How to care Bala Shark
The Bala Shark (Balantiocheilos melanopterus) is a sleek and striking freshwater species often mistakenly referred to as a "shark" due to its streamlined body and shark-like swimming patterns. Despite its name, it is not a true shark but rather a member of the Cyprinidae family, which includes other peaceful freshwater species. The Bala Shark's metallic silver body and black-tipped fins further contribute to its shark-like appearance, making it a popular choice among aquarists. This species is peaceful and thrives in schools, which helps promote natural behavior and reduces stress.
Native to the rivers and lakes of Southeast Asia, the Bala Shark inhabits clear, fast-flowing waters. In captivity, it requires a spacious environment with clean, well-filtered water to replicate its natural habitat. These fish are known for their impressive size, growing up to 12-14 inches (30-35 cm), and as a result, they need a minimum tank size of 125 gallons to accommodate their active swimming habits.
Bala Sharks are omnivores and enjoy a varied diet consisting of high-quality pellets, flakes, and live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia. Plant-based foods like blanched zucchini or spinach can also be offered to ensure a balanced diet. Regular feeding is important, as these fish grow quickly and require substantial nutrition to maintain their health.
Although Bala Sharks are peaceful, they should be kept in groups of at least five to encourage natural schooling behavior. Their large size and active nature mean that they are best housed with other similarly sized, peaceful species. Due to their sensitivity to water conditions, maintaining clean, stable water with a pH between 6.0 and 8.0 and a temperature between 72°F and 82°F (22-28°C) is crucial.
Bala Sharks are commonly found in freshwater aquariums and are a popular species among hobbyists due to their attractive appearance and dynamic swimming. As they are not true sharks, their care requirements are consistent with other freshwater aquarium fish, making them an accessible species for those with large tanks and experience.
Given their size and social nature, Bala Sharks are a fantastic addition to large aquariums, but they are best suited for experienced aquarists who can provide the necessary space, care, and stable water conditions. Details on their care can also be found in platforms like Fishelly, which focus on aquarium-based species for enthusiasts.
Bala Shark is a fascinating aquarium fish that stands out with its vibrant colors. It belongs to the family Cyprinidae and is native to the South Asia.
This species has a care level of Moderate and requires a minimum tank size of 125 gallons (475 liters). It typically reaches a size of 12-14 inches (30-35 cm).
Preferred water parameters include a specific gravity (sg) of 1.000, pH ranging from 6.0 - 8.0, and a temperature between 72-82°F (22-28°C). Additionally, maintaining water hardness within the range of 10-13 dGH is essential.
For stocking, the recommended ratio is 1:2 M:F or for larger 5+. The Bala Shark is widely available and has a diverse diet that includes Omnivorous; high-quality pellets, flakes, and live/frozen foods (e.g., bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia).
With a life span of 8-10 years, this species is known for its very easy care requirements. It is an ideal choice for both beginner and experienced aquarists. Providing a well-maintained tank environment with suitable water conditions will ensure the health and vibrancy of this captivating species.
