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 common name and shark-like profile, it is not a true shark. It is a large member of the minnow and carp family.

Bala 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.

One small-to-medium Bala Shark is included.

Important Schooling Requirement

Bala Sharks are social fish and should be kept in a group of at least five whenever adequate aquarium space allows.

This 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.

Fish Care

Scientific Name: Balantiocheilos melanopterus
Common Names: Bala Shark, Silver Shark, Tricolor Shark and Shark Minnow
Family: Cyprinidae
Origin: Southeast Asia
Care Level: Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful and Active
Approximate Adult Size: 12–14 Inches
Minimum Adult Aquarium Size: 125 Gallons
Recommended Aquarium Size: 180 Gallons or Larger for a Group
Recommended Group Size: Five or More
Water Temperature: 72–82°F
pH: 6.0–8.0
Water Hardness: Soft to Moderately Hard
Diet: Omnivore
Aquarium Level: Middle to Upper
Freshwater Only: Yes

Aquarium Requirements

Bala 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.

Provide 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.

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

Feeding

Bala 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.

Feed appropriately sized portions that the fish can consume within a few minutes. Remove uneaten food to maintain good water quality.

Tank Mates

Bala Sharks are generally peaceful but should be housed with appropriately sized fish that can tolerate their active swimming behavior.

Potential tank mates include:

• Other Bala Sharks

• Larger peaceful barbs

• Rainbowfish

• Peaceful loaches

• Larger gouramis

• Compatible catfish

• Other robust community fish

Avoid 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.

Compatibility is never guaranteed. Monitor all fish carefully and provide sufficient swimming space.

Acclimation

Keep 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.

Move 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.

Fish Quarantine

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

Please allow additional processing time before shipment. Tracking information will be provided once the fish has completed preparation and has been transferred to the carrier.

Live-Fish Shipping

Live 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.

Live-animal orders ship Monday through Wednesday to reduce the risk of weekend carrier delays.

Live Arrival and DOA Guarantee

Your fish is protected by our Live Arrival Guarantee. Please inspect all livestock immediately upon delivery.

Any 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.

Claims 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.

Why Shop With Infinity & Beyond Aquatics?

• Carefully coordinated livestock orders

• Protective insulated packaging appropriate for current weather conditions

• Priority Overnight live-animal shipping

• Live Arrival and DOA protection

• Support with acclimation, compatibility, feeding, and long-term care

• Personal service from experienced aquarium keepers

Important Livestock Notice

The product photograph is representative of the fish you will receive. Natural size, coloration, pattern, and appearance may vary between individual fish.

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.

This is a freshwater fish and must never be placed in a saltwater aquarium.