Bala Shark

bala shark

The bala shark (Balantiocheilus melanopterus) is from Asia. Its shape resembles a shark, hence the name bala shark. It also goes by the common names of silver shark and tri-color shark. It belongs to the family Cyprinidae.

Bala sharks are large fish that are typically sold when they are young and around 4 inches or 10 cm in length. They can reach an adult size of about 14 inches or 35 cm in length. You should keep this in mind when determining the size of aquarium you plan to house bala sharks in.

Although they are known by the name "shark" they are actually peaceful fish that can be kept in a community tank providing that there is a lot of space. You should keep several bala sharks together because they are shoaling fish. They generally swim at all levels of the aquarium.

They can tolerate a wide range of water conditions but prefer a pH of between 6.8-7.2, and a water temperature between 76-82 degrees Fahrenheit or 24-28 degrees Celsius.

You should keep them in a covered tank because they sometimes jump out of the aquarium.

They will eat flakes, frozen, freeze-dried, and live foods. They are omnivores, eating both meaty and plant based foods. Make sure you provide some plant matter in their diet.

They are egglaying fish, but have not been known to breed in the aquarium, however, they have been bred commercially in Asia. This is achieved by giving them hormone injections.