Bala Shark
Balantiocheilos melanopterus
Minimum Tank
125 Gallons
Adult Size
14 inches
Temperature
72-82°F (22-28°C)
pH Range
6.5-8.0
Lifespan
10 years
School Size
5+ fish
About Bala Shark
The bala shark is a large, elegant fish from the rivers and lakes of Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Borneo, Sumatra, and the Malay Peninsula. Despite its name, it is not a true shark but a large cyprinid related to barbs and minnows, earning the shark moniker from its tall, triangular dorsal fin and torpedo-shaped body. Bala sharks are sleek, silver fish with distinctive black-edged fins that give them a striking appearance at any size. They are fast, active swimmers that can reach 14 inches in length, far exceeding the expectations of most aquarists who purchase them as small, appealing juveniles. Bala sharks are peaceful despite their size but require very large aquariums that few hobbyists can provide.
Care Requirements
Tank Setup
- • Minimum 125-gallon tank required
- • Temperature: 72-82°F (22-28°C)
- • pH: 6.5 - 8.0
- • Category: Barb
Diet & Feeding
- • Diet type: Omnivore
- • Feed 1-2 times daily
- • Varied diet recommended
Tank Mate Compatibility
Compatible With
Avoid Keeping With
Care Tips
Expert Tips
Bala sharks need a very large aquarium of at least 150 gallons for a group, as they are active schooling fish that reach 14 inches. Keep them in groups of at least five, as solitary specimens become skittish and stressed. They are powerful jumpers that absolutely require a heavy, tight-fitting lid. Feed quality pellets, flakes, and frozen foods at 72-82°F. Despite their size, they are peaceful and can be kept with other large, non-aggressive fish. They are easily startled and may injure themselves by crashing into tank walls during panic, so place the tank in a low-traffic area. Do not purchase bala sharks unless you can commit to a very large tank for their entire lifespan of 10+ years.
Quick Facts
473L
Min Tank (125gal)
36cm
Adult Size (14")
10yr
Lifespan
5+
Min School
Build Your Perfect Community Tank
Find compatible tankmates for your Bala Shark
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Tank Mates for Bala Shark
Species from our database with overlapping water parameters, compatible temperaments and a realistic shared tank size.
Clown Loach
Chromobotia macracanthus
moderate · 100+ gal
Royal Pleco
Panaque nigrolineatus
moderate · 125+ gal
Yoyo Loach
Botia almorhae
moderate · 40+ gal
Red Irian Rainbowfish
Glossolepis incisus
moderate · 55+ gal
Similar Care Level
Other moderate-care species that suit a comparable setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tank does a Bala Shark need?
A Bala Shark needs a minimum tank size of 125 gallons (473 litres). They should be kept in schools of at least 5.
What water parameters does a Bala Shark need?
Bala Shark thrive in water between 72-82°F (22-28°C) with a pH of 6.5-8.0.
Are Bala Shark easy to care for?
Bala Shark are considered moderate to care for. They are peaceful fish with a lifespan of about 10 years.
How big do Bala Shark get and what do they eat?
Bala Shark reach about 14 inches and are omnivores. Bala sharks need a very large aquarium of at least 150 gallons for a group, as they are active schooling fish that reach 14 inches. Keep them in groups of at least five, as solitary specimens become skittish and stressed. They are powerful jumpers that absolutely require a heavy, tight-fitting lid. Feed quality pellets, flakes, and frozen foods at 72-82°F. Despite their size, they are peaceful and can be kept with other large, non-aggressive fish. They are easily startled and may injure themselves by crashing into tank walls during panic, so place the tank in a low-traffic area. Do not purchase bala sharks unless you can commit to a very large tank for their entire lifespan of 10+ years.