The Bala Shark is a very hardy fish and for this reason is very popular among beginning hobbyists. They require little in the way of care. However, Bala Sharks are great jumpers and can seem to escape no matter how well your tank is sealed. They are very active and a large tank is mandatory for them to reach maturity.
Also known as the Silver or Tri-Colored Shark, the Bala Shark is not really a shark but a freshwater fish. Their Latin name is Balantiocheilus melanopterus, they originate in Asia, and they can live between 8 to 12 years and grow up to 14 inches if properly cared for.
Diet and Care for the Bala Shark
Bala Sharks prefer live foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and white worm. They will also eat flake food, which can be mixed with vegetable matter to give them a complete diet.
It is very important to keep these fish in very large aquariums with moderate rock and plant decoration. The smallest recommended tank is a 135-gallon aquarium. Water temperature can range as low as 71 degrees to as high as 83 degrees Fehrenheit. The PH of the water should be kept around 7.0.
Install a tight-fitting lid as these fish tend to frighten very easily and may jump from the water. Provide good filtration and a steady current. These fish are very prone to ailments such as ich disease if kept in over-crowded conditions.
Bala Sharks in a Fish Community
Bala sharks are very peaceful fish that fit well into most community tanks with fish their own size. When they are full grown they could consider smaller fish as lunch. Bala sharks seem to do better when there are four or more kept together. They are unusual fish because many will emit noise from their tank at night that can be easily heard.
Bala sharks have rarely been bred in captivity. These fish are usually brought in from exporters and this is why they can be a little more expensive than most fish. These fish are egg scatterers, which means you will see the females laying eggs in the plants or on the gravel. Females tend to be plumper during breeding season than the males; there is no other way of determining the sex of Bala Sharks.
Also known as the Silver or Tri-Colored Shark, the Bala Shark is not really a shark but a freshwater fish. Their Latin name is Balantiocheilus melanopterus, they originate in Asia, and they can live between 8 to 12 years and grow up to 14 inches if properly cared for.
Diet and Care for the Bala Shark
Bala Sharks prefer live foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and white worm. They will also eat flake food, which can be mixed with vegetable matter to give them a complete diet.
It is very important to keep these fish in very large aquariums with moderate rock and plant decoration. The smallest recommended tank is a 135-gallon aquarium. Water temperature can range as low as 71 degrees to as high as 83 degrees Fehrenheit. The PH of the water should be kept around 7.0.
Install a tight-fitting lid as these fish tend to frighten very easily and may jump from the water. Provide good filtration and a steady current. These fish are very prone to ailments such as ich disease if kept in over-crowded conditions.
Bala Sharks in a Fish Community
Bala sharks are very peaceful fish that fit well into most community tanks with fish their own size. When they are full grown they could consider smaller fish as lunch. Bala sharks seem to do better when there are four or more kept together. They are unusual fish because many will emit noise from their tank at night that can be easily heard.
Bala sharks have rarely been bred in captivity. These fish are usually brought in from exporters and this is why they can be a little more expensive than most fish. These fish are egg scatterers, which means you will see the females laying eggs in the plants or on the gravel. Females tend to be plumper during breeding season than the males; there is no other way of determining the sex of Bala Sharks.
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