Have you ever stumbled upon a fish in an aquarium that appears to belong in a grand, thrilling underwater adventure? It is likely that what you were witnessing was a Bala Shark, or Balantiocheilos melanopterus. These fascinating creatures aren’t actually sharks, despite their name, but they certainly look like them with their sleek, streamlined appearance. They stand out in any tank thanks to their eye-catching appearance and lively demeanor.
Native to Southeast Asia, bala sharks can be found cruising the lakes and rivers there. They are renowned for their magnificent size and elegant swimming. These fish can grow up to 14 inches long in the correct conditions. Owing to their size and energetic temperament, larger aquariums with ample room for movement are the ideal for them. Having a large tank and tankmates who can match their energy level is crucial if you intend to keep Bala Sharks.
The look of Bala Sharks is among their most alluring features. Their striking appearance is derived from their silver body and black markings on their fins. They are more attractive because of their large fins and streamlined form, which enable them to glide through the water with ease. The Bala Shark might be the ideal addition to your aquarium if you want to add a little something exotic.
Bala Sharks do have certain requirements, despite their adaptability to a variety of water conditions and relative hardiness. Their ideal tank should have plenty of swimming space, be well-filtered, and have a calm atmosphere. Because they are gregarious fish that prefer the company of their peers, grouping them together is a good idea. These fish can flourish and add a vibrant presence to your aquarium with the correct care.
| Common Name | Bala Shark |
| Scientific Name | Balantiocheilos melanopterus |
| Origin | South and Southeast Asia |
| Size | Up to 14 inches (35 cm) |
| Tank Size | Minimum 75 gallons |
| Water Temperature | 75-85°F (24-29°C) |
| Water pH | 6.0-7.5 |
| Diet | Omnivorous; flakes, pellets, live or frozen food |
| Behavior | Active, schooling, peaceful |
| Tank Mates | Other large, peaceful fish |
| Notes | Requires plenty of swimming space, may outgrow smaller tanks |
- Habitat
- Description
- Size
- Aquarium arrangement and parameters
- Water parameters
- Nutrition
- Video on the topic
- Bala shark Bala Shark Balantiocheilos melanopterus
- Balu shark (Shark Bala) / Balantiocheilus Melanopterus
- Balu shark (Shark Bala) / Balantiocheilus Melanopterus
- Balu shark. Balu shark. Balantiocheilos melanopterus
Habitat
They are mostly found in rivers, but they can also be found in Thailand, Malaysia, and Laos’ natural lakes. It can be found on Borneo, Kalimantan, and Sumatra islands.
This species has been on the IUCN Red List as "Endangered" since 1996. As a result, it is highly unlikely that wild fish are available for aquarium trade; all fish sold come from commercial hatcheries.
Description
The body has a long, lean shape with heavily compressed sides. Silver-steel coloration is the basic hue. A mirrored effect is produced by very large silver scales. Big eyes without whiskers. The fins have a black border and are transparent and colorless. There may be a yellowish tint to all but the pectoral fins. The caudal fin is forked, and the high dorsal fin has a triangular form.
Young fish are nearly impossible to identify as to their gender; however, sexually mature females can be identified by their larger and denser bodies.
Size
It can grow up to 40 cm in the wild and slightly over 20 cm in aquariums.
Popular aquarium fish, the Bala Shark (Balantiocheilos melanopterus) is distinguished by its sleek, silver body and striking black fins. Because of its remarkable size and lively personality, this species is a favorite among fish aficionados and makes a fascinating addition to large freshwater tanks. However, owners of aquariums must plan and manage their aquariums carefully due to its potential for growth and requirement for a large swimming area. Maintaining the health and happiness of a Bala Shark in a home aquarium requires an understanding of the species’ needs in terms of habitat, behavior, and maintenance.
Aquarium arrangement and parameters
Because of its size, the shark bala needs to be kept in an aquarium that is at least 200 liters in size. Five to seven fish work better and make for more captivating viewing than a single fish. Fish that are lonely may develop aggressive behavior toward other aquarium residents. Growth slows down and lifespan shortens in an aquarium that is too small.
Shark balas need a lot of room free of vegetation because they are fast swimmers and highly active. Young fish can eat any kind of vegetation, but only plants with robust, hard leaves—like Vallisneria, Anubias, and Echinodorus—are appropriate for adult fish.
It is preferable to use driftwood and stones as decorative elements rather than plants. Because they can burrow, sandy soil is ideal.
This fish’s acute sensitivity to stress is one of its characteristics. When cleaning the aquarium, make sure your movements are sharp enough to avoid hitting the glass and hurting the fish or making them jump out. In this sense, having a cover glass is essential.
Water parameters
Ideal temperature range: 23–27 °C (lower limit: 18, upper limit: 35); ideal pH range: 6.5–7.5; ideal StRESS range: 12–16 °DH (up to 20).
Shard, who naturally inhabits swift rivers, will be overjoyed if you use an aquarium pump to generate a current. Strong filters are needed for aeration. Weekly water substitution varies from thirty to fifty percent.
Contrary to their name, tricolor sharks have a calm temperament that goes well with a variety of serene settings, including iris, gourams, barbuses, blessings, Danio, hallways, notebooks, and mines.
They cannot defend themselves against aggressive, predatory fish that could bite off large cichlids or balantio chilos, for example.
Nutrition
Fish that are omnivores and extraordinarily voracious can actively absorb food all day long. accepts both crunchy and dry foods. Include more plant-based foods in your diet, such as salad, nettles, spinach, and dandelion leaves. Dry food types need to be switched out on a regular basis.
Nutritional experiments on the Bala Shark are not recommended due to its weak stomach, despite its voracious appetite. For instance, it cannot fully break down bloodworms, which results in digestive issues.
It gathers food at the bottom as well as in the water column, though it is less eager to do so in the latter scenario.
Any large aquarium would benefit from the striking addition of the Bala Shark, with its sleek silver body and distinctive black fins. Aquarium aficionados love it for its graceful swimming and lively disposition. But because of its size and social requirements, it’s best suited for larger tanks and knowledgeable hobbyists who can give it the room and attention it needs.
Bala Sharks are schooling fish, meaning they do best in groups of three or more. This gives them a sense of security and encourages them to exhibit their natural behaviors, which makes your aquarium look lively and interesting. Remember that they can grow up to 12 inches or more in size, so make sure your tank is big enough to support their entire growth.
Your Bala Sharks will remain healthy and lively if you provide them with a clean, well-maintained habitat, a variety of food, and clean water. To keep them in optimal condition and avoid common problems, regular water changes and quality monitoring are crucial. They get along well with many other fish species because of their calm disposition, but keep in mind that they may outgrow smaller tank companions.
In conclusion, if you have the right tank size and are willing to take care of it, the Bala Shark is a great option. Their captivating looks and energetic demeanor can really make your aquarium seem very charming. These fish have the potential to be the focal point of your aquatic collection for many years with the correct setup.
