Bala Shark: A Graceful Swimmer for Large Aquariums

Scientific Name: Balantiocheilos melanopterus
Common Name: Bala Shark, Tricolor Shark, Silver Shark
Place of Origin: Southeast Asia (found in rivers and lakes of Thailand, Malaysia, Borneo, and Sumatra)

The Bala Shark is a popular freshwater fish known for its sleek, torpedo-shaped body, metallic silver scales, and black-tipped fins. Despite its name, the Bala Shark is not a true shark but is instead a member of the Cyprinidae family, which includes carps and minnows. Its shark-like appearance, peaceful demeanor, and active swimming habits make it a favorite among hobbyists who have large aquarium setups. However, these fish can grow quite large, requiring spacious tanks to accommodate their needs.

Place of Origin:

Bala Sharks are native to the freshwater rivers, lakes, and floodplains of Southeast Asia, where they are typically found in fast-flowing waters. Unfortunately, this species is considered endangered in the wild due to habitat loss and overfishing, but they are still widely available in the aquarium trade through captive breeding programs.

Keeping Bala Sharks in an Aquarium:

Tank Setup and Size: Bala Sharks are active swimmers that require plenty of space to move around. A minimum tank size of 125 gallons is recommended for keeping a group of Bala Sharks, as they thrive in schools of at least 4-6 individuals. Providing a large tank with plenty of open swimming areas is crucial to keep these energetic fish healthy and stress-free.

The tank should also have a secure lid, as Bala Sharks are known to be strong jumpers, especially when startled.

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 72-82°F (22-28°C)
• pH: 6.0-8.0 (they are adaptable to a wide range of pH levels)
• Water Hardness: 5-12 dGH

Bala Sharks are relatively hardy and adaptable fish, but they prefer well-oxygenated water with a good filtration system to keep the water quality high. Due to their high activity level, they produce waste quickly, so regular water changes of 20-30% weekly are necessary.

Behavior and Temperament: Bala Sharks are peaceful, schooling fish that are best kept in groups of their own species. In the wild, they form large shoals, and this social behavior translates to their captive life, where they rely on the safety of numbers to feel secure. While they are not aggressive, Bala Sharks may become timid or stressed when kept alone, which can lead to health issues.

Their peaceful nature allows them to coexist with a variety of other species, provided those species are large enough not to be seen as food.

Ideal Tank Mates for Bala Sharks:

Bala Sharks are generally peaceful fish, making them suitable for large community tanks with similarly sized tank mates. Due to their size and speed, they should be housed with fish that can keep up with their active lifestyle.

Good Tank Mates:

• Angelfish: Larger, semi-aggressive angelfish can coexist with Bala Sharks in peaceful environments.
• Large Tetras: Species like Congo Tetras and Buenos Aires Tetras can handle the Bala Shark’s energetic behavior.
• Gouramis: Larger, peaceful gouramis such as Pearl or Blue Gouramis make excellent tank mates.
• Rasboras: Harlequin Rasboras and other larger rasbora species are compatible with Bala Sharks.
• Corydoras Catfish: These peaceful bottom-dwellers are good companions due to their non-aggressive nature and different swimming level.
• Plecos and Other Large Catfish: Plecos or other similarly sized bottom-dwellers can live harmoniously with Bala Sharks, as they occupy different areas of the tank.

Tank Mates to Avoid: Avoid housing Bala Sharks with small or slow-moving fish such as guppies, neon tetras, or dwarf shrimp, as they might be mistaken for food due to the Bala Shark’s opportunistic nature. Extremely aggressive fish, like African Cichlids, should also be avoided, as they may harass the more peaceful Bala Sharks.

Diet and Feeding:

Bala Sharks are omnivores, and in the wild, they feed on a mixture of insects, crustaceans, plant matter, and small invertebrates. In the aquarium, they are not picky eaters and will readily accept a variety of foods.

Suggested Diet:

• High-quality pellets or flakes (formulated for omnivores)
• Frozen or live foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia
• Vegetables such as blanched spinach, peas, and zucchini
• Occasional treats like freeze-dried krill or tubifex worms

Feeding them a balanced diet that includes both protein and vegetable matter will ensure that they grow healthy and maintain their vibrant coloration. Bala Sharks are fast swimmers and should be fed 2-3 times a day in moderate amounts.

Growth and Size:

One of the key factors to consider before bringing Bala Sharks into your aquarium is their potential size. Although they are often sold as juveniles measuring around 2-3 inches, Bala Sharks can grow to impressive lengths of up to 12-14 inches in captivity. Due to this rapid growth, they need large tanks and plenty of space to swim.

Breeding Bala Sharks:

Breeding Bala Sharks in home aquariums is rare and challenging due to their large size and specific breeding conditions. In the wild, they migrate to flooded riverbanks during the rainy season to breed. Successful breeding in captivity generally requires very large tanks or specialized breeding ponds. Bala Sharks are egg layers, and the parents do not exhibit parental care after spawning.

Challenges of Keeping Bala Sharks:

Bala Sharks are not difficult to care for, but their large size and need for ample swimming space can be a challenge for many hobbyists. They also require a tightly sealed tank to prevent jumping, as well as a group of their own kind to thrive. Their peaceful nature makes them a great addition to large community tanks, but their tank mates must be chosen carefully to avoid aggression or predation.

Final Thoughts:

The Bala Shark is a stunning and active fish that can bring life and movement to any large aquarium. While they are peaceful and relatively easy to care for, their size and schooling nature mean that they require plenty of space and an appropriate environment to thrive. If you’re an experienced aquarist with the resources to provide a spacious tank and a compatible community, Bala Sharks can be a captivating addition to your collection.

Their sleek, silver bodies, graceful movements, and harmonious behavior make them a true joy to watch as they glide through their aquatic homes. With the right care, Bala Sharks can live up to 10 years or more, making them a long-term commitment for any aquarium enthusiast!