{"product_id":"bala-shark-balantiocheilos-melanopterus-freshwater-fish","title":"Bala Shark (Balantiocheilos melanopterus) – Freshwater Fish","description":"\u003ch1\u003eBala Shark – Freshwater Fish\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Bala Shark is a striking freshwater fish recognized by its streamlined silver body, deeply forked tail, and black-edged fins. Despite its common name and shark-like profile, it is not a true shark. It is a large member of the minnow and carp family.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBala Sharks are peaceful, highly active schooling fish that require a very large aquarium. Although commonly sold as small-to-medium juveniles, they can eventually reach approximately 12–14 inches and need substantial open swimming space as adults.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne small-to-medium Bala Shark is included.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eImportant Schooling Requirement\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBala Sharks are social fish and should be kept in a group of at least five whenever adequate aquarium space allows.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis single-fish listing is best for customers adding to an established Bala Shark school. Customers starting a new group should purchase enough fish to create an appropriate school and must have an aquarium large enough for the group’s adult size.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFish Care\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eBalantiocheilos melanopterus\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Names:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bala Shark, Silver Shark, Tricolor Shark and Shark Minnow\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFamily:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cyprinidae\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Southeast Asia\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Intermediate\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peaceful and Active\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eApproximate Adult Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 12–14 Inches\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Adult Aquarium Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 125 Gallons\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRecommended Aquarium Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 180 Gallons or Larger for a Group\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRecommended Group Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Five or More\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Temperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 72–82°F\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6.0–8.0\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Hardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Soft to Moderately Hard\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Omnivore\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAquarium Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Middle to Upper\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFreshwater Only:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAquarium Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBala Sharks require a long aquarium with substantial open swimming space. They are fast, active fish that can become startled easily, especially when maintained alone or in an undersized aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvide strong filtration, good oxygenation, stable water conditions, and moderate water movement. Plants, driftwood, and smooth rocks may be placed around the perimeter while leaving the center open for schooling and swimming.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA tightly fitted and securely fastened aquarium lid is essential because Bala Sharks are powerful jumpers. Avoid sharp decorations that could injure a startled fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFeeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBala Sharks are omnivores and should receive a varied diet of quality tropical pellets or flakes, insect-based foods, spirulina, brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, bloodworms, and vegetable matter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFeed appropriately sized portions that the fish can consume within a few minutes. Remove uneaten food to maintain good water quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTank Mates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBala Sharks are generally peaceful but should be housed with appropriately sized fish that can tolerate their active swimming behavior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePotential tank mates include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOther Bala Sharks\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLarger peaceful barbs\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRainbowfish\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePeaceful loaches\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLarger gouramis\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCompatible catfish\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOther robust community fish\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid very small fish that may be accidentally eaten as the Bala Shark matures, highly aggressive species, and delicate or slow-moving fish that may be stressed by constant activity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCompatibility is never guaranteed. Monitor all fish carefully and provide sufficient swimming space.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAcclimation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKeep the aquarium lights dim or turned off during acclimation. Gradually acclimate the fish to the aquarium’s temperature and water conditions, and never add shipping water to the main aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMove slowly around the aquarium during and immediately after introduction because Bala Sharks can be easily startled. Allow the fish time to settle before offering food.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFish Quarantine\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis fish will ship within a 14-day quarantine window, depending on its current stage of quarantine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlease allow additional processing time before shipment. Tracking information will be provided once the fish has completed preparation and has been transferred to the carrier.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLive-Fish Shipping\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLive fish ship by FedEx Priority Overnight for a flat $39.99 livestock shipping charge. Orders containing $300 or more in qualifying live animals receive free live-animal shipping.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLive-animal orders ship Monday through Wednesday to reduce the risk of weekend carrier delays.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLive Arrival and DOA Guarantee\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYour fish is protected by our Live Arrival Guarantee. Please inspect all livestock immediately upon delivery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAny dead-on-arrival claim must be submitted within 12 hours of the carrier-recorded delivery time. Clear photographs showing the affected animal outside of the shipping water must be included with the claim. Please do not discard the animal or its packaging until the claim has been reviewed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClaims submitted after the 12-hour reporting window or without the required photographs may not qualify for coverage. Please review our complete Live Arrival Guarantee before ordering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Shop With Infinity \u0026amp; Beyond Aquatics?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCarefully coordinated livestock orders\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProtective insulated packaging appropriate for current weather conditions\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePriority Overnight live-animal shipping\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLive Arrival and DOA protection\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSupport with acclimation, compatibility, feeding, and long-term care\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePersonal service from experienced aquarium keepers\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eImportant Livestock Notice\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe product photograph is representative of the fish you will receive. Natural size, coloration, pattern, and appearance may vary between individual fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBala 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a freshwater fish and must never be placed in a saltwater aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SWA","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53459999588661,"sku":null,"price":24.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0964\/2252\/7285\/files\/Untitled_design_17__13144.jpg?v=1788492030","url":"https:\/\/infinityandbeyondaquatics.com\/products\/bala-shark-balantiocheilos-melanopterus-freshwater-fish","provider":"Infinity and Beyond Aquatics ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}