Bala Sharks are a large and interesting freshwater fish that many aquarium owners consider at one point or another.

What type of water do bala sharks need?

The water pH should be 6.0–8.0. The preferable water hardness for this species is soft to medium (5.0–12.0 dGH). Water temperature should be kept between 22–28 °C (72–82 °F). The bala shark prefers to be kept in groups of two or more specimens.

How big of an aquarium do bala sharks need?

As previously mentioned, the key factor in the bala’s environment is tank size. An aquarium of 125 gallons is needed to keep a school of adult bala sharks, and since they are active swimmers, a longer tank is recommended. These are active fish that startle easily.

Can Bala shark live in saltwater?

They are freshwater only as far as I know, no amount of acclimation will allow them to survive in saltwater.

Can I keep a single Bala shark?

A single Bala Shark should be kept in a 100 gallon tank. However it is not recommended that you keep this fish on their own, they will need to be kept with at least 3 other Bala Sharks. You will need a 150 gallon aquarium that is around 5 feet long.

Do bala sharks need plants?

It is recommended that aquarium owners place hiding spots for Bala Sharks to rest in when tired of swimming. Plants and roots work fine. Partly due to their potential for growing quite large, they might be prone to hogging the food when it comes to food.

What fish can live with a Bala shark?

Tank Mates They are relatively peaceful fish and can be kept together with other peaceful large fish. Other bala sharks, Corydoras, rainbowfish, gourami, rasbora, char (Salvelinus), tetra, minor tetra would make good tank mates.

Can a Bala shark live in a 55 gallon tank?

Bala sharks can easily grow to 13 inches in length, which means that according to this rule, each shark needs at least 13 gallons of tank space. 55 Gallon Tanks = 2, but not recommended, as they should be kept in a school of 3 or more.

Do bala sharks grow fast?

How fast do Bala sharks grow? They actually grow quite fast and in as little as a month some have experienced them growing 1-4 inches.

Do bala sharks jump?

Get a lid which is a tight-fitted one: Bala Sharks can jump at least 6 feet from the tank they stay in. So, make sure that you keep a lid tight enough to avoid Bala Sharks escaping the tank.

Will bala sharks eat guppies?

But these fish grow quickly. Even large, peaceful fish like bala sharks will eat smaller fish. Their size also necessitates a huge aquarium of at least 200 gallons for them to truly thrive.

Can a Bala shark live in a 75 gallon tank?

While some species that reach a similar size can be housed in a 55- to 75-gallon tank, the bala shark would find such conditions very cramped and likely displace a lot of water in its quick bursts across the tank. The bala shark is also a social fish that likes to live in groups.

Can sharks live in freshwater?

Their ability to tolerate freshwater is rooted in salt retention. Sharks must retain salt inside their bodies. Without it, their cells will rupture and cause bloating and death. Given this requirement, most sharks cannot enter fresh water, because their internal salt levels would become diluted.

Do Bala sharks eat snails?

Bala Shark They will, however, eat smaller creatures they find in the tank. This includes snails, small fish, and shrimp. Even still, you can often find Bala Sharks eating snails whenever they get the opportunity!May 16, 2021.

Do Bala sharks play dead?

Do Bala sharks play dead? There is no research to suggest that they play dead, but they do tend to drift at night when the lights are switch off. If your Bala looks like he is playing dead, it is more likely he has eaten too much or has a swim bladder issue.

Can a shark grow in a fish tank?

No, they won’t “grow to the size of the tank,” but they could outgrow it, or not grow enough. The rule for fish living in tanks is that you only want one inch of fish per gallon. That’s one inch at the fish’s full-grown size.

Do bala sharks eat algae?

In the wild, bala sharks eat insects and their larvae. They also eat phytoplankton and algae. They often scavenge their tanks for live algae and any other food leftover from previous feedings that has settled to the bottom.

Do Bala Sharks lay eggs?

After laying eggs and depositing sperm, bala sharks don’t spend any time caring for the eggs. When the eggs hatch, the babies are on their own. Adult balas sometimes eat their own young rather than nurture them.

Can Bala Sharks go with African cichlids?

Registered. I personally have had success keeping Bala Sharks with cichlids. Some cichlids are mean and more combative and would possibly wipe-out the Bala’s. I have various Mbuna in my 125g tank and the 4″ inch Bala Shark is still intact and no troubles as of yet.

Can tinfoil barbs live with Bala shark?

Tank Mates Despite their size, tinfoil barbs are a peaceful fish with an easygoing temperament. They are very docile and will get along with almost any aquarium inhabitant. Large and non-aggressive fish like bala sharks work best, although smaller schooling species are also often housed with tinfoil barbs.

Can I keep a Bala shark in a 10 gallon tank?

Next to the betta fish, the Bala shark is possibly the most abused aquarium fish out there. They start out as cute little three-inch fish and end up in some kid’s 10-gallon tank because they are so cool. But Bala sharks grow a foot long and need to be kept in schools.

How do you tell if a Bala shark is male or female?

Female bala sharks often have fuller, rounder bellies than males. Males are more streamlined in shape, although the difference might be subtle. It’s more obvious when mating time approaches. When a female is ready to lay eggs, her belly looks rounder than normal.