Bala Shark 4

Bala Shark Care Sheet

Overview

Tank Setup

Tips:

• Keep in schools of 5 or more; Bala Sharks are social and stressed when alone.

• Provide plenty of swimming space they are fast and active.

• Regular water changes are essential for maintaining water quality.

Diet

• Type: Omnivorous

• Best Foods: Flakes, pellets, frozen/live foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia), occasional vegetables.

• Feeding Frequency: 23 times daily; feed only what they can consume in a few minutes.

Behavior & Compatibility

• Peaceful, but large size means they can outcompete smaller fish.

• Best kept with other large, non-aggressive community fish.

• Active swimmers; require open mid-to-upper tank areas.

Tank Mate Guide

Compatible Species

• Large tetras, barbs, rainbowfish

• Large gouramis

• Silver Dollars

• Other peaceful large fish

Avoid or Use Caution With

• Very small fish (may be eaten)

• Slow-moving or delicate fish

• Aggressive species

Breeding Info

• Rarely bred in home aquaria; mostly bred in commercial setups.

• Parental Care: None; adults do not guard eggs.

• Fry feed on micro-foods like infusoria or powdered fry foods.

Fun Facts

• Despite the name, Bala Sharks are not true sharks; they are large cyprinids.

• Named for their silver body and black-edged fins.

• Highly active and striking in large planted community tanks.