Bala Shark

Temp. Range:   72 - 80°F. pH:   6.5 - 7.5 dH range:    10.0 - 15.0 Adult Size:    16"

Balantiocheilus melanopterus

Bala Shark $2.99 Buy Bala Sharks

Native Region: Thailand.  Fast-flowing streams & canals
Temperament:  Semi-aggressive & territorial, emphasis to other sharks.
Feeding: Pellets and thawed adult brine shrimp.
Sexing: Difficult, but females are larger and stronger.
General Comments:  The Bala Shark, also known as the Silver Shark and is great for the semi-aggressive community aquarium. This is one of the more passive freshwater sharks, and they are an active fish that will be visible during the day. The Bala Shark is a beautiful fish with a metallic silver body with a yellow and black dorsal and caudal fin.

It requires a large aquarium with driftwood, rocks, and spots of dense vegetation. This shark does best in small groups of 3 or more, as they prefer to school in the aquarium. Unfortunately, the breeding habits of the Bala Shark have not been documented.

An omnivore, the Bala Shark is not a particularly finicky eater. Flake food, freeze-dried bloodworms and tubifex, as well as vegetable-based foods should be fed.

Breeding Bala Sharks and Raising Fry   (Opens a new browser window for members of Aquarium-Club.com)

General Aquarium Sharks and Catfish Reference Books: