Overview
- The Bala Shark (Balantiocheilos melanopterus), also called the tricolor shark minnow, is a silver, black-edged cyprinid, not a true shark.
- Native to rivers and lakes of Borneo, Sumatra and Peninsular Malaysia.
- Grows to about 14 in (35 cm) standard length, so it outgrows most home aquariums.
- Fish in the trade are farmed in large numbers.
Feeding
- Omnivorous. Wild fish eat insects, crustaceans, algae and plant matter.
- Accepts almost anything. For best color, offer small live and frozen foods such as bloodworm, Daphnia and brine shrimp along with quality dried foods.
Habitat
- Needs a very large tank: a base of at least 96 × 24 in (240 × 60 cm) for a group of adults.
- Open swimming space and water quality matter more than decor. A river-style setup with smooth rocks and gravel suits it.
- Water: 68–82°F (20–28°C), pH 6.0–8.0 (near neutral is best), GH 2–15.
Fish Care
- Keep the tank tightly covered. [UNVERIFIED] Bala Sharks are strong jumpers.
- Provide strong filtration and well-oxygenated water.
Compatibility
- Not suitable for a typical community tank.
- Will eat very small fish, and its constant activity can stress slow or timid tankmates.
- Keep with robust, similar-sized fish that like the same conditions.
Aquarium Behavior
- Active, open-water swimmer that is usually peaceful.
- A shoaling fish best kept in a group. [UNVERIFIED] Single fish tend to be nervous.
Breeding
- Not known to have been bred in home aquariums.
- Commercial farms breed it using hormones.