Shark Balu or Shark Barb

The Shark Balu, also called the Shark Barb, is a fish that may be ideal for aquarium enthusiasts who want to add some excitement to their tank. This fish, despite its name, is actually a type of barb, distinguished by its sleek, striking appearance and lively behavior, not a shark. The Shark Balu is a visually striking and lively addition to aquariums, whether they are brackish or freshwater.

The Shark Balu is distinguished by its striking size and distinct coloring. With its silvery body and black stripe that extends from its head to its tail, this fish can make a statement in any aquarium setting. Remember that these fish can get pretty big, so making sure your tank is big enough is essential. Their social and gregarious disposition, along with their size, allow them to flourish in groups, which makes them an excellent option for developing a vibrant and captivating underwater community.

In addition to their attractive appearance, Shark Balus are renowned for their lively and playful nature. Their tendency to swim in groups and their frequent darting around the tank give your aquatic setup a lively feel. Before bringing them home, it’s crucial to be aware of their unique care needs, as they do include things like a balanced diet and a well-maintained tank environment.

In conclusion, the Shark Balu provides any aquarium with both beauty and activity. It can make a wonderful and entertaining addition to your aquatic world given the proper care and surroundings. The Shark Balu is unquestionably something you should think about for your tank, regardless of your level of experience with aquarium maintenance.

Consider the Shark Balu, also called the Shark Barb, if you want to give your aquarium a distinctive touch. This fish is a fascinating addition to both freshwater and brackish tanks because of its striking appearance and lively behavior. The Shark Balu is a striking species that adds vitality and dynamism to your aquatic setup with its sleek, shark-like body and vivid colors. We’ll explore the qualities that set the Shark Balu apart in this post, including how to take care of it, find compatible tank mates, and maintain its health in your home aquarium.

Homeland of the Shark Barb

Up until 2007, scientists thought that the barb, which resembles a shark on the outside, was native to the Mekong River basin in Thailand. However, they eventually came to the conclusion that this theory was false. The Malay Peninsula, Borneo, and the island of Sumatra comprise the homeland, which is Southeast Asia. It inhabits pure lakes and rivers there. prefers to swim in the water’s middle layers. It descends to the bottom or, conversely, ascends to the uppermost layer of water in search of food.

Shark bala is listed in the Red Book because of habitat pollution. Individuals raised on farms are typically sold in stores.

Appearance

Shark barbs have an extended, torpedo-shaped body with shiny, silvery scales. It has a large fin on its back. The fins have a yellowish tint or are transparent. The fins’ edges have a black border around them. The fish’s scales are actually lighter on the belly and darker on the back, but if you don’t look closely, they will appear to be monochromatic. The eyes are fairly big. The barb’s keen vision allows it to locate food in the water column.

This fish is active and in a school. It can reach up to 35 cm in the wild and 25–30 cm in an aquarium. You will need a large aquarium for its upkeep. Fish cannot be kept in pairs or alone because this will breed hostility and disease.

Care and maintenance

  • Latin name: Balantiocheilos melanopterus.
  • Family: Cyprinidae.
  • Suitable water temperature: 22-28 degrees.
  • Acidity Ph: 6.0-6.8.
  • Hardness: 5.0-12.0.
  • Life expectancy: 10-12 years.

Considerations like the pet’s size and the requirement that the group consist of at least five members should be considered when selecting one for your home. As a result, the aquarium needs to have a minimum 400 liter capacity. Balu sharks enjoy jumping and swimming. As a result, a cover glass or lid is placed over the aquarium from above.

There should be adequate aeration and filtration in the aquarium. The ideal water temperature range is 22–28 degrees, with an acidity of 6.0–6.8, and a hardness of 5.0–12.0 dGH. Weekly 25% water changes with a soil siphon are recommended.

Kindly be aware that recently acquired individuals will require some time to adjust. After a month, loud noises, flicking on and off lights, and abrupt movements close to the aquarium can startle them. Barbs start swimming more vigorously and attempting to leap out of the water when under stress.

Using dark soil is preferable because the fish will stand out more against its backdrop. Put in a branching hook in the fish tank. Attach anubias to it. Hard-leaved plants, such as Crinum and Echinodorus, look good next to the side and rear walls.

Shark barb compatibility

There should be harmony and proportionality between neighbors. These could be rainbowfish, big gourami, or catfish. Small fish, such as pecilia, guppies, small barbs, catfish, and corydoras, should not be used to settle the barb. The shark barb will consider these small fish to be food.

Slow angelfish and cichlids are examples of bad neighbors. Quick-witted neighbors will pull their fins, causing ongoing stress and disease.

What to feed the shark barb

Shark barbs in the wild consume live plants, worms, algae, and insect larvae. His stomach is weak, but he has a good appetite. Giving them bloodworms in an aquarium is not advised because it can upset their digestive systems.

Select premium dry food that sinks gradually for feeding. Juvenile TetraMin Granules and adult TetraMin XL Granules are appropriate. These meals take time to absorb and sink. Consequently, they will be able to be consumed by fish in the water column.

TetraPro Energy flakes for active fish and frozen brine shrimp can be added to the diet as supplements. Give the fish vegetables such as lettuce leaves, zucchini, cucumbers, and pumpkin a couple of times a week after they have been drenched with boiling water.

Give the animals modest meals in the morning and evening.

Aspect Shark Balu Shark Barb
Scientific Name Balantiocheilos melanopterus Puntius tetrazona
Common Name Silver Shark Sumatra Barb
Size Up to 12 inches Up to 4 inches
Appearance Silvery body, black fins Striped body, red fins
Behavior Schooling, peaceful Active, slightly territorial
Tank Size Minimum 75 gallons Minimum 20 gallons
Diet Omnivorous Omnivorous
Care Level Moderate Easy

The interesting fish known as Shark Balu, or Shark Barb, can add a dramatic touch to your aquarium. It is understandable why aquarium enthusiasts adore this species given its sleek, shark-like appearance and vivid colors. These fish can give your tank a lot of dynamism because they are not only visually pleasing but also highly active. They do, however, need a little more space and attention than smaller fish, so make sure your setup can accommodate their needs.

Their social character is one of the most important things to remember. Shark balus prefer to be kept in schools of five or six people because they are social animals. They are able to display their natural behaviors in addition to feeling more secure as a result. They get along well with other fish and are generally peaceful, but if they don’t have enough room in their tank, they can become territorial.

Keeping the water at the proper temperature is another crucial element. Shark Balus favor a well-filtered tank with excellent circulation and water that is slightly acidic as opposed to neutral. They can be kept healthy and vibrant with regular water changes and parameter monitoring. It will also improve their wellbeing and lower stress levels to give them lots of swimming space and hiding places.

In summary, if you’re ready to attend to their particular needs, the Shark Balu, also known as Shark Barb, can be a great addition to your aquarium. These fish will add a beautiful touch to your tank and offer hours of entertainment as they swim and interact if given the proper care and habitat. They are an exceptional option for any committed aquarist due to their distinctive appearance and lively behavior.

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Anton Popov

A professional aquarist with over 15 years of experience. Main specialization - marine aquariums and creating optimal conditions for keeping rare species of fish and corals. I am fond of aquascaping, actively participate in international competitions. I love to share knowledge and experience to help others create the beauty of the underwater world at home.

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