Bala Sharks... yes or no ?

Question

I am buying a tank just under 60 gallons, was thikning of making it a bala only tank, has anyone got a simular style tank or has these fish? What r they like personality wise and do they make a good viewing?

Answer 1

I would steer clear of the Bala Sharks unless your tank is a minimum of 70 Gallons.  Balas actually can grow to be up to 16 inches.  They also are schooling fish...so in groups of 3 or more...is best.

They can jump...so a tight lid is needed...I have only had this issue once...but he actually didnt jump out of the tank...though he did jump and landed in the water...with a mess to clean up...LOL!

They are timid somewhat.  They need a lot of plant cover.  Mine go all over the tank...but usually are in the back of the tank hiding really good when people come around.  Not aggressive whatso ever...they get along with other fish great.

If 60 Gallons is what you are looking at...consider 1 Red Tail Black Shark and a variety of fish...a couple of Angels...a Gourami...and maybe a few Cory Cats.

You could only have 1 Red Tail as they are aggressive mostly to their own species.  My Red Tail and Kissing Gourami get along fine and still both run the tank...even at times chasing the biggest of the Bala's.

They are not the best fish for viewing...but are very nice fish.

Answer 2

Bala sharks are definately cool. However sharks get pretty big. I have a neighbor that has two or three of them in his tank. They get along alright with other semi-aggressive fish. I WOULD NOT get a tank full of them though. You can get a couple but get some others too. Diversity is the best quality of a fish tank any way. Also look into red tail sharks i find them just as cool.

Answer 3

Description-The coloration of this "shark" is metallic silver with gleaming, well-defined scales. the triangular dorsal fin is held erect and , like the anal, caudal, and pelvic fin, is edged with a thick black margin.

habitat- streams in Borneo, Sumatra, and Thailand.

Remark- The active bala shark is capable of jumping out of and uncovered tank.

other names-silver shark.

size-1ft

Answer 4

Also known as the Silver Shark, the Bala Shark is a growing favorite among tropical fish hobbyists. This tropical fish isn't a shark at all though. It belongs in the Cyprinidae family. They are named 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. They are mostly peaceful but may eat smaller fish such as neon tetras when they reach a large enough size.

Also, be warned that Balas (Silver Sharks) are excellent jumpers. 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.

They are not recommended for the beginner because of their large tank requirements.

These freshwater sharks (not really sharks) will eat most types of fish food including vitamin enriched flake foods, pellets, frozen, freeze dried and definitely live foods with the key being a varied diet. They sometimes make a clicking noise while eating.

Answer 5

Unless you're planning on upgrading your tank to about 130 gallons, no.

Bala Sharks grow to be over 1 foot long, and they are schooling fish that need to be kept in groups of 3 or more.

Whatever fish you decide on, make sure to research it thoroughly. Pet stores are famous for selling fish that can not possibly survive in the average home aquarium.

Also, if you don't already know about tank cycling:

http://www.firsttankguide.net/cycle.php

And for researching fish profiles/requirements:

http://www.aquariumlife.net/fishsearch.a...

And

http://www.peteducation.com:80/index.cfm...

A fantastic choice for a 60-gallon would be a pair of Angel Fish. They are lovely fish that grow quite large, but would still allow room for a clean-up crew, (Cory Cats, snails, a Pleco etc.) and a few barbs or tetras for added interest.