Bala Shark Care Guide
Balantiocheilos melanopterus · Moderate care · 120 gallon minimum
A silver, fast-swimming 'shark' that gets very large and jumpy; only for big tanks despite store sizes.
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How big does a bala shark get?
A bala shark (Balantiocheilos melanopterus) reaches about 12.0 inches as an adult. Plan tank size and tank mates around the adult size, not the small fish you buy at the store.
Tank size & setup
Give a bala shark a minimum of 120 gallons, with water at 72–82°F and a pH of 6–8. Keep them in groups of at least 4 — they are shoaling fish and become stressed and washed-out alone. As a moderate-care, omnivore species, a stable, cycled tank with the right diet keeps them healthiest.
Good tank mates
Pair a bala shark with peaceful species that share its temperature and pH range. Compatible options include:
- Neon Tetra — 1.5", 10g min
- Guppy — 2.0", 10g min
- Molly — 4.0", 20g min
- Platy — 2.5", 10g min
- Zebra Danio — 2.0", 10g min
About the bala shark
The bala shark, also known as the tricolor shark, tricolor sharkminnow, silver shark, or silver sharkminnow, is a fish of the family Cyprinidae, and is one of the two species in the genus Balantiocheilos. This species is not a true shark, but is commonly referred to as one because of its torpedo-shaped body and large fins.
Recommended gear for bala sharks
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