Fish
Bala Shark
Balantiocheilus melanopterus
Origin: Southeast Asia: rivers and lakes of Thailand, Malaysia, Borneo (Kalimantan), and Sumatra. Inhabits large, fast-flowing rivers and reservoirs with clean, well-oxygenated water.
Also known as: Silver Shark, Tricolor Shark, Tricolor Sharkminnow, Silver Sharkminnow
Fact sheet
- Size
- 35 cm
- Lifespan
- 10 years
- Minimum tank size
- 500 L
- Temperature
- 22–28 °C
- pH
- 6.5–7.5
- Hardness GH
- 5–15 °dH
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Social behavior
- Schooling
- Group size
- 5+ individuals
- Swimming zone
- Middle
- Diet
- Omnivore
- Jumps out
- Yes
- Eats plants
- No
Varieties
Overview
The bala shark is a large freshwater fish in the family Cyprinidae, named for its torpedo-shaped body and pointed fins that resemble those of a shark. Despite its imposing appearance, it is a peaceful, schooling species that poses no threat to other aquarium inhabitants of appropriate size. The species is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List due to habitat destruction and overcollection for the aquarium trade in Southeast Asia. In captivity it can reach 25–35 cm, meaning adult groups require a very large aquarium of at least 300–500 liters. In the wild bala sharks are highly social and in captivity they must be kept in groups of three or more to avoid chronic stress. They are energetic, open-water swimmers and accomplished jumpers requiring a secure aquarium lid.
Appearance
The bala shark has a silvery, streamlined body with large reflective scales and distinctive black edges on all fins, which create the shark-like silhouette that gives the species its common name. The dorsal fin is tall and pointed, and the caudal fin is deeply forked for powerful swimming. Adults reach 25–35 cm in length, although aquarium specimens typically grow to 25–30 cm under normal conditions.
Care
Bala sharks require a very large aquarium — a minimum of 300–500 liters for a group of 3–4 fish, as they are active, open-water swimmers that need space. Optimal water temperature is 22–28 °C, pH 6.5–7.5, and hardness 5–12 dGH. Powerful filtration with moderate current and regular 25–30% weekly water changes are essential. The tank must be tightly covered since bala sharks are strong jumpers. They must be kept in groups of at least 3–5, as solitary individuals become timid and stressed.
Feeding
In the wild, bala sharks feed on crustaceans, insects, small fish, and algae. In the aquarium they readily accept high-quality flake and pellet foods, live and frozen foods such as bloodworm, brine shrimp, and daphnia, as well as blanched vegetable pieces. Feed twice daily and monitor to ensure all tank mates receive adequate food, as bala sharks eat eagerly and may outcompete slower feeders.
Compatibility
Bala sharks are peaceful fish that coexist well with other large, similarly calm species: danios, barbs, rainbowfish, larger tetras, and synodontis catfish. They should not be kept with dwarf species, small decorative fish, or shrimp, as adult bala sharks may inadvertently swallow them. Although they show virtually no aggression, their size and energy level can intimidate slow-moving tankmates. Best kept in groups of three or more.
Breeding
Breeding bala sharks in the home aquarium is extremely rare and has not been reliably reported. In the wild they are pelagic, open-water spawners that scatter eggs in large rivers. Commercial production takes place on fish farms in Asia using hormonal induction in large outdoor ponds. Sexing is difficult; females may appear rounder in the abdomen during spawning season. All aquarium stock is commercially bred.
Fun facts
The bala shark is listed as Vulnerable to Endangered on the IUCN Red List due to large-scale collection for the aquarium trade and widespread habitat destruction. In the wild they form large schools of hundreds of individuals. Despite the name, the bala shark is an omnivore entirely unrelated to true sharks.