areas, close to the surface.

Diet of Three Line Rasbora

The Three Line Rasbora feeds on worms, crustaceans and insects. It relishes surface foods, daphnia, artemia, live insects and frozen bloodworms.

Physical Description of Three Line Rasbora

This fish is an elongated one and has a forked caudal fin. The fin is marked with typical black and white spots on its upper and lower lobes. The back of this fish is silvery and olive-green. Rest of the body of this fish is silvery. Occasionally, the body has a green luster. From the gills cover a willowy, gold lateral line runs to the caudal fin. Exactly below, a faint black stripe is there. In captivity, this fish usually does not grow larger than 4 inches or 10 cms. But in nature it attains the size of 6 inches or 15 cms.

Breeding Three Line Rasbora

For breeding the Three Line Rasbora, use a shallow and long tank. The water should be about 8 inches or 20 cms deep. pH of water should be from 6.0-6.5, a water hardness from 4-8 dH and a temperature from 77-82 degree F or 25-28 degree C. The substrate should be of coarse and dark gravel. Make sure that you have heavily planted the tank. After the spawning is completed the parents should be immediately removed. Among the plants about 1000 eggs are scattered. After 24-28 hours the eggs hatch and fry start swimming freely after 3-5 days. Nourish them with Artemia nauplii. Both, the eggs and the fry are sensitive to Infusoria. Thus it is imperative that the young are not fed with Infusoria.

Tank Set Up for Three Line Rasbora

The tank of the Three Line Rasbora should measure 91 cms or 31 inches. It should contain 30 gallons or 114 liters of water. A full grown fish should be kept in a tank which measures at least 48 inches or 122 cms. Lots of swimming areas should be left open. The edges of the tank should be decorated with plants. In the tank use a dark substrate. Make sure that the pH is 5.8-8 (6.8), water hardness is 4-18 dH and water temperature should be 64-77 degree F or 18-25 degree C.

Social Behavior of Three Line Rasbora

This fish is very peaceful and suitable for a community tank which does not contain aggressive fish. It should be kept in a group of minimum six fish. Its character is that of an energetic species that likes to live in schools.

Three Line Rasbora is quite tough to breed. Gouramis, Barbs, Corydoras, Danios, Apistogramma, Loaches, Acaras, tetras and Loricarids are some suggested companions of this fish. It does not trouble its companions. If you want a lively community fish for your tank, Three Line Rasbora is the best choice.