Shark Balu – features, types and rules for keeping fish

If you’re getting into aquarium fish, you may have encountered the Shark Balu, sometimes referred to as the Bala Shark. Aquarium enthusiasts often choose this fascinating fish, which is admired for its sleek, shark-like appearance. However, it’s crucial to know what makes this species special and how to take care of one before adding one to your tank.

The Shark Balu, also known as the Bala Shark, is a species of freshwater fish rather than a true shark. It is a native of Southeast Asian rivers, distinguished by its sleek, silvery body that can bear a striking resemblance to a shark. Due to their high level of activity and potential for large growth, these fish require a lot of room to swim in order to survive.

Shark Balu comes in a few different varieties, each with a few minor variations in appearance and behavior. The most prevalent variety is the Silver Bala, which is well-liked for its exquisite, glittering scales. Even though they’re generally calm fish, they can be a little hesitant at first, especially when they’re in a new tank.

A large tank is not the only thing needed to care for a Shark Balu. It’s best to keep them in schools of three or more because they thrive in groups. They also require a tank with lots of swimming space and a preference for clear, well-filtered water. It is possible to guarantee that these energetic fish stay healthy and happy in your aquarium by being aware of their needs and creating an appropriate habitat.

Feature Details
Common Name Shark Balu
Scientific Name Balantiocheilus melanopterus
Size Up to 14 inches (35 cm)
Appearance Silver body with black fins and a streamlined shape
Native Region Southeast Asia
Tank Size Minimum 75 gallons
Water Conditions Soft to medium hard water, pH 6.5-7.5, temperature 75-82°F (24-28°C)
Behavior Active, peaceful, prefers schools
Diet Omnivorous; eats flakes, pellets, and live or frozen foods
Tank Mates Suitable with other peaceful species, avoid small fish
Breeding Not commonly bred in captivity
Special Notes Needs ample swimming space, can be skittish

Habitat

The shark Balu is a sizable fish. Its natural habitat is the Malay Peninsula, Borneo, Sumatra, and Southeast Asia. This species of fish is listed in the Red Book and is thought to be endangered in the wild. But don’t be alarmed. Fish that are sold are farmed on specialized farms rather than being captured in their natural habitat.

The Balu shark can live up to ten years at home with the right care, surprising its owners with its unique appearance and laid-back demeanor.

Characteristics of the fish

The Balu shark is a sizeable aquatic animal. Its body can grow up to 35 cm in size in the wild. It often reaches a maximum size of 30 cm in an aquarium. The body is torpedo-shaped, oblong, and silvery in color. On the other hand, the belly is lighter and the back is slightly darker.

The dorsal fin is elevated and high. It has black and yellow stripes that end in a dark edging, just like other fins. The fish is frequently likened to a shark due to its dorsal fin. The eyes are big and perfectly suited to the never-ending hunt for food.

The fish is an active, calm, and timid animal by nature. It’s crucial to realize that the Balu shark can turn aggressive if kept alone, which is why it’s best to buy at least five fish at once.

It is impossible to ascertain sexual differences during regular times. The female becomes rounder during spawning. Individuals are the same in terms of appearance, color, and behavior, though. This is the only transient variation that lets you identify the fish’s sexual characteristics.

The balu shark is a large fish that grows quickly. For this reason, you must make extensive preparations if you choose to have such a person. It is necessary to determine the aquarium’s size using the minimum indicators of 50 liters for every fish.

Given that the Balu shark can surface, the aquarium needs to be closed. It is risky to keep fewer than five members of a species in one aquarium because the stronger members will chase the weaker members.

The aquarium needs to have efficient flow and filtration. For fish, a high concentration of oxygen in the water is also essential. Installing incredibly strong, high-quality equipment for them is crucial. Too much light is uncomfortable for members of this species, so it should not be used. Put in natural, calming lighting.

The aquarium’s design should be straightforward. Shark bala don’t require shelters, so you can give them up entirely. For the fish to be able to swim freely, the aquarium needs to be large. Cleaning the aquarium with a partial water change (up to 30%) is required once a week. For sharks to live active, healthy lives, clean water is essential.

Shark bala are omnivores who are not picky about what they eat. It consumes every kind of food, even living things. Fish eat insects, algae, larvae, and plants in the wild.

You will need to supplement the diet with brine shrimp or bloodworms if you decide to feed dry food. Add chopped fruits, spinach, and green peas as well. Although the shark bala enjoys eating plants and vegetables, you shouldn’t base your diet solely on them.

Small portions should be fed to the shark bala twice a day as advised. The fish must be able to consume all of the food in one to two minutes.

Breeding

The shark bala reproduces very grudgingly when kept in captivity. To produce offspring, the perfect environment must be created, and all expert advice must be followed. An aquarium that is longer than two meters and has a volume of more than 1200 liters is needed for mating. In comparison to the main tank, the water temperature drops by a few degrees in this instance.

Raising the nutrition of individuals is essential during spawning. Live food should not be a part of the diet. The individuals are then moved into an aquarium for spawning when they are ready. One female and two males, who are already four years old, must be taken.

A successful mating will result in the female laying up to 10,000 eggs. The male and female are then put in the main aquarium. Literally, the progeny emerges in three to five days.

To sum up, having a Shark Balu in your aquarium can be an exciting addition. These fish give a distinctive flair to any tank with their eye-catching appearance and lively behavior. To guarantee their well-being, it is crucial to comprehend their unique needs. They flourish in a well-kept setting with lots of swimming room and suitable tank mates.

Shark Balu comes in a variety of species, each with unique traits. Regardless of your preference, being aware of the distinctions and needs between Rainbow and Bala sharks will enable you to give them the best care possible. It’s important to do your homework on the particular type you’re interested in because they can differ in size, temperament, and dietary requirements.

It takes more than just a big tank to provide proper care. The important things are a balanced diet, frequent water changes, and an eye out for any symptoms of stress or illness. You can maintain the health and vibrancy of your Shark Balu by keeping an eye on these little things.

All things considered, Shark Balus can be a gorgeous and vibrant addition to your aquarium with the proper setup and continued care. The dynamic presence of these amazing fish in your aquatic world will be your reward for taking pleasure in the process of learning about and tending to them.

Shark Balu, sometimes referred to as Bala Shark, is an intriguing and well-liked fish for aquariums because of its unusual look and lively personality. This post will examine the qualities that set the Shark Balu apart, discuss the varieties of Bala Sharks that are available, and provide crucial advice on how to successfully maintain them in your tank. Whether you’re an experienced fish keeper or a novice, knowing these essential elements will enable you to provide these vibrant fish with a healthy habitat.

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Elena Grishina

Ecologist and aquarist with a special interest in creating balanced ecosystems in aquariums. Main focus — ecosystems that require minimal human intervention. I support a natural approach to aquarium care, where each element plays its role, helping to maintain harmony in a closed ecosystem. I promote sustainable aquarium keeping and respect for nature.

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