What is the average lifespan a bala shark?
Under favorable conditions, the average life span of a healthy Bala Shark is about 8-10 years. What are the characteristic appearance and features of a Bala Shark? The Bala Shark has a distinctively large standing dorsal fin and an elongated torpedo-like body having yellow stripes with black edges.
How big do bala sharks usually get?
When you first see bala sharks in fish shops, they will be at around two inches in length. A full grown bala shark usually reaches 14 inches in length but can grow up to 25 inches in captivity. What Size Aquarium Bala Sharks Need? When it comes to giving your bala sharks a house, the consensus is that the bigger, the better.
What do bala sharks like to eat?
Water conditions
- Temperature. Bala sharks enjoy and thrive in water that is kept around 77 degrees Fahrenheit. ...
- PH Balance. They prefer a pH balance between the range of 6.5 and 8. ...
- Water Hardness. The one parameter that Bala sharks are not overly-sensitive to is the hardness of their water. ...
Are Bala sharks actual sharks?
The Bala Shark, also known as the Tri-color shark, Tri-color Shark Minnow, Silver Shark, or Shark Minnow, is not an actual shark, but a member of the Carp family just like the koi and goldfish. Though the fish resembles the marine predator it is named after, it is a sweet and gentle giant. But contrary to popular belief, Bala Sharks are not the easiest fish to care for.
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How long does a Bala Shark grow?
Since bala sharks can grow to 12 inches (30.5 cm) in captivity, they will need a fairly large tank.
How many inches does a Bala Shark get?
13 inches longBala Shark Size and Appearance You will also notice that their pectoral, pelvic, anal, caudal, and dorsal fins are pale-yellow with a distinct black edge. They also have large eyes (which helps them with hunting) and can grow up to 13 inches long in an aquarium.
Will a Bala Shark outgrow its tank?
Due to their peaceful nature, juvenile bala sharks do well in a community aquarium. As they mature, however, they will eventually outgrow most tanks, and they will continue to grow for several years.
Why do bala sharks jump out of the tank?
Bala Sharks Will Jump Out of the Tank In the wild, jumping makes for an excellent defense mechanism. It provides fish a temporary escape from their predators.
How big of a tank do I need for 4 bala sharks?
The exact tank size that's best for Bala Sharks is somewhat debated in the aquarium community. The most common suggested range is between a 120 and 150 gallon tank, which is a rather large aquarium. Obviously, the more fish you have, the more room they will need.
How big will a bala shark get in a 75 gallon tank?
4 feetThe largest specimens of this species can reach a length of 4 feet and a weight of 96 pounds. That is the length of a 55- to 75-gallon tank and the weight of a small human packed into a torpedo-shaped, well-muscled fish.
How do you tell a male from a female bala shark?
Female bala sharks often have fuller, rounder bellies than males. Males are more streamlined in shape, although the difference might be subtle. It's more obvious when mating time approaches. When a female is ready to lay eggs, her belly looks rounder than normal.
Can a shark grow 8 inches in a fish tank?
A shark in a fish tank will grow 8 inches, but in the ocean it will grow to 8 feet or more. The shark will never outgrow its environment and the same is true about you. Many times we're around small thinking people so we don't grow. Change your environment and watch your growth.
Do bala shark have teeth?
Do Bala shark have teeth? Shark have teeth and rows of them. This fish has a round sucker mouth that extends out when feeding and sucks the food back in.
Are bala sharks aggressive?
Temperament: Will Bala Sharks Eat Other Fish? Even though Bala sharks get pretty huge, they can be a fairly gentle and timid fish. They don't have the aggressive nature needed to go toe to toe with more assertive species, like most African cichlids. Be sure to keep them in a school of five or more.
Do bala sharks twitch?
Like all sharks, balas have a series of small movements called “twitch” that help them move through the water. However, the twitch of the Bala shark is particularly noticeable because it is so fast and frequent. While it is unknown why these sharks twitch, this behavior likely helps them prey on smaller fish or squid.
Can bala sharks live with angelfish?
Angelfish Some angelfish will eat small tank inhabitants, which isn't a problem with the bala shark. They can also be prone to having their fins nibbled, but the bala shark is not usually guilty of this kind of behavior.
How big do bala sharks get?
In the wild Bala Sharks can grow up to 14 inches, but in the aquarium they tend to grow slightly smaller, and reach around 12 inches in length.
Where is Bala Shark from?
January 24, 2019 Robert Freshwater Fish 15. The Bala Shark is a relatively large freshwater fish native to Southeast Asia. This beautiful looking fish would make a great addition to plenty of freshwater aquariums and its temperament is guaranteed to make it a great tank mate for your other fish. Due to its size, we recommend ...
What fish are good tank mates for a Bala Shark?
Other Bala Sharks, Corydoras, Rainbowfish, Gourami, Rasbora, Char (Salvelinus), Tetra , Minor Tetra would make good tank mates. When choosing tank mates for this fish, the most important things to keep in mind are size and temperament. Other large Cyprinids are also good tank mate choices, but start off by placing only Bala Sharks together ...
How to keep bala fish from jumping out?
Even though Bala are considered peaceful, they are still very active fish. Place a lid on top of your tank to stop them from jumping out. It is especially recommended to have a lid on during their settling-in period for the first few weeks.
How old should a bala fish be before breeding?
Before they start breeding, you’d need to prepare the fish for it, before puberty. Take several young Balas (around 4 months old) and keep them in a separate tank. Telling the sex of a fish is a bit challenging, that’s why it’s recommended to keep at least 5 of them together.
How thick should a bala be?
The ideal thickness of the substrate would be around 1 cm, the closest thing to their natural environment would be dark colored pebbles of different sizes. Even though Bala are considered peaceful, they are still very active fish. Place a lid on top of your tank to stop them from jumping out.
What is the only thing that has in common with a shark?
The only thing it has in common with a shark is its name which it gets because of the high dorsal fin and body type which looks like the dorsal fin of a shark. However that’s where the similarities end. They are quite tolerant towards other small fish as long as they’re not small enough for him to swallow it.
What is a silver bala shark?
Bala Shark, Silver Shark - Balantiocheilos melanopterus. The Bala Shark is also known as the Silver Shark and is a growing favorite among tropical fish hobbyists. This fish isn't a shark at all though. It belongs in the Cyprinidae family.
How long do Bala fish live?
Lifespan : 8 - 10 years. Origin / Habitat : South East Asia and is becoming increasingly exploited due to the fish trade. Temperament / Behavior : a member of the carp family, peaceful and can be kept with smaller fish. However, don't keep with tropical fish small enough to fit in the Bala's mouth such as neon tetras.
How big should a balas tank be?
You should keep your them in at least a 40 gallon tank (or much larger) given their potential adult size of 13 inches (33 cm) or more. If you can give them a large tank they should do fine with a Betta while they are small although the betta may look like a nice snack once your balas get big enough. From: Dan.
How to keep silver sharks from leaping?
Have a hood on your aquarium to prevent your Silver Shark from leaping to its death. They are very fast swimmers and will dart around your aquarium very quickly. Be sure you don't have any sharp objects in your aquarium that could injure your fish.
Why are silver sharks called silver sharks?
They are commonly named silver sharks because of their appearance and the shape of their dorsal fin. These "sharks" require large tanks because of their potential adult size of 13 inches and because this fish does better when kept in groups.
Can you breed Balas in a home aquarium?
We don't recommend breeding them in the home aquarium because of their large adult size of 12 inches (31 cm). Can you imagine how many gallons of tank you would need to adequately care for all of those growing balas? It can also be fairly difficult to get this fish to breed. Thanks for the question.
Can you keep neon tetras in a bala aquarium?
However, don't keep with tropical fish small enough to fit in the Bala's mouth such as neon tetras. Breeding : Breeding is not recommended in the home aquarium due to their large adult size. Aquarium Size : They will do much better in larger aquariums.
How Fast Do Bala Sharks Grow?
Do you think they could possibly grow as big as their peers? Like Great White Sharks, Tiger Sharks, or even Whale Sharks? The answer is no, they don’t. Yet, unlike aquarium fish, they could get huge yet remain enchanting like goldfish.
Wondering What to Feed Your Little Fin-tastic Bala?
If you’re considering having a Bala Shark as a pet, then you’re in luck! They can continue growing and live up to ten years if you provide them with a proper diet. Here’s everything you might need to know. Yet, their lifespan in the wild remains to be unknown.
Bala Shark Size in Their Natural Habitat
Wild Bala Sharks live all over Asia, usually around the Chao Praya and the Mekong basins. Their habitat is around the Malay Peninsula in Mainland Southeast Asia. They’re available in the wild in countries like Malaysia, Thailand, and Cambodia.
Bala Shark Size in Captivity
Bala Sharks have gained popularity in aquariums due to their gentle and peaceful nature. This makes them the perfect breed to go with other cichlids in tanks.
Fun Facts
Here are some cool facts you didn’t know about this fascinating creature:
Final Thoughts
After knowing more about them, can you answer the following question: how fast do Bala Sharks grow?
What color is a bala shark?
The Bala Shark has a long and shiny silver colored body.
What do bala sharks eat?
Bala Sharks are omnivorous which means they will eat plants and meat.
Why are sharks called sharks?
They are called sharks because their unique, pointed dorsal fin gives them the appearance of a traditional shark.
When were bala sharks first discovered?
Bala Sharks were first discovered in 1850 by Pieter Bleeker.
How big do squid get?
As juveniles they are around 2 inches long however they can reach 13 inches when fully grown.
Can a bala shark be aggressive?
Generally these fish are peaceful but a lonely Bala Shark can become aggressive towards other fish and extremely stressed. Keeping this fish in a species group greatly reduces aggression towards other fish.
Can a bala shark be mistaken for another species?
The Bala Shark can be distinguished very easily from other species. They only have one color variety and cannot be mistaken for any other species. There is however, another species within the same genus that shares some characteristics.
How big of a tank should I use for bala sharks?
I had bala sharks in my 40 gallon, they grow very big and very fast if you tank is the right size, I'd recommend a 125 gallon +. Return him and get fish more suitable for your aquarium like Gouramis for example!
How big is a squid?
It's very young and just under 2 inches.
How big can a bala shark grow?
At maturity, however, the Bala shark has the capacity to grow up to 12 or 14 inches in length. The Bala shark does not even reach sexual maturity until it is around four inches (10 or 15 cm) in size, so Bala shark breeding can be difficult for the average aquarium enthusiast. If you are interested in breeding your Bala sharks, ...
What is a bala shark?
Also known as the silver shark, Bala sharks are not actually a species of shark - they are a species of freshwater fish whose sleek body shapes resembles that of a shark. These fish generally have slender, silver-colored bodies with black-tipped fins, and they belong to the same family as danios, carps, and minnows.
How to breed bala sharks?
To make preparations for Bala shark breeding, set up a separate 55 gallon or larger breeding tank, and keep it at a temperature between 72 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not crowd the breeding tank with plants but place some around the outside of the tank and a few in the center to provide hiding places for the fish while also allowing for free swimming space. If you plan to use the breeding tank to raise the fry once they are hatched, you may want to keep the bottom of the tank bare. A bare-bottomed tank is easier to clean and it will also make your fry more visible. To keep the water in the tank clean, install a sponge filter in one corner of the tank. A sponge filter provides basic mechanical filtration as well as biological filtration without creating enough suction to put newly hatched fry in danger.
How big of a tank do you need for a Bala shark?
A mature Bala shark can grow up to 14 inches in length so they require very large tanks -- it is recommended that they be kept in an aquarium no smaller than 70 gallons in capacity. If you plan to keep several bala sharks, or keep them with other fish, you may want to go with a 100-gallon tank just to be safe.
How to tell if a bala shark is male or female?
Male Bala sharks tend to grow a little larger than females, and the female is said to have a slightly more rounded abdomen. It may take some time and practice for you to be able to tell a male from a female Bala shark – you may also be able to ask an experienced breeder or the professionals at the aquarium supply store for advice.
Can bala sharks be kept in aquariums?
If successfully cared for and bred, however, these fish are a joy to keep. They can even be quite useful in the aquarium by "predicting" outbreaks of ich. Bala sharks have been known to rub their scales against rocks in the aquarium prior to an outbreak of ich.
Do bala sharks dance?
Bala Shark Mating Process. It has not been scientifically proven that the "dance" ,male and female Bala sharks have been known to exhibit is directly linked to the mating process, but breeders of Bala sharks have made the connection between the occurrence of this dance and the imminent production of eggs. After producing eggs, the female will ...
Species Summary
Temperament and Activity Level
- 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. These tend to be very active, and they make great home aquarium fish as they are interesting to watch. They’re such active fish that there’s a good chance they will jump from time to time. This is why having a lid on your tank is a smart idea. It is recommended that aquarium owners place hiding spot…
Bala Shark Size
- Since these fish are rare in their natural abodes, most of these fish are bought from fish farms. 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. As these Bala Fish grow larger, they should be switched to larger sized aquariums. Additionally, t...
Care
- Most experts agree that Bala Shark care is relatively easy if the fish owner has some basic knowledge of fish care. These fish tend to remain healthy, but fish owners should be sure to keep their aquariums clean and the water level and temperature stable for best results. Bala Sharks can be somewhat vulnerable if their tank water becomes dirty or when the tank water level lowers. When introducing them to a new tank they should be given a…
What Are Good Tank Mates For Bala Sharks?
- This fish is well known for its congenial manner, and they tend to do well living with many other different fish species. Some great tank mates for Bala Sharks are: 1. Rainbowfish 2. Tetra 3. Rasbora 4. Gourami 5. Other Bala Sharks However, there is the chance that the Bala Shark will eat smaller fish when they become larger, so the tank should always be roomy enough for all. There are some species of smaller fish that should be avoided as tank m…
How Do You Breed them?
- To breed your Bala Sharks, it is recommended that you determine the sex of the fish if possible. Females often have a slightly rounded belly area and body type. Males are typically a bit larger in size. It can be difficult to tell apart the sexes. When in captivity, the Bala Sharks only becomes able to reproduce when they are at least 3 years of age and at least 5 inches, or 13 cm, long. Fish owners should also be aware that fish kept in captivity will not t…
Conclusion
- Bala Sharks are a rewarding and unique fish to keep in your aquarium. We hope that after reading this post you’ll have a better understanding of the fish in general, and the kind of care that you’ll need to provide. This information should be more than enough to give you an idea of if this is the right fish for you. Some aquarists decide they would rather go with something that doesn’t need such a large tank, and others get hooked on the idea of ownin…
Bala Shark Facts & Overview
Appearance & Behavior
Bala Shark Care & Tank Requirements
Tank Mates
Diet and Feeding
Breeding
- Breeding bala sharks is moderately difficult and best attempted by aquarists with fish-breeding experience. Bala sharks become sexually mature at around six months old, or when the fish have grown to four inches long. To breed bala sharks, follow these steps: 1. Place a group of five bala sharks in a separate 65-gallon breeding tank with a temperat...
Should You Get A Bala Shark For Your Aquarium?