Bala Shark – Freshwater Fish

The Bala Shark is a striking freshwater fish recognized by its streamlined silver body, deeply forked tail, and black-edged fins. Despite its shark-like appearance, it is a peaceful member of the minnow and carp family.

Bala Sharks are highly active schooling fish that require substantial swimming space. Although commonly sold as juveniles, they can reach approximately 12–14 inches as adults.

One small-to-medium Bala Shark is included.

Important Schooling Requirement

Bala Sharks should be kept in groups of at least five whenever adequate aquarium space allows.

This single-fish listing is ideal for customers adding to an established school. Customers starting a new group should purchase enough fish to form a proper school and must have an aquarium large enough for their adult size.

Fish Care

Scientific Name: Balantiocheilos melanopterus
Common Names: Bala Shark, Silver Shark, Tricolor Shark
Care Level: Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful and Active
Adult Size: Approximately 12–14 Inches
Minimum Adult Aquarium: 125 Gallons
Recommended for a Group: 180 Gallons or Larger
Recommended Group Size: Five or More
Temperature: 72–82°F
pH: 6.0–8.0
Diet: Omnivore
Aquarium Level: Middle to Upper
Water Type: Freshwater

Aquarium Requirements

Provide a long aquarium with strong filtration, good oxygenation, stable water conditions, and plenty of open swimming space. Plants, driftwood, and smooth rocks may be placed around the perimeter.

A tightly fitted lid is essential because Bala Sharks are powerful jumpers. Avoid sharp decorations that could injure a startled fish.

Feeding

Offer a varied diet of quality tropical pellets or flakes, insect-based foods, spirulina, brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, bloodworms, and vegetable matter.

Feed portions that can be consumed within a few minutes and remove uneaten food.

Tank Mates

Bala Sharks generally do well with appropriately sized peaceful fish, including:

• Other Bala Sharks

• Larger peaceful barbs

• Rainbowfish

• Peaceful loaches

• Larger gouramis

• Compatible catfish

• Robust community fish

Avoid very small fish, highly aggressive species, and delicate or slow-moving fish that may be stressed by their activity. Compatibility is never guaranteed.

Acclimation

Keep the aquarium lights dim during acclimation. Gradually acclimate the fish to the aquarium’s temperature and water conditions, and never add shipping water to the aquarium.

Move slowly around the tank during introduction because Bala Sharks can be easily startled.

Quarantine and Processing

This fish will ship within a 14-day quarantine window, depending on its current stage of quarantine and preparation.

Tracking information will be provided once the fish has been cleared and transferred to the carrier.

Why Shop With Infinity & Beyond Aquatics?

• Carefully coordinated livestock orders

• Protective insulated packaging

• Priority Overnight shipping

• Support with care, feeding, compatibility, and acclimation

• Personal service from experienced aquarium keepers

Important Livestock Notice

The product photograph is representative. Natural size, coloration, pattern, and appearance may vary.

Bala Sharks can reach approximately 12–14 inches and should be kept in a group. Please confirm that you can provide an appropriately sized long-term aquarium before ordering.

Freshwater only. Never place this fish in a saltwater aquarium.