cognizant

Currently I have a scissortail rasbora and a cory cat in a 2.5g tank (I know they shouldn't be in it NOW, so I am in the process of cycling a 29g tank). Now that I have learned a lot more than I did (thanks everyone) I know that scissortails can get to 5 inches. My original plan was to add a few more scissortails and cory cats when the tank is cycled so that original two can school somewhat, but since the scissortails can get so big I am not sure if I should do it.

If I put other rasboras in the tank that do not grow as large, would the scissortail hang out with them? Or just be all depressed and lonely?

If I do scissortails I can only do 3 or 4, but if I did a different rasbora I could get probably 5 or 6...

This just proves how important research is (don't listen to the people in the pet stores!)

Chief_waterchanger

There is more than one species of fish that is commonly called scissortail rasbora, and there is a size difference in the species that share that common name. I would do a school of 5 of them and a school of 3-5 cory cats in the 29g and just make sure to do weekly 30-50% waterchanges and be fine with it.

cognizant

Not sure if this picture will help or not, but can anyone tell how large it may get from this picture?

Also, if I go to the store to get more scissortails, how will I know if I am getting the same species if there are more than one called it? Now you have me even more worried!!

Attached Images

fred.jpg (33.7 KB, 15 views)

Chief_waterchanger

That looks like the one that gets 3" max.

If the ones you see in the store look like the one you got already it should be the same species. The other species would look noticeably different, and if the store buys their stock from the same supplier everytime then it really shouldn't be a problem.

cognizant

Would they get along with an angelfish? I'm considering getting one but haven't made a definite decision yet.

Chief_waterchanger

They should be fine with angelfish. They can outswim the angels and shouldn't be too nippy, like tetras would be.

1 angelfish
5 of your scissortails
3-5 corydoras cats should do fine in a 29g.

The 1" per gallon rule is so far from reality of what works and what doesn't work that it is more of a headache than anything, really. Notice how your scissortail is so streamline and thin? Very little bioload from something that size and shape. Corys aren't that bad either.

cognizant

Thanks so much! You alleviated so much worrying!

Chief_waterchanger

You're most welcome!