Bala sharks are beautiful fish that can stand out in a large aquarium. Even though they’re called “sharks,” they aren’t actual sharks. They come from Southeast Asia and have a shark-like look, making them such an interesting pet.
These fish are peaceful, especially when they are young. Because of their calm nature, they usually do well in a community aquarium with other fish. However, as they grow, they can get larger. Over time, they may become too big for most tanks. They will keep growing for many years.
Let’s take a closer look at these unique fish, including what they look like, what they eat, and how to take care of them.
Origin and distribution:
Bala sharks are native to Southeast Asia, where they live in medium to large rivers and lakes. They used to be found in places like Thailand, Borneo, Sumatra, and the Malayan peninsula. But now, they’re very rare in many areas where they originally lived. They might even be completely extinct in some of these regions.
There’s still much debate about why bala sharks have become so rare in their native homes. Some people think they were overfished because of the aquarium trade. Others believe that building dams in the rivers could have caused problems for the fish. There’s also the possibility that pollution harms their environment. A mix of these reasons led to the decline of a fish that was once common in Southeast Asia.
Because of this, the bala shark is not often found in its natural habitat anymore. Since 1996, the IUCN Red List has listed it as a “Threatened Species.” Today, bala sharks are mostly bred on farms in Asia, where hormones help them reproduce. Almost all the bala sharks in aquariums have been bred in captivity.
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Color and markings of bala shark:
Bala sharks are often called by different names, but they all have one thing in common: the word “shark.” Even though they aren’t actual sharks, they have some shark-like features.
They have a large, triangular dorsal fin and a torpedo-shaped body, which gives them that distinct shark appearance. But that’s where the similarity ends.
Bala sharks belong to the Cyprinid family (which includes minnows), and their scientific name is Balantiocheilos melanopterus. These fish are shiny metallic silver with precise, well-defined scales. They have large eyes and a yellow-tinged tail that’s deeply forked.
Their fins dorsal, caudal, pelvic, and anal are all edged in deep black. The combination of silver, yellow, and black gives them another popular name: the tri-color shark.
Size:
One essential thing to note about bala sharks is their size. They are usually just 3 to 4 inches long when you see them in pet stores. This can make people think they’ll stay small and fit in regular-sized aquariums. However, Bala sharks can grow to be 1 foot or even longer. Because of their large size, they need a vast tank, especially since they are schooling fish that must be kept with others of their kind.
Before you buy a bala shark, remember that many pet stores won’t take back large fish. So, think carefully about the size of the fish and your tank. It’s best to ask the store if they allow trade-ins. Don’t buy small fish that will quickly outgrow your aquarium. Plan and choose fish that will fit in your tank when they grow up.
Tank mates:
Bala sharks are peaceful and active fish, making them great additions to a community aquarium when young. Juvenile bala sharks can live with other fish species but should never be kept with aggressive fish.
As bala sharks grow, their behavior can change. They may start to eat smaller fish, especially sleek ones. Because of their constant swimming and energetic movements, they also tend to scare shy or slow-moving fish. So, it’s essential to choose the right tankmates.
Some ideal tankmates for bala sharks include:
- Blood parrot cichlids
- Rasboras
- Swordtails
- Gouramis
- Tiger barbs
- Clown loaches
- Rainbowfish
On the other hand, there are non-ideal tank mates that should be avoided:
- Neon tetras
- Rainbow sharks
- Red-tail sharks
- Invertebrates like snails or shrimp
Bala sharks are happiest when kept in schools of at least four, so they feel comfortable and secure. If kept alone, they can become timid and skittish. With only two or three bala sharks in the tank, one may become dominant and bully the others. If your aquarium is large enough, adult bala sharks can live with other medium- to large-sized robust fish.
Remember, if you want your bala sharks to thrive, you must ensure they have enough space, the right tankmates, and proper care.
Bala Shark Habitat and Care:
If you want to keep bala sharks, the most important thing is the size of the tank. A 125-gallon aquarium is the minimum size for a group of adult bala sharks. They are very active swimmers, so having a longer tank is better. Since they’re easily startled, you should ensure the tank is safe.
In warmer climates, you can keep bala sharks in ponds, but only if you live in a warm place all year. Bala sharks are sensitive to water temperature and can get sick, like catching white spot disease, if the water is too cold.
The tank should have a tight cover because bala sharks are jumpers. If they get scared, they might leap out of the tank. For decorations, use big, strong plants around the edges of the tank, but keep the middle area open for swimming. You can also use floating plants to help stop them from jumping out.
Adding smooth rocks and driftwood to the tank will help make it feel natural. Ensure the tank has good filtration so the water moves well and has lots of oxygen. This is important for their health.
Bala Shark Diet and Feeding:
Bala sharks are not picky eaters. They eat both plants and meat, which makes them omnivores. You can feed them pellets, flake foods, freeze-dried or frozen foods, and they’ll eat them all happily.
They also love live foods like Daphnia, bloodworms, mosquito larvae, brine shrimps, and tubifex worms.
It’s important to include vegetables in their diets, too. Bala sharks enjoy fresh veggies like spinach, peas, and even fresh fruits, which help keep them healthy and happy.
Gender Differences in Bala Sharks:
For the most part, it’s hard to tell the difference between male and female bala sharks just by looking at them. However, during the breeding season, there is one change you can notice. The female bala shark has a rounder belly than the male. This happens because she’s getting ready to spawn.
Breeding:
Bala sharks are tricky to breed in home aquariums. There haven’t been any successful breeding reports, though some say they’ve seen it happen. The main problem is the size of the tank. There’s also not enough information about the special conditions needed to make them breed.
On the other hand, bala sharks are bred in large numbers by commercial breeders, especially in Asia. These breeders use hormones to help the fish spawn. This means we still don’t know how bala sharks breed in their natural environment.
Conclusion:
Bala Shark is an active and beautiful fish that can make a great addition to a large aquarium. You can enjoy watching these lively swimmers thrive with the right tank size, water conditions, and care. Whether you love their behavior or vibrant appearance, the Bala Shark will surely bring life to your tank.
If you’re considering adding a Bala Shark to your aquarium, ensure you’re prepared to provide them with a spacious environment and the proper diet. With the right care, these fish can live a long and healthy life.