Bala Shark Stats
Minimum Tank Size:100 Gallons (378 litres)
Care Level: Difficult
Water Conditions: 6.0-8.0 pH and Soft to Medium
Temperature: 72-82 °F (22-28 °C)
Maximum Size: 14 inches (35 cm)
The bala shark (Balantiocheilos melanopterus), also known as the tricolor shark, or the silver shark, is a large minnow, that unsurprisingly isn’t actually a shark. It is often referred to as a shark due to its torpedo shaped body and prominent dorsal fin, but is part of the Cyprinidae family
It is native to Sumatra, Borneo and the Malay Peninsula, though it is rapidly disappearing from those habitats. The wild population of the bala shark has declined by more than 50% in the last decade, and it is currently listed as endangered on the ICUN Red List. It is not believed that the aquarium trade is responsible for this decline, since nearly all bala sharks available are breed on Asian fish farms.
The bala shark is primarily found in rivers and lakes, though they are more commonly found in rivers. They have a preference for relatively deep water, and are only found in large rivers and lakes.
This fish can grow to tank busting sizes in the home aquarium, and it’s not uncommon for one to grow to 14 inches (35 cm) in captivity. If it is provided with excellent conditions and a spacious tank, a bala shark can live up to ten years – though most live far shorter lives, since they are often kept in cramped and dirty conditions.
Housing
Bala sharks are widely available in fish stores, but they share a spot with goldfish as one of the most misunderstood fish in the hobby. When you find them for sale, they are often only around 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) in length, and at that size they will still fit most home aquariums.
Problems arise as they begin to rapidly grow, and they will quickly outgrow all but the largest aquariums. In fact, many people insist that this fish can only truly thrive in a massive custom built tank – far larger than anything commercially available. And they may be right. This is a very active fish, which grows to a massive size, and must be kept in groups of at least five.
If bala sharks are kept in groups of less than five, you will quickly find yourself facing some major aggression issues. They establish a hierarchy in their tank, and in a small group, the dominant fish’s aggression will only be directed at one or two fish. When they are kept in larger groups, this aggression is spread out among the other fish, and only rarely causes problems.
Not only must this shoaling species be kept in groups of at least five, but it also extremely sensitive to any waste in the aquarium. They absolutely must have pristine water at all times, and any organic waste will quickly sicken or even kill this fish.
Bala sharks also prefer a significant amount of current in their tank, and the tank should be set up in such a way that it emphasizes swimming space over decorations and plants. Ideally, the tank should be set up as a riverine tank, with rocks for the substrate, and pieces of driftwood for decoration.
It should also be noted that bala sharks are noted jumpers, and any tank containing them must have a lid. If you don’t keep them in a covered tank, you will quickly start to discover sharks on the floor around your aquarium.
Filter
When choosing a filter, it’s imperative that you over filter the tank as much as possible. You can accomplish this through the use of multiple hang on back filters, or through very large canister filters. Regardless of what you choose, it is generally in your best interest to use multiple filters to maintain the water quality at the level that they require.
If you decide to use to a hang on back filter, I would strongly recommend that you use an AquaClear Power Filter
Feeding
Bala sharks are omnivores, and in the wild, they primarily feed on crustaceans, insects, larvae and algae. They have a voracious appetite in the home aquarium, and will accept just about anything that you offer them. They should regularly be fed a high quality flake food, along with live or frozen foods, and plenty of fresh vegetables. One of the best prepared foods to offer them is Hikari Micro Wafers
Their favorite live foods are bloodworms, blackworms, earthworms, daphnia and mosquito larvae. They have similar tastes when it comes to frozen foods, and they can be fed frozen bloodworms, blackworms, daphia and brine shrimp.
It’s important to supplement their diet regularly with vegetables, and they can be fed blanched zucchini and cucumber medallions, shelled peas, and lettuce. You can also experiment by offering them some fruit, though vegetables are generally enough for this fish.
Breeding
At this time, it is generally accepted that no one has successfully bred bala sharks in the home aquarium. They are currently bred on Asian fish farms through the use of hormones.
My Bala does not grow at all?
How long have you had it? Also, how much are you feeding it, and what size tank is it in?
my tank size is 100 inches big i had 2 bala sharks now i have one it is the small one,one died that was the big one my small one only grew 2 cm i have it from last year around may it does not even grow i have 1 neon and 2 tetra’s.
What are you feeding it? If you’re feeding it a high quality food, it should be growing. Especially since there doesn’t seem to be much competition for food in the tank.
I have one bala shark too I’m giving the tetra color is that okay.?
That should be fine. Tetra makes pretty decent food.
One of my bla sharks doesnt eat anything… food (Tetrabits) is falling around, or lying below… shes swims around and depart without eating a bite. What is the problem ??? Tank is 30 Gallons… 2 bala sharks (3 inches) + 1 gold fish (2 inches).
Did she eat prior to now? Is this a recent thing, or is she a new fish? Sometimes, new fish need some time to get used to flake foods. I’d recommend live or frozen food, since they always tend to accept that. If they don’t accept either of those, then you’re probably dealing with a real problem. Let me know if she just stopped eating.
I have 1 Bala in my 65 gallon with a community of semi aggressive fish. It eats anything and everything. 1 inch long when I bought it and it is almost 6 inches long. We also feed it zucchini, and he loves it.
I always love hearing stories like this about fish that are doing well. When you can handle these fish, they really make for great aquarium fish.
i have 2 bala sharks originally in 3 foot tank with gouramis tiger barbs bristle nose cat siamese algie eaters and kholie loaches never had issuse they both grew to 6 inches starting from 1/2 inch.
transfered to 6 footer with 4 infinity barbs 2 kholie loaches 2 bristle nose cat and both sharks have grown 1 1/2 inches i use generic supermarket flakes cant find fault with it
I have 2 Bala sharks that are around 5 inches long now. Occasionally they will nip at each other on the sides and swim up against each other. Is this a mating activity?
It sounds like pretty normal social behavior between the fish. I don’t think it would signify mating is about to begin.
I have a 100 gal tank, 4 bala sharks. They have grown quite a bit, about 6-7 inches in length each. I feed mostly blood worms. Some brine shrimp as a treat. I feed once daily. Should I feed more often considering their size? How do you feed them vegetables?
Generally speaking, feed them what they can fully consume within 3-4 minutes. If there is anything left over at that point, then you’re feeding them too much. As for vegetables, you can lightly blanch them and simply drop them in the tank. They will eat them pretty quickly, but just remember, any uneaten vegetables should be removed the next day to prevent them from rotting. Also, if you want to feed them zucchini or cucumbers, most pet stores sell little clips you can put on the side of the tank that will hold the vegetables for the fish.
I have 5 in a big above ground swimming pool with 3 water falls and a pump used for current. They are loving it. However they do eat rosy reds. They are great swimmers.
I have 2 red tail sharks in my 50 g tank with 2 balas will one be more dominant in time or are the good as the grow
Depending on how the tank is set up, they may be alright for a while. But as they grow, they will definitely battle, with one red-tail shark likely to become the dominant one. It may prevent the others from eating, so be careful to ensure all the fish are getting food.