Fin's Fish Guide
The Gangetic scissortail rasbora (Rasbora rasbora) is a brackish-water fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 13 cm.
Description
The Gangetic scissortail rasbora is a small cyprinid of the family Cyprinidae from South Asia, occurring in the Ganges and Brahmaputra basins. The species reaches about 13 cm and has a slender, silvery body with a fine dark lateral stripe. It inhabits rivers, streams and ponds of the lowland plain and tolerates slightly brackish water in the deltas. The diet consists of small invertebrates and insects near the surface. As a schooling fish it swims in large groups. The species is locally common and used as a small food fish and in the aquarium trade.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Gangetic scissortail rasbora?
The Gangetic scissortail rasbora has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Common schooling fish of the Ganges plain; tolerates slightly brackish water in the deltas.
Where does the Gangetic scissortail rasbora live?
The Gangetic scissortail rasbora lives in brackish water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. South Asia, in the Ganges and Brahmaputra basins.
How big does the Gangetic scissortail rasbora get?
The Gangetic scissortail rasbora grows to a maximum of about 13 cm. On average the species is around 8 cm.
Is the Gangetic scissortail rasbora dangerous to humans?
No, the Gangetic scissortail rasbora is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Gangetic scissortail rasbora edible?
Yes, the Gangetic scissortail rasbora is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
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Status & sources
Same genus Rasbora
More from the family Cyprinidae
Want the complete picture on the Gangetic scissortail rasbora?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Gangetic scissortail rasbora is one of 12,519 species in the app.