Family: Cyprinidae
Distribution: Rasbora trilineata, commonly known as Three-lined Rasbora, is a popular Asian freshwater species found in the Malay Peninsula, Borneo and Sumatra, as well as the Chao Phraya and Mekong basins. It is generally found in slow-flowing rivers, lakes, swamps and forest habitats.
PH: 6.0 – 8.0
Temperature: 23°C – 25C (74 – 77F)
Hardness: 5 – 12 dH
Description: Rasbora trilineata can reach a maximum length of around 13 cm. This slim, elongated species has a dark lateral stripe that runs down its body from the pectoral fins to the caudal peduncle. It has a sharply forked caudal fin, which is the reason it is sometimes called the Scissortail Rasbora. Its fins are translucent except for the caudal fin, which has some black and yellow bands and white tips. This species can live for 5 – 8 years.
Diet: The Three-lined Rasbora is not a fussy eater in an aquarium environment. You can feed it Daphnia, bloodworm, flake, pellets and brine shrimp to keep it healthy and bring out its best colours.
Breeding: Rasbora trilineata is an egg-scatterer that exhibits no parental care; it is also reportedly very tough to breed in a tank. You will need your water to be soft and acidic, and the tank must be super clean otherwise the eggs and fry will perish. Provide plenty of plants in your tank because the females will deposit their eggs between the plants. Remove the parents after spawning to stop them from eating the eggs. Eggs are sensitive and you should add an antibiotic to the water to keep them alive, as well as continually making water changes. The fry hatches in 24 hours and can be given nauplii immediately.
Comments: You can house a small group of Rasbora trilineata in a 20 gallon tank. Your tank should have plenty of open swimming space and plantation. The water is best when it is slightly acidic, and you should employ peat filtration in the tank. You might also choose to add a dark soil substrate and some shade for this upper-middle dwelling species. A tight lid on the top of the tank is a must to prevent the Three-lined Rasbora from jumping out. Given the strict water requirements during breeding, it is probably better suited to hobbyists with some experience.
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Recommended Compatible Species: Rasbora trilineata should be kept in groups of 4 – 8. They will live happily with most Tetra species (particularly the Neon Tetraand Black Tetra). They are also great tank mates with Discus, Apistogramma‘s like Apistogramma Cacatouides and Apistogramma Borelli, CorydorasCatfish (particularly Corydoras Sterbai and Corydoras aeneus) Angelfish, Clown loach, the common Guppyand Platyand most Gourami(such as the Blue Gourami and Dwarf Gourami like the Honey Gourami) Also can live happily with most Danio(particularly the Zebra Danioand Pearl Danio) and also many Killifish make great tank mates.
