Bala Shark (Silver Shark): Complete Care Guide

Bala Sharks, also known as Silver Sharks, are fascinating and popular aquarium fish. These graceful swimmers are a great addition to your tank, but taking care of them properly requires some knowledge and effort.

In this simple language care guide, I’ll explore their origin, size, availability, appearance, behavior, tank requirements, diseases, tank mates, diet, and even touch upon their breeding habits.

Origin

Bala sharks (Balantiocheilos melanopterus), also known as tricolor sharks or silver sharks, are native to the freshwater rivers and lakes of Southeast Asia. Their natural range includes various regions in Southeast Asia, such as:

• Malay Peninsula: Bala sharks can be found in the waters surrounding the Malay Peninsula, which is located in Southeast Asia.
• Chao Phraya Basin: This river basin is in Thailand, and it is part of the native habitat of bala sharks.
• Mekong Basin: The Mekong River flows through multiple countries in Southeast Asia, and bala sharks are found in this basin as well.
• Sumatra: Bala sharks are native to the waters around the Indonesian island of Sumatra.
• Borneo: The island of Borneo, which is divided among Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei, also hosts bala sharks in its waters.

Bala sharks prefer warm, densely vegetated environments with a muddy or pebbly substrate. They are often found in areas with fast-flowing waters and tend to swim in the midwater regions of their habitat.

Bala sharks are considered endangered in the wild, and their population has decreased over the years.

One of the reasons for this decline is overfishing for the aquarium trade, as they are popular ornamental fish.

Additionally, factors like habitat destruction and pollution have contributed to the decline of their wild populations.

Forest fires could also have played a role in negatively impacting their natural habitat.

Size

Bala sharks can grow up to 14 inches (around 35 centimeters) in length. However there is a noticeable size difference between males and females.

Typically, male bala sharks tend to be larger and longer than their female counterparts. Males may reach the upper end of the size range, while females usually remain somewhat smaller.

While they may start small at around 1 to 3 inches when you first get them, they can reach up to 14 inches in the right conditions so be prepared for their size as they will need a spacious home.

Availability

You can usually find Bala Sharks in most pet stores and online fish shops. They are readily available and quite affordable, making them an attractive choice for many aquarium enthusiasts.

The cost of a bala shark can vary depending on factors such as their size, source, and the store where you purchase them. The price range, around $8 to $10, is a general estimate, but it can fluctuate.

Appearance and Sex Differences

Bala sharks (Balantiocheilos melanopterus) are indeed distinctive and unique fish with several notable physical characteristics and behaviors.

Bala sharks have long, torpedo-shaped bodies that are typically silver or silvery-gray in color.

The bala shark is often called a “shark” due to its prominent dorsal fin, which is long and pointed, resembling a shark’s fin. This fin runs along the top of their body.

They typically have silver or yellow-edged fins. Their dorsal fin, anal fin, and tail fin may exhibit these colorations.

Their ventral fins, which are located on the lower part of their body, are relatively small and are usually colored black or gray.

Bala sharks have small, closely-packed scales that are iridescent, meaning they reflect light as the fish moves. This iridescence creates a shimmering effect on their body.

Young specimens are less colorful than old ones and their fins are almost entirely dark.

Unlike some other fish species, it’s challenging to differentiate between male and female Bala Sharks based on their physical characteristics.

Indeed, one way to distinguish between mature male and female bala sharks is by observing their body shape and belly fullness. In mature individuals, females typically have a fuller and more prominent belly compared to males.

This difference in body shape is a characteristic sexual dimorphism in bala sharks. By observing this feature, experienced aquarists can determine the sex of these fish.

Behavior

These fish are peaceful and enjoy being in the company of their own kind. If kept alone, they often become aggressive towards other inhabitants.

Bala sharks are fast and active swimmers that primarily occupy the middle layers of the aquarium. Their streamlined bodies and speed make them fascinating to watch as they dart around the tank.

They are known for their schooling behavior, and they tend to be happier and less stressed when kept in groups of eight or more.

Bala sharks are diurnal fish, which means they are more active during the day and tend to rest or exhibit less activity during the night.

Providing a consistent day-night cycle in the aquarium helps support their natural behavior.

While they can be active swimmers, bala sharks can also be timid and easily scared. Providing them with suitable hiding spots, such as caves, plants, or decorations, can help them feel secure.

An interesting fact is that in the evenings these fish can make quite audible sounds.

Care

The care of bala sharks is not necessarily difficult, but it does require attention to certain specific requirements to ensure their well-being.

Providing an adequately sized tank is crucial. Bala sharks can grow relatively large, so you need a spacious aquarium. The larger the tank, the better for their overall health and happiness.

Maintaining good water quality is essential for bala sharks. This includes regular water changes, proper filtration, and monitoring of water parameters. While this is not difficult, it does require consistency and attention to detail.

Setting up the right tank environment with suitable hiding spots and compatible tank mates is necessary, but it’s not particularly challenging.

Their diet is varied, but it’s relatively straightforward to provide a balanced diet with high-quality fish food, live or frozen foods, and some vegetable matter.

Keeping them in a group is recommended, but this doesn’t make care more difficult. In fact, it’s easier to observe their natural behaviors when they are kept in a school.

Tank Requirements

Bala sharks originate from lakes and fast-flowing rivers and streams in Southeast Asia, characterized by warm waters and a pebbly or muddy substrate.

A big tank is crucial for Bala Sharks due to their size. Fully-grown bala sharks require a spacious tank of at least 125 gallons, and a tank length of at least 5 feet is recommended to provide them with ample swimming space.

They love to swim, so the more space, the better.

Bala sharks do not dig in the substrate, so a dark-colored pebbly substrate, approximately ½ an inch thick, is suitable for replicating their natural habitat.

While not essential, a few plants, such as anubias, can make the fish feel more at home and provide hiding spots. Putting plants around the sides of the tank leaves more room for swimming.

They prefer clean, well-oxygenated water with a pH level around 6.5 to 7.2. Maintain the water temperature between 72 to 82°F (22 to 28°C) and water hardness (dGH) between 5–15.

Invest in a good quality filter with biological input to ensure the water stays clean and clear. Bala Sharks are sensitive to water quality, and a good filter will help maintain a healthy environment.

While pumps can contribute to a fast-flowing current, they are not essential. Additional aeration from a bubbler is generally not necessary if the filter provides sufficient oxygenation. A good solution is to use spray bar.

Add some rocks, plants, and driftwood to mimic their natural habitat. They enjoy hiding places and open areas for swimming. A well-decorated tank will also help reduce stress.

The tank should have plenty of light. Bala sharks enjoy natural light, so it’s good to put the aquarium near a window or use bright lighting.

It’s important to have a securely closed tank lid because bala sharks are skilled jumpers. If you’re breeding larger individuals, consider adding extra weight to the lid to prevent it from getting knocked off by their powerful movements.

Diseases

Bala sharks, like many other freshwater fish, can be susceptible to various diseases, especially when kept in poor tank conditions.

Dropsy

Dropsy is often a sign of bacterial or parasitic infections and results in fluid buildup inside the fish.

Symptoms include bloating, protruding eyes, raised scales, loss of appetite, lethargy, and rapid breathing.

To treat dropsy, you can add 1/8 teaspoon of Epsom salt to every five gallons of water in the tank and consult with a veterinarian for antibacterial medication.

External Parasites

Bala sharks can be affected by external parasites like  anchor worms, fish lice, or flukes on their bodies or gills.

These parasites can come into the tank from new fish, live food, or plants.

You can use special medicine to get rid of the bugs. Take out the carbon stuff from the filter before using the medicine.

Ich (White Spot Disease)

Ich is a common skin disease in freshwater fish, characterized by the appearance of white spots on the fish’s scales.

Infected fish may also exhibit flashing or scratching behavior against rough surfaces in the tank.

To treat ich, isolate affected fish in a quarantine tank with slightly warmer water than the main tank, and add salt (approximately one teaspoon per gallon of water).

Tank Mates

While they are generally peaceful, they may not be suitable to coexist with very small or fin-nipping. Bala sharks can be quite active and may accidentally intimidate or outcompete smaller fish for food.

Some good tankmates for bala sharks, aside from other bala sharks, include:

• Gouramis: Peaceful, colorful fish that come in various species and sizes.
• Corydoras: Bottom-dwelling catfish that are also peaceful and can help keep the tank clean.
• Rasboras: Small, peaceful schooling fish that can be a good addition to a community tank.
• Rainbowfish: Colorful and peaceful fish that can add variety to the tank.

It’s important to ensure that the tank is appropriately sized for the bala sharks and their tankmates. Additionally, maintaining good water quality and providing hiding spots and plants for all the fish can help reduce stress and promote a harmonious community in the aquarium.

It’s not advisable to add non-fish critters like shrimps and crabs to the bala shark tank, as they may be seen as potential prey and could be eaten.

Diet

They are omnivores, which means they eat both plants and small insects in the wild.

In your tank, feed them a balanced diet of high-quality flakes, pellets, and live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, or bloodworms.

You can feed them small plankton, diced fruits (e.g., pieces of apple or pear), and blanched vegetables (e.g., zucchini or spinach). These foods can add variety and essential nutrients to their diet.

Variety is key to keeping them healthy and vibrant. A well-balanced diet ensures they get all the essential nutrients they need to thrive.

It’s recommended to feed bala sharks up to three times a day, but be mindful of the quantity. Only provide an amount of food that they can consume within about two minutes.

Breeding

Bala Sharks are challenging to breed in captivity. They require specific conditions, including a larger breeding tank and a separate setup.

Even with the right conditions, breeding can be difficult to achieve in a home aquarium. Most Bala Sharks available in pet stores are bred in commercial breeding facilities.

In conclusion

Bala Sharks, also known as Silver Sharks, are striking and elegant fish that can add beauty to your aquarium.

Their care involves providing a spacious tank, maintaining clean water, and offering a diverse diet.

By keeping them in suitable conditions and following this care guide, you can enjoy the company of these amazing fish for years to come.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced aquarist, Bala Sharks can be a wonderful addition to your underwater world.