Fin's Fish Guide
The Black scissortail (Rasbora trilineata) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 13 cm.
Description
The scissortail rasbora is a cyprinid from Southeast Asia, from the Mekong and Chao Phraya, the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra and Borneo, and is kept worldwide in the aquarium trade. The species grows to about 13 cm and has an elongate, silvery body with a narrow dark midline; the deeply forked tail bears a black-and-white marking on each lobe that recalls a pair of scissors when swimming. It lives in schools in clear fresh water and feeds on insects, worms and small crustaceans. The eggs are hidden under bottom objects. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Black scissortail?
The Black scissortail has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Black-and-white scissor markings on the forked tail; popular aquarium fish
Where does the Black scissortail live?
The Black scissortail lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Southeast Asia
How big does the Black scissortail get?
The Black scissortail grows to a maximum of about 13 cm.
Is the Black scissortail dangerous to humans?
No, the Black scissortail is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Black scissortail edible?
The Black scissortail is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Rasbora
More from the family Cyprinidae
Want the complete picture on the Black scissortail?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Black scissortail is one of 12,519 species in the app.