How long do Scissortail Rasboras live?
They live about 3-5 years with stable water and a sensible diet. Their active nature means they appreciate clean, well-oxygenated water.
What do Scissortail Rasboras eat?
They take flake, pellets, and frozen/live foods like daphnia and brine shrimp. Overfeeding is the main diet error; feed what is finished in two to three minutes.
Tank size and water parameters
A 30-gallon (115 L) tank or larger suits a school of 6-8. Target 72-79°F (22-26°C), pH 6.0-7.5, soft to moderate water, zero ammonia and nitrite, nitrate under 20 ppm. Keep in groups of 6+; a longer tank with open swimming space suits them.
Common mistakes with Scissortail Rasboras
Usual errors: too small a tank for an active 3.5-inch schooler; too small a group so they never school; and fin-nipping or aggressive tank mates that spoil their calm.
Beginner mistakes to avoid
- Under-sizing the tank — active swimmers need 30+ gallons.
- A small group — they school best in 6+ and look restless alone.
- Rough tank mates — they are peaceful and easily stressed by bullies.
- Overfeeding — keep portions moderate to protect water quality.