Bala Shark

Balantiocheilos melanopterus

Bala Shark is a peaceful middle-to-top swimmer. Keep in a loose group of 5+.

PeacefulMiddle to top swimmerKeep in a loose group of 5+Beginner – Intermediate

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Need help with Bala Shark?

Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 13.8" (≤ 35 cm)
Aquarium size: 228 US gal (864 L) or larger / ≥ 94.5" (≥ 240 cm) minimum length
Care level: Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Middle to top swimmer
Temperature: 68–82°F (20–28°C)
pH: 6–8
GH: 2–15 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 10 years
Group behavior: Keep in a loose group of 5+

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 10 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 228 US gal (864 L) or larger / ≥ 94.5" (≥ 240 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 20–28 °C, pH 6–8, GH 2–15 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Bala Shark is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the middle to upper part of the aquarium, so leave enough open swimming space for movement and feeding.

Feeding

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

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 228 US gal (864 L) or larger / ≥ 94.5" (≥ 240 cm) minimum length.
Make room for its social group.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Keep in a loose group of 5+.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia.

Important notes

Adults need a genuine large shoal and about 240 cm tank length; common 180 cm/500 L advice is too small in inspected specialist recommendation.
Strong jumper: secure cover required.

Similar fish profiles

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

African Banded Barb Barbus fasciolatus Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 68–79°F (20–26°C) Arulius Barb Dawkinsia tambraparniei Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 5.1" (≤ 13 cm) 64–77°F (18–25°C) Assam Danio Devario assamensis Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.5" (≤ 9 cm) 59–72°F (15–22°C) Bandula Barb Pethia bandula Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.6" (≤ 4.1 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C) Barred Danio Devario pathirana Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 73–79°F (23–26°C) Bengal Danio Devario devario Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 59–79°F (15–26°C)

FAQ

How large does Bala Shark get?

Bala Shark reaches ≤ 13.8" (≤ 35 cm). 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 228 US gal (864 L) or larger / ≥ 94.5" (≥ 240 cm) 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 20 to 28 °C.

Should Bala Shark be kept alone or in a group?

Bala Shark: Keep in a loose group of 5+.