They can actually get along with a plethora of other types of fish. In that case, its usually accompanied by other erratic behaviors like excessive twitching, rolling, pitching, etc. Your email address will not be published. Bala Shark Breeding Guide (Everything You Need to Know), The Best Bala Shark Tank Size for Optimal Health. And there you have it! If you notice they are rubbing against other fish or against something in the tank, it could be indicative of an illness or infection. These white spots irritate the fish skin, so itll swim erratically and rub itself against objects and tank walls. I also have some platys. I mostly have gold fish. These fish can grow to be large, and they like being able to swim. Remove the affected fish from the main tank. Bala sharks prefer fast-flowing waters, and swim in the midwater regions of their habitat. My name is Jeff, and my goal with this site is to share everything I've learned over the years about caring for aquatic life. When introducing them to a new tank they should be given approximately a month to settle into their new home. If you notice any sick bala shark in the aquarium, remove it and keep it in a separate tank until it improves. You should keep at least five or six balas in the same tank. The average lifespan of a bala shark is between eight and ten years. They are merely named as such due to their uncanny resemblance to their namesake. If their twitching is indicative of stress, be sure that your aquarium is an adequate size for your fish. Follow the steps below: Test the water to ensure the conditions are ideal and that there's enough open space for the shark to swim around freely. Signs of stress are often seen in bala sharks when theyre not kept in the right conditions. Flukes is the term used to describe various types of external fish parasites. Shy and slow-moving fish can be good companions for them. Bala sharks are fast, active swimmers that dart around the middle of the tank. This authoritative reference eBook will not only help you learn how to create a healthy aquatic ecosystem without accidentally killing any of your fish, but itll also give you the momentum you need to build out your underwater empire. Overfishing for the aquarium trade and forest fires in 1975, Otocinclus: Oto Catfish Care Guide & Species Profile, Iridescent Shark Care Guide & Species Profile, Red Tail Shark Care Guide & Species Profile, The Clown Loach Care Guide: A Playful Bottom Dweller For Community Tanks, The Complete Guide to Rosy Red Minnows Care, What Do Goldfish Eat? 150 gallons may seem like a huge space and financial commitment, and it is. Choosing a small tank for your bala shark can stress them as they grow bigger and compete for food. Decades of movie-watching have created a misconception that all sharks are aggressive fish that will nip your fingers off if you put them in your tank. These fish are used to warm waters with a pebbly or muddy substrate. Twitching may help bala sharks move faster through the water. Sometimes, Bala Sharks may charge into the glass walls due to their active and fast swimming. These include neon tetra, guppies, harlequin rasbora and other smaller fish types. Can i put a bala shark in tank with male beta fish? House bala sharks in a freshwater tank and feed them an omnivorous diet. Unless there are other signs that your bala shark may be sick, theres no reason to worry at the first sign of twitching. 4. A vet may also prescribe antibiotics if its caused by bacteria, but in many cases, saving the fish is quite hard. Availability. (8 Reasons +Top 4 Solutions!). If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Complete Guide to Feeding Your Pet Goldfish, Marine Aquarium Societies of North America, 10 Types of Freshwater Sharks & How to Care for Them, Bala shark, silver shark, tricolor shark, tricolor sharkminnow, Silver with gray or yellow and black fins, Minimum 150 gallons, plus 45 gallons for every extra fish, Yes, to provide a fast current that mimics the current in the fishs natural habitat, Pumps contribute to a fast-flowing current, but arent essential, No, additional aeration from a bubbler isnt necessary, Yes, a freshwater aquarium light should provide at least 8 hours of light per day, to encourage plant growth and provide a day-to-night cycle, Yes, to provide consistently warm waters for this tropical fish, Other bala sharks bala sharks are shoaling fish that should be housed in groups of at least five. This species is not a true shark, but is commonly so called because of its torpedo -shaped body and large fins. As such, some assume that twitching is a sign of nervousness. He is also a proud member of the, Fishkeeping Worlds 4-in-1 Bundle Set eBook. Bala fish are some very beautiful fish to have at home in an aquarium, and this is one of the best environments for them given that they are endangered. Just be sure to provide enough space, feed them a good, nutritious diet, and take good care of their tanks! Thus, these twitches could simply help them move throughout the water faster than if they were just using their tails. ], Top 10 Blood Parrot Cichlid Tank Mates (With Pictures! All of these levels can be easily monitored with a thermometer and a basic water testing kit. When in their natural habitat, Bala Sharks are omnivores that eat insects, larvae, algae, plant portions, and small crustaceans. While another theory is that bala sharks twitch to communicate with other fish, either to defend themselves or intimidate others. To treat ich, you must isolate the infected fish in a separate tank. Because of their immense potential size, it is best to keep bala sharks away from tiny fish. Clear Signs of Stress in Bala Sharks - Avid Aquarist After a few more hours, the unfertilized whitish spawn material can be safely removed. In Bala Sharks, cloudy eyes are not a disease but rather a symptom of many conditions and diseases. These tend to be just 3 to 4 inches when first bought, and fish owners are often surprised to learn that the adult size can be up to 1 foot or 13 inches. A good, nutritious diet is important to every fish, and Bala sharks are no different. Bala Shark Tank Size and Specifications . Luckily, Lymphocystis isnt a fatal disease. When kept in an aquarium, they tend to eat just about any type of fish food including both live options and dried flake food selections. In the case of Ich, there are several kinds of . Bala sharks arent vulnerable to specific diseases, but there are several freshwater diseases that affect these fish when they are housed in poor tank conditions. Bala sharks prefer fast-flowing waters, and swim in the midwater regions of their habitat.Otocinclus: Oto Catfish Care Guide Please enable JavaScriptOtocinclus: Oto Catfish Care Guide & Species ProfileAdult Size & LifespanBala sharks grow up to 14 inches long. Bala Shark has a distinctive shape with a . Hi I have a Bala shark thats around 12 inches I started of with 4 but I gave away 2 of them after about 3 months as they were getting picked on and eventually another so Im only left with the one but a friend has asked if I can re home his mollies in my tank Im not sure with the Bala and a fully grown pleco any advice please? And of course, aggressive fish are absolute no-gos. Theyre not totally wrong since living in a confined space gives you more control over the fishs habitat to keep them healthy and happy. However, Bala Sharks are a peaceful species that is extremely popular in the aquarium trade due partly to their unique appearance and calm demeanor. Bala Sharks: Complete Care Guide To Freshwater Sharks - Tankarium Moreover, they dont usually attack other fish, but they will display a lot of movement, racing inside the tank from one side to another. Bala Shark Lifespan and How to Maximize It - Avid Aquarist Overfishing for the aquarium trade and forest fires in 1975 are two possible causes for the decrease in the wild population of bala sharks.The natural habitat of the bala shark is warm and densely vegetated, with a muddy, pebbly substrate. These silver sharks are vulnerable to stress if you keep them in poor tank conditions for a long time. What is the most important component of a healthy diet? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. As previously established, dropsy may be caused by bacterial infections. This can happen due to medical conditions, such as neurological infections that attack their central nervous systems. Some may use hardwood and baking soda to adjust the pH naturally, but pH kits are easier and safer. Place your 150-gallon tank on a sturdy surface. Top 5 Reasons You Must Know! T the biffster Moved On Joined May 10, 2010 Messages 2,835 It might become necessary to move some to other tanks to ensure enough room for growth and movement. The typical lifespan of a Bala shark is known to be 10 years. These fish do not need special foods or supplements, and fish owners should simply strive to feed them a balanced diet for continued good health. You should also invest in a filter and a powerful pump to clean the aquarium more often. I decided that since it is a schooling fish that can get to a foot long, and my biggest tank is only 4 feet long that it would be best not to go that route. Continue with Recommended Cookies, Resources Freshwater Fish Bala SharkBala Shark (Silver Shark) Size, Tank, Food, Lifespan & MoreFebruary 24, 2022 RobertThe bala shark is a freshwater species of the Cyprinidae family. Sexing the fish is difficult, and attempting breeding with a large group of fish increases the likelihood that there are males and females in the group.Initiate spawning by gradually increasing the water temperature to 82F over the time span of a week. Reduced immunity due to other diseases or poor nutrition. Millie is a passionate aquarist who caught the fishkeeping bug in high school and has been addicted ever since. Otherwise, these fish share no other traits or behaviors with sharks found in saltwater oceans. All information, content, materials on this site, or obtained from a website to which the site is linked are provided to you as is without warranty of any kind either express or implied. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. These macroparasites can often be seen with the naked eye attached to the fishs skin or gills. She has been helping her father with his freshwater tanks since she was a toddler, and has fallen in love with the hobby ever since. So without further ado, lets dive in! JavaScript is disabled. You should notice the females becoming rounder than normal, indicating the development of eggs.Interested males and females will spawn early in the morning, lasting for a couple of hours.After the female has laid eggs along the bottom of the tank, the male will fertilize the eggs with milt.Remove all fish from the tank, including the parents, to prevent the adults from eating the fry. Silver sharks do best when their water temperature is at 77F. You likely dont have to worry about predators in your aquarium, but if they are housed with fish that share dissimilar temperaments, they might feel prone to defensive or aggressive behaviors in an act of self-preservation. Once the tank is cycled and water parameters have stabilized, you can add your bala sharks to the tank. ), Bala Shark Has White Spots? 4. Use a stabilizer to maintain healthy conditions in your tank. These peaceful shoaling fish are less aggressive and territorial than actual freshwater sharks..toc_container ol li a{}.toc_container ol li{font-size:16px;margin:0;padding:0;line-height:32px}.toc_container ol{}.toc_container{margin-bottom:1.75em;padding:.75em;background-color:#f8f9fc}.toc_container h4{margin:15px}.oftoc2col ol{-webkit-column-count:2;-moz-column-count:2;column-count:2;-moz-column-fill:balance;column-fill:balance}.toc_container ol li a{color:#008bac}.toc_container ol li a:hover{text-decoration:none}.toc_container ol li{font-size:16px;margin:0;padding:0;line-height:30px}.toc_container{margin-top:1.25em;margin-bottom:2em;padding:1em;border:2px solid #f1f7f8;background-color:#fff;margin-left:0;margin-right:1%}.toc_container h4{margin-bottom:12px}TABLE OF CONTENTSBala Shark Facts & OverviewAppearance & BehaviorBala Shark Care & Tank RequirementsTank MatesDiet and FeedingBreedingShould You Get a Bala Shark for Your Aquarium?Bala Shark Facts & OverviewScientific name:Balantiocheilos melanopterusCommon namesBala shark, silver shark, tricolor shark, tricolor sharkminnowDistribution:Southeast AsiaSize:Up to 14 inchesLife expectancy:Up to 10 yearsColor:Silver with gray or yellow and black finsDiet:OmnivoreTemperament:PeacefulMinimum tank size:120 gallonsTemperature:7282F (2228C)pH:6.08.0Hardness:512 dGHCare level:EasyBreeding:Egg-layerOriginBala sharks are native to the clean, freshwater rivers and lakes of Southeast Asia, including around the Malay Peninsula, in the Chao Phraya and Mekong basins, and in the waters surrounding Sumatra and Borneo.Advertisementsif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'fishkeepingworld_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_1',133,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishkeepingworld_com-medrectangle-3-0');Bala sharks are an endangered species that are rarely found in the wild. Providing your fish with extra care and keeping . Treat ich by removing the affected fish and placing them in a quarantine tank containing water that is a couple of degrees warmer than the home tanks temperature. Read more about me here. Overfishing for the aquarium trade and forest fires in 1975 are two possible causes for the decrease in the wild population of bala sharks. This includes low pH caused by the high concentration of ammonia in the water. I have a beautiful Bala shark in my 35 gallon tank. Constant twitching accompanied by frantic swimming or a change in appearance could be a bad sign. I have 2 balas and 3 Corey cats what kind of fruit and vegetables can I feed them and what plants can I put in there tank, I have a massive bala sharj i keep her in a 3ft tank she is housed with baby cichlids bristlenose plecs & male & female kribs she gets on great with them & leaves the babies alone i change water every 2 weeks & clean internal filter every week i had 4 to start with but 3 died but had her years learnt well & i have never done ph tests theres rocks boat & plastic plants along the botton plus i have 2 air supplies running & shes very happy but does not like ne in her tank as she splashes ne loads when it comes to tank clean but i must say i love her lol, I love reading the ads my bala shark is in a 3 foot tank also in there are african cichlid fry 2 kribs male female & 2 female * 1 male bristle nose plecs that breed so have pleco fry aswell * it works well. 5. In todays guide, well take a closer look at Bala Shark diseases, their causes, and how to manage them. Fortunately for aquarists, Bala Sharks are very low maintenance in this regard. If your bala shark is twitching, it could be due to a variety of reasons, including stress, disease, parasites, or nutritional deficiencies. Bala sharks are known to jump out of the tank, especially when settling into their new environment, so a secure lid on top of the tank is essential. Good examples include clown loaches, boesemani rainbowfish, and angelfish. Filtration Bala sharks need a quality filter that can filter five times the water volume in the tank. Many people assume that the Bala Shark is best left to experienced fishkeepers. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. In addition to a good filter, aquarists can add air pumps, air stones, and/or powerheads to create the desired water motion. Perform a water change and treat with an antibiotic or antibacterial medication. This is measured in dGH (degrees of general hardness) and the window youre aiming for is somewhere between 10 and 13. Many people believe that getting pet fish is an excellent decision for a novice pet owner. The lifespan of a Bala Shark can be up to 10 years with the proper care. Use veterinarian-approved medications or insecticides to kill parasites. These tend to be very active, and they make great home aquarium fish as they are interesting to watch. (Reasons, Treatment, Prevention). You may need to contact the manufacturers directly to get an exact GPH rating, especially as many filters will not be able to handle this large of a tank. Replace the filter with an internal sponge filter that wont suck up the fry.Perform a 50% water change and add antibacterial solutions to the water. Set up your bala sharks tank to replicate the fishs habitat in the wild. Sep 25, 2011. Bala sharks are some of the most difficult fish to breed, as they take a while to reach sexual maturity. The longer the tank, the more space this middle-dwelling fish has to explore.Advertisementsif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'fishkeepingworld_com-leader-1','ezslot_8',156,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishkeepingworld_com-leader-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'fishkeepingworld_com-leader-1','ezslot_9',156,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishkeepingworld_com-leader-1-0_1');.leader-1-multi-156{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:50px;padding-bottom:10px!important;padding-top:10px!important;text-align:center!important}Bala sharks dont swim along the bottom of the tank or dig in the substrate, so theres no need to use a specific type of substrate. He was being chased by a red tail shark & another larger bala, lost weight (because of being bullied), eventually showed red in his fins, fins started to deteriorate after being nipped and after being quarantined still died. Robert, Would a Bala Shark be okay with platies and tetras in the same tank? Dont house them with aggressive or carnivorous fish like neon tetras. Bala sharks are social fish and need to be in large numbers, so therefore a big tank in needed. How should you size the filter? If your bala shark is unwell, it could also cause them to stress out which may activate their twitching tendencies. Bala sharks can be affected by several external parasites, including anchor worms, fish lice, and flukes. Can they get along with other fish species? They make an excellent addition to an aquarium due in part to their mild-temperament as well as their beauty and grace. Treatment usually involves sprinkling antibiotics into the water, but it doesnt always work out, and some Bala Sharks will simply die from the injuries. Bala sharks should be fed up to three times per day. Raise the water temperature slightly and gradually before adding some salt. Hello, and thanks for visiting Avid Aquarist! A larger predator could nip or become aggressive towards them. Besides infections, Bala Sharks are highly prone to stress when you keep them in unfavorable conditions for a long time. Treat the fish tank with an OTC antiparasitic medication. After several rounds of dancing, the female fish scatters her eggs around the floor of the tank. House bala sharks in a freshwater tank and feed them an omnivorous diet.Habitat and Tank RequirementsThe bala sharks natural habitat is lakes and fast-flowing rivers and streams in Southeast Asia. These fish are used to warm waters with a pebbly or muddy substrate.Set up your bala sharks tank to replicate the fishs habitat in the wild. As the fish stops eating, its immunity is compromised and its growth is stunned. If this fish is on its own, that will cause additional stress. Dont add non-fish species like shrimps and crabs to a bala shark tank, because they are known to eat crustaceans. Some external infections may also cause scale loss, but its usually accompanied by other alarming symptoms like bleeding and deformation. He may get better or get worse and show signs of a disease we can diagnose. [Top 5 Causes And Solutions]. It is recommended that aquarium owners place hiding spots for Bala Sharks to rest in when tired of swimming. Were always on the lookout for feedback and ways we can improve. What constitutes a moderate portion? In reality, they belong to a family of fishes known as carps and minnows. You can easily find them in pet stores. Bala sharks can be purchased online easily, but the fish are difficult to find in small, local fish stores. In this guide, we explore the ins and outs of Bala Shark care and everything you should know if youre thinking about adding them to your aquarium setup. As these Bala Fish grow larger, they should be switched to larger sized aquariums. Add one teaspoon of salt per one gallon of water in the tank.Tank MatesBala sharks are peaceful fish that can be housed with other medium-to-large, peaceful fish. Thanks for reading, and good luck with your bala sharks! Pay close attention to signs of illness, and take steps to correct any water issues. How to Keep a Bala Shark: 12 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow They lock their fins to the side and stop moving them. Twitching can also help deter any predators from coming near them. Caring for bala sharks is easy as long as you provide stable water conditions and enough space for these active swimmers to explore. Pay close attention to signs of illness, and take steps to correct any water issues. The mollies may become food for the Bala! Come join the discussion about species,breeding, health, behavior, aquariums, adopting, care, classifieds, and more! Obviously, the more fish you have, the more room they will need. After the spawning and fertilization takes place, it is necessary to then remove the parent fish from the tank. As you can see, most Bala Shark diseases are caused by poor water quality, whether due to contamination or keeping the fish in unfavorable conditions. It is necessary to prep a Bala Shark before they are of age to breed. You can buy them from the following reputable online stores: Bala sharks have long, silver bodies with bold, pointed fins. At maturity, however, the Bala shark has the capacity to grow up to 12 or 14 inches in length. It also means that the care level is quite manageable. Adding more will be better if theres enough space for all the fish to roam freely. Best Substrate For Planted Tank The Key To Awesome Aquascape, Best Low And Medium Light Aquarium Plants, Dwarf Hairgrass: Planting, Carpeting, And Care. Hi! Since these fish prefer plants and other objects to hide in, it is better to place these along the sides of the aquarium to leave enough room for movement elsewhere. Though I'm not positive, maybe someone will have a better diagnosis. One important thing to be aware of in terms of a bala sharks nervous behavior is they are jumpers. Bala sharks are pretty hardy and can live up to 10 years in captivity. However, this isnt actually the case. With 8 or more Bala Sharks and a suitable . Some fish breeders recommend adding an antibiotic solution to the tank water. No additional supplements are required as long as the fish has a balanced, diverse diet.BreedingBreeding bala sharks is moderately difficult and best attempted by aquarists with fish-breeding experience. Chief among these requirements is strong water flow, coupled with good oxygenation. Thanks, Robert, Hi, thank you for som great reading, but im wondering if i could keep an elephant nose fish, a black ghost knife fish and a bala shark together in a 530 liters tank?its not setup yet, im just researcing some cool fish and since black ghost is my favorit fish i will be getting one of those:)i have a 120 liters tank running now with some guppies, kribensis chiklids, flying fox and some snails and shripms, im well aware they wont last long with a bala shark heheim no expert but i have kept severel kinds of fish over time , Hi Merete, they would probably be OK for the first year or so, but will need a large tank as they grow. Alternatively, something might be wrong with the tank water. Ich is a very common disease thats caused by an aquatic protozoan parasite. They can jump quite high, and are known to escape aquariums by doing so. Ideally, youd to it the other way around. Maybe he got hurt or something, check all your water parameters and turn off the lights for a day. Bala Sharks tend to spawn in the morning, and this process can take several hours. These affable fish travel in schools when in the wild, and fish owners should purchase several of these Bala Sharks at a time as they like company. This can stress out smaller fish that tend to move less. Finally, Bala sharks need a nutritious source of plant matter. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. Monitoring this helps to ensure that they are getting the right food portions. [Top 8 Fish That Do! Bala sharks are timid and easily scared, and spend a lot of time hiding in caves and behind plants. It's best to use a 150-gallon tank with a length of at least 5 feet. Bala Shark Fins Fraying, Gray Scales | Freshwater Fish Disease and There are some species of smaller fish that should be avoided as tank mates as well. Although not considered an aggressive fish species, Bala Sharks can eat smaller fish, especially those that are smooth and sleek, as they get bigger. Make sure these plants are properly anchored to the substrate, as bala sharks are active swimmers that may uproot them. my bala shark fish is acting weird - Aquarium Advice Bala sharks should be fed two to three times a day, and with moderate portions. Bala Shark: Ultimate Guide (Care, Diet, Breeding & More) - Fun Fish Tank Twitching due to stress may be one of the only ways they know how to tell you they arent happy. Heres a quick overview on how to do so. Fish that are getting sick from water might exhibit behavior similar to twitching. Yet, you must be aware of signs that show that your fish arent OK, so you can make some necessary changes. I dosed the water and am planning on dosing again tomorrow. All-in-all, the Bala Shark makes an excellent addition to almost any freshwater tank. You can buy them from the following reputable online stores:LiveAquariaImperial TropicalsAppearance & BehaviorBala sharks have long, silver bodies with bold, pointed fins. They tend not to eat many of the fry, but if you are concerned, make sure you have a lot of plants, both at the surface and the bottom for fry to hide in until they are larger. Female bala sharks have rounder bellies than males. Despite how big these fish are and how fast they can swim, they arent faster than some of their potential hunters. Remember the weight of the water will add up quickly, so make sure the surface is strong enough to support the weight. Females often have a slightly rounded belly area and body type. In their native habitats, Bala Sharks are also known by other names that include Tricolor Shark, Silver Bala, Silver Shark and Tri Color Minnows due to their unique colors and markings. Its definitely possible, but its not known for sure. It may just be one of those behaviors that they adopted that has no purpose. In the wild, these fish can be found in waters ranging from 72F to 82F. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Youll also want to be mindful of the pH levels in the tank as well. You might notice this behavior is a little more constant for a couple of days or so after bringing them home. Within 24 hours, larvae should appear. By mindyt5, 2 years ago on Tropical Fish. 30 Gallon Tank = 1 lonely and stressed Bala shark 55 Gallon Tanks = 2 Bala sharks that could get aggressive with each other for territory 100-150 gallon Tanks = 3-6 Bala sharks . Just be sure to keep up with tank maintenance, and you should be all set. Bala sharks become sexually mature at around six months old, or when the fish have grown to four inches long.Advertisementsif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'fishkeepingworld_com-leader-3','ezslot_16',119,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishkeepingworld_com-leader-3-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'fishkeepingworld_com-leader-3','ezslot_17',119,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishkeepingworld_com-leader-3-0_1');.leader-3-multi-119{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:50px;padding-bottom:10px!important;padding-top:10px!important;text-align:center!important}To breed bala sharks, follow these steps:Place a group of five bala sharks in a separate 65-gallon breeding tank with a temperature of 77F and a strong filter.