rasbora trilienata

[medicineman]

I came across wild caught rasbora trilienata (aka scissortail, three-lined rasbora) in LFS. I see that they are very tight schooler, much tighter than harlequin, hengeli, etc. Even though they (trilienata) are not as colourful, (the group I saw which supposedly to be juvenille fish) have interesting markings with distinct scissor lines. I heard that they can grow quite large 12-15cm, probably what I need to fill up my XXL tanks.

Got any words/comments on personal experience about the fish?

[esarkipato]

I was always under the impression that they were an extremely tolerant fish, of water conditions that is. I used some to cycle a 5 gallon tank a while back, and I'm sure they survived several nitrite/ammonia spikes! But I see that's not what you are using them for, so not much help

[medicineman]

I see, the reputation and info about how they can tolerate (with acclimitation) wide range of water quality is correct and not just made up.

I'm interested into using them for my garden tank display, using a large school of larger specimens to fill mid-upper area of the open water. A group of larger schooling fish will look kinda great. I saw some pics by the net also, the silvery colouring of adult fish is nice, striking and real, now there is also the red marking version as addition to traditional yellow marking variety.

To even up the theme, perhaps a shoal of large 8" silver shark (bala shark) will match nicely.

Just trying to use those species that people would not use in normal sized tanks, but still taking into account compatibility, availability and descent pricing.

[CAMBYSES]

I have seen a school of adult rasbora trilienata in a large display tank in an LFS and they looked great. the colors like you said are not that appealing but together in a tight school of only 8 specimens they looked wonderful. I would think with your large project and capacity for fish a large school would look amazing.