Balantiocheilus melanopterus

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Bala Shark
Juvenile Bala Shark
Species	Balantiocheilus melanopterus
Difficulty	Moderate
Min. Tank Size	378.541 liters 378,541.178 mL 100 US Gallons (378.5L)
Size	33.02 cm 12-13 " (30.5-33cm)
sg	Freshwater
pH	7.0 - 7.5
Temp.	295.15 K 71.6 °F 531.27 °R 301.15 K 82.4 °F 542.07 °R22 -28 °C (71.6-82.4°F)
Water Hardness	8-15
Stocking Ratio	1:2 M:F
Availability	Common
Diet	Omnivore Pellet Foods Flake Foods Live Foods Other (See article)
Life Span	5-10 years

[edit] Alternative names

Bala Shark, Silver Shark, Tri-Color Shark

[edit] Sexing

Females are larger and more full bellied.

[edit] Tank compatibility

A skittish mid-swimmer. Can work in larger community tanks with larger fish, but nothing aggressive or fast swimming. Should be kept in groups of 4 or more.

[edit] Diet

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.

[edit] Feeding regime

See also: General feeding regime for common species

Twice a day.

[edit] Environment Specifics

Needs a large long tank. 60-72" (152.4-182.9cm) of swimming space is recommended to give this species ample room. Additionally well oxygenated water helps to enable this fish's swimming habits.

The Bala shark will jump when startled as such they require a heavy and tight fitting tank hood to prevent injuries when jumping. To keep the fish from becoming startled their tank should be kept in a quiet environment, people merely walking past the tank can scare them.

[edit] Behaviour

A large shoaling fish, can be quite skittish and requires company of it's own species to feel secure. Needs lots of lateral swimming space.

[edit] Identification

Iridescent long silver body with black-tipped and white fins. "Shark" like in appearance and swimming pattern.

[edit] Pictures

Bala Shark

Large Bala Shark

[edit] External links

• Fishbase
• Liveaquaria
• Fish Forums.net
• Badmans Tropical Fish
• Wikipedia