Bala Shark
Image: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Tylwyth_Eldar" title="User:Tylwyth Eldar">Tylwyth Eldar</a> (CC BY-SA 4.0)
NameBala Shark
Scientific NameBalantiocheilos melanopterus
Common NamesBala Shark, Silver Shark, Tri-color Shark, Silver Bala
FamilyCyprinidae
OriginSoutheast Asia, Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Borneo, Thailand
Temperamentcommunity
Dietomnivore
Care Levelintermediate
Minimum Tank Size (Gallons)125
Max Size (Inches)14
Water TypeFreshwater
Temperature Range (°F)72-82
pH Range6.0-8.0
Compatible SpeciesLarge Tetras, Rainbowfish, Gouramis, Large Barbs, Plecos, Other peaceful large community fish
Description
The Bala Shark is a large, active, schooling freshwater fish known for its sleek, silver body and black-edged fins. Despite its 'shark' moniker, it is a peaceful member of the carp family. These impressive fish require very large aquariums due to their significant adult size and need to be kept in groups.
