Bala Shark

Balantiocheilos melanopterus

Bala Shark is a peaceful bottom-to-middle swimmer.

PeacefulBottom to middle swimmerBeginner – Intermediate

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Quick facts

Adult size
≤ 35 cm (≤ 13.8 in)
Aquarium size
500 L or larger / ≥ 180 cm (≥ 70.9 in) minimum length
Care level
Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament
Peaceful
Swimming zone
Bottom to middle swimmer
Temperature
22–27 °C
pH
6.5–7.5
GH
2–10 dGH
Diet
Omnivore
Lifespan
up to 10 years

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 10 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 500 L or larger / ≥ 180 cm (≥ 70.9 in) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 22–27 °C, pH 6.5–7.5, GH 2–10 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Bala Shark is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the lower to middle part of the aquarium, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Bala Shark should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Make sure food reaches the substrate before faster fish take it.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia.

Before adding this fish

  • Plan for an aquarium of 500 L or larger / ≥ 180 cm (≥ 70.9 in) minimum length.
  • Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
  • Offer a varied diet suitable for an omnivorous bottom-dwelling fish.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Black Ruby Barb Pethia nigrofasciata Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner ≤ 5 cm (≤ 2 in) 22–28 °C Blue Spotted Hill Trout Barilius bakeri Same family Similar care level Same swimming zone Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 15 cm (≤ 5.9 in) 17–26 °C African Banded Barb Barbus fasciolatus Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 6 cm (≤ 2.4 in) 21–26 °C Arulius Barb Dawkinsia tambraparniei Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 10 cm (≤ 3.9 in) 18–22 °C Bandula Barb Pethia bandula Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 4.5 cm (≤ 1.8 in) 20–27 °C Barred Danio Devario pathirana Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 8 cm (≤ 3.1 in) 20–26 °C

FAQ

How large does Bala Shark get?

Bala Shark reaches ≤ 35 cm (≤ 13.8 in). It needs specialist housing, long-term space, strong filtration, and carefully chosen companions.

What aquarium size does Bala Shark need?

Use an aquarium of at least 500 L or larger / ≥ 180 cm (≥ 70.9 in) minimum length.

Is Bala Shark peaceful?

Yes. Bala Shark is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for Bala Shark?

Keep it between 22 to 27 °C.

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