Bala or Tri-Colour Shark (Balantiocheilus melanopterus )

Common Name:

Bala Shark.

Other Names:

Silver Shark or Tri-Colour Shark.

Scientific Name:

Balantiocheilus melanopterus.

Family:

Cyprinidae.

Distribution:

Commonly Thailand and other parts of South East Asia.

Size:

12-14 Inches although captive Balas rarely exceed 12 inches. Documented Balas have reached nearly 24 inches.

Diet:

Omnivorous. Will eat almost anything; will accept almost all prepared tropical fish foods, and many fresh vegetables (recommended).

Water Temperature:

72-82 F (22-28 C).

Water Chemistry:

Favour soft-medium hardness.

pH:

6.0 to 7.0 (But like most fish, if acclimatized correctly and slowly can adapt to pH 8.0)

Life Span:

15 years +.

Housing:

True tank busters. Minimum recommended sized tank when adult would be 200 gallons plus. They ideally need a tank in excess of 84in x 24in x 24in. It is very important that there be no sharp décor.

Sexing:

Males are considered to be more slender while females may be deeper bodied as with others of the Cyprinid family.

Breeding:

Egg layer, not known to breed in aquaria, but has been commercially bred in muddy ponds in SE Asia.

Description:

A large-scaled silver shark (it is not really a shark, as it is a freshwater species, but they are named sharks due to their unique appearance and prominent dorsal). Its caudal, dorsal, anal and pelvic fins are all pale yellow and outlined in black, hence its common name Tri-colour shark. This large, peaceful and often skittish fish is an ideal community fish for those people who can provide them with 200+ gallon tanks.

Requirements:

They prefer large tanks, which are medium planted. The plants should be some of the hardier ones like Anacharis and Vallisneria as they might withstand the attentions of a hungry Bala. There really are no guarantees on plants surviving Balas at mealtimes. They are shoaling fish and therefore require the company of their own kind. Should be kept in minimum of 4s although better in shoals of 6. A good heavy hood fitted to their tank is a must, they are excellent jumpers and if startled have been known to take flight. Care must be taken when setting up tanks for Balas; all sharp objects must be removed so they do not damage themselves if dashing for cover.

Behaviour:

When kept singly, Balas are prone to being very Skittish and have a tendency to take flight and knock ornaments over and uproot plants just by a flick of their tail. They are peaceful community fish. If kept well-fed, they are not prone to snacking on smaller fish in the tank. Although be aware, the rule still applies if it fits in its mouth its still considered food. Balas can often be heard emitting noise (loud clicking or cracking similar to Clown Loaches) at night, which can be heard from their tanks and has sent many new owners running to check that their tank class is not cracked.

Tank levels:

All over the tank.

Ease of keeping:

Not a beginner's fish, but Balas are relatively easy to keep, provided they are supplied with the basic necessities, lots of swimming space and company of their own kind. As mentioned, they tend toward skittish, so slow movement is required around their tank at all times; sudden movement can send them dashing for cover. However, due to their final adult size and tank needs, I would not recommend them to a beginner.

Ideal Tank Mates:

Include Silver Dollars, Rainbow fish, Loaches and Plecs. Can be kept with smaller fish but I must stress again the Balas must kept well fed. Danios, Guppies, Swordtails and Corydoras are all good tank mates.

Unsuitable Tankmates:

This list should include all aggressive territorial fish. Also included would be slow gentle fish that get stressed by tank mates who zip around at a million miles an hour. Angel fish or Bettas would not be recommmended,

Miscellaneous:

In the past, the Bala shark had become highly threatened in its native countries due to its popularity as an aquarium fish. More recently with more success in captive breeding this has abated slightly, but the Bala is still firmly on the endangered list.

Photo Credit:

Photo supplied courtesy and ^©JanS from Aquaden.