The Dwarf Scissortail Rasbora (Rasbosoma spilocerca) is a small, peaceful freshwater fish known for its shimmering silver body, forked black-and-white tail, and active schooling behavior. At just 1.5cm, these juveniles are already lively swimmers, making them ideal for nano and planted aquariums. Their name comes from the characteristic scissor-like motion of their forked caudal fins when swimming, which creates a subtle but elegant display.

Native to slow-moving, vegetation-rich rivers in Southeast Asia, especially Thailand and the Mekong basin, this species is loved for its low-maintenance care and compatibility with a wide range of similarly peaceful tank mates.

🐠 Key Features:

• Scientific Name: Rasbosoma spilocerca

• Common Name: Dwarf Scissortail Rasbora

• Size: 1.5cm (juvenile; adults grow to about 3–3.5cm)

• Lifespan: 3–5 years

• Temperament: Peaceful, schooling

• Difficulty Level: Easy

• Origin: Southeast Asia (Thailand, Mekong River)

• Best kept in groups of 6 or more for social comfort

🌊 Water Conditions

These fish are quite hardy and do well in a variety of soft to slightly hard water setups, making them a great choice for community tanks.

• Temperature: 22–28°C (72–82°F)

• pH: 6.0–7.5

• Hardness: 3–12 dGH

• Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons

• Water Type: Freshwater

• Filtration: Moderate flow with clean, stable water

• Lighting: Moderate to highlight their reflective scales

A planted aquarium with open space for swimming and calm areas to rest will help them feel secure and active.

🐟 Tank Mates

Dwarf Scissortail Rasboras are peaceful and non-aggressive, making them perfect for community tanks.

Compatible tank mates include:

• Other small rasboras (e.g., Harlequin, Chili, Strawberry)

• Tetras (e.g., Neon, Ember, Glowlight)

• Corydoras catfish

• Otocinclus

• Dwarf shrimp (Cherry, Amano)

• Peaceful snails

Avoid:

• Large or aggressive fish

• Fin-nippers

• Boisterous species that may outcompete them for food

Keeping them in groups of at least 6–8 encourages natural schooling behavior and reduces stress.

🍽️ Feeding Habits

Dwarf Scissortail Rasboras are omnivores and easy to feed.

Recommended diet:

• High-quality micro pellets or fine flake food

• Frozen or live foods: baby brine shrimp, daphnia, micro worms

• Crushed freeze-dried tubifex or bloodworms

• Occasional vegetable flakes or spirulina

Feed once or twice a day in small portions that can be finished within 2–3 minutes.

🧼 Care and Maintenance

• Perform weekly water changes (20–25%)

• Maintain good water quality and avoid large fluctuations

• Use a secure lid, as rasboras can occasionally jump

• Monitor for signs of stress, such as clamped fins or fading color

• Ensure enough swimming space and gentle water movement

This species is beginner-friendly and thrives with basic, consistent care in a well-cycled tank.

🌿 Why Choose the Dwarf Scissortail Rasbora?

The Dwarf Scissortail Rasbora is a delightful nano fish that brings harmony and liveliness to any peaceful aquarium. Their graceful swimming, shimmering scales, and compatibility with a wide range of tank mates make them a favorite for planted and community aquariums alike.

Add a peaceful shimmer to your tank—bring home the Dwarf Scissortail Rasbora today!