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Bala Shark
Balantiocheilos melanopterus
📍 Southeast Asia
The Bala Shark is a large, active freshwater fish known for its sleek silver body and distinctive black-edged fins. Despite their common name, they are not true sharks but rather cyprinids that require spacious tanks and thrive in groups. They are popular in the aquarium hobby for their striking appearance and energetic swimming behavior.
Care Guide
Diet
Bala Sharks are omnivorous and should be fed a varied diet consisting of high-quality pellets, flakes, and occasional live or frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp. Feed them 2-3 times daily in amounts they can consume within a few minutes. They will also nibble on soft aquatic plants and algae wafers.
Behavior
Bala Sharks are highly active, schooling fish that spend most of their time swimming in open water. They are peaceful toward other fish but can be skittish and may injure themselves on tank decorations or glass when startled. They are best kept in groups of at least three individuals, as they exhibit social behavior and reduced stress when together.
Breeding
Breeding Bala Sharks in captivity is extremely difficult and rarely successful in home aquariums. They require very large tanks, specific water conditions, and hormonal triggers that are difficult to replicate. Most specimens available in the hobby are wild-caught or commercially bred in specialized facilities.
Tank Mates
Similar size and peaceful temperament; both are active schooling fish
Comparable size and activity level; both prefer open swimming space
Similar water parameter requirements and peaceful nature
Non-aggressive bottom-dweller that helps with algae control
Peaceful schooling fish with similar size and activity requirements
Active schooling fish that matches Bala Shark's swimming behavior
Common Diseases
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, flashing against objects, lethargy
Increase water temperature to 28-30°C (82-86°F), perform frequent water changes, use ich medication containing malachite green or formalin, ensure adequate aeration
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, fin loss
Perform large water changes to improve water quality, use antibacterial medication, remove sharp decorations that may cause injury, maintain optimal water parameters
Bacterial Infection
Open sores, ulcers on body, cloudy eyes, loss of appetite, color fading
Isolate affected fish in a quarantine tank, use broad-spectrum antibiotic medication, perform daily water changes, maintain pristine water conditions
Parasitic Infection
Excessive scratching, visible parasites, weight loss, lethargy, clamped fins
Use antiparasitic medication appropriate for the specific parasite, perform frequent water changes, quarantine affected fish, treat the main tank if necessary
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Quick Facts
- diet
- Omnivore - feeds on high-quality pellets, flakes, and occasional live or frozen foods such as bloodworms and brine shrimp
- lifespan
- 10-12 years
- max size
- 35 cm (14 in)
- tank size
- 125 gallons minimum
- temperament
- peaceful
Water it likes
- ph
- 6.5-8.0
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <20 ppm
- hardness
- 5-12 dGH
- temperature
- 75–82°F (24–28°C)