Knowledge Builders

is a bala shark a shark

by Webster Hoppe Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
image

These Southeast Asian fish are not true sharks, but their shark-like appearance and size make them quite an intriguing pet. Due to their peaceful nature, juvenile bala sharks do well in a community aquarium.Oct 18, 2021

What is the average lifespan a bala shark?

Under favorable conditions, the average life span of a healthy Bala Shark is about 8-10 years. What are the characteristic appearance and features of a Bala Shark? The Bala Shark has a distinctively large standing dorsal fin and an elongated torpedo-like body having yellow stripes with black edges.

Is a bala shark really a shark?

The Bala shark is not a true shark, instead it is a ray finned bony fish. which belongs to the Cyprinidae family. The Bala is called a shark due to its torpedo-shaped body and large fins. It’s distributed in the Mekong and Chao Phraya basins around the Malay Peninsula and in the waters surrounding Borneo and Sumatra.

How big do bala sharks usually get?

When you first see bala sharks in fish shops, they will be at around two inches in length. A full grown bala shark usually reaches 14 inches in length but can grow up to 25 inches in captivity. What Size Aquarium Bala Sharks Need?

What does fish go with Bala sharks?

  • 10 Best Tank Mates for Bala Sharks in 2022 1. Angelfish 2. Kissing Gourami 3. Blood Parrot Cichlid 4. Tetras 5. Rainbowfish 6. ...
  • What Makes a Good Tank Mate for Bala Sharks?
  • Where Do Bala Sharks Prefer to Live in the Aquarium?
  • Water Parameters
  • Size
  • Aggressive Behaviors
  • 3 Benefits of Having Tank Mates for Bala Sharks in Your Aquarium
  • Conclusion

See more

image

What kind of fish is a bala shark?

The bala shark, Balantiocheilos melanopterus, also known as the tricolor shark, tricolor sharkminnow, silver shark, or shark minnow, is a fish of the family Cyprinidae, and is one of the two species in the genus Balantiocheilos.

Is there a such thing as a freshwater shark?

the river sharks, Glyphis, true freshwater sharks found in fresh and brackish water in Asia and Australia. the bull shark, Carcharhinus leucas, which can swim between salt and fresh water, and are found in tropical rivers around the world.

Can Bala Sharks be with other fish?

Bala Sharks are unique among freshwater sharks. These fish are extremely shy and peaceful. They should be kept with other peaceful fish exclusively. But their large size makes finding tank mates difficult.

What size tank do Bala Sharks need?

The exact tank size that's best for Bala Sharks is somewhat debated in the aquarium community. The most common suggested range is between a 120 and 150 gallon tank, which is a rather large aquarium. Obviously, the more fish you have, the more room they will need.

Do any lakes have sharks?

However, certain species have developed the ability to retain salt and recycle it within their bodies, meaning there are types of freshwater sharks in lakes and rivers found all over the world. Here we take a look at several freshwater shark species and how to identify them.

Are sharks in Lake Erie?

There are no sharks in Lake Erie," pronounces Officer James Mylett of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).

How long does it take for a bala shark to grow full size?

Bala Sharks grow to full size rather quickly. The rate at which they grow largely depends on how well they are kept. They can grow at a rate of up to 4 inches per month, but they reach full maturity and are able to spawn at around 4 inches in length.

How can you tell if a bala shark is male or female?

Female bala sharks often have fuller, rounder bellies than males. Males are more streamlined in shape, although the difference might be subtle. It's more obvious when mating time approaches. When a female is ready to lay eggs, her belly looks rounder than normal.

Do bala sharks sleep?

Like other shark species, Balas take rest pauses with their eyes wide open but do not really sleep.

Can you have just 1 bala shark?

Bala Shark Tank Size So they easily can grow into enormous tank busters. Plus, you shouldn't keep just one Bala shark in a tank, they need to be in a school of five or more. The minimum tank size for this fish, especially if you want to keep other fish with them, is 150 gallons (568 liters).

Can I keep just one bala shark?

Bala Sharks are natural schooling fish so they must be kept in groups of at least 4. Around 6 kept together will work best. Generally these fish are peaceful but a lonely Bala Shark can become aggressive towards other fish and extremely stressed.

Do bala sharks make noise?

Bala sharks tend to make a grunting noise at night, so don't be startled if you hear these sounds.

Can a shark survive in a lake?

Secondly, most sharks can only tolerate saltwater, or at the very minimum, brackish water, so freshwater rivers and lakes are generally out of the question for species such as great white sharks, tiger sharks, and hammerhead sharks.

How big can a freshwater shark get?

The smallest aquarium sharks reach about a half-foot in length as adults, while the larger varieties can hit 3 to 4 feet depending on their habitat and diet. Aquarium sharks rarely reach their maximum size if kept in cramped conditions and fed a poor quality diet.

What freshwater fish looks like a shark?

Fish that look like sharks are Bowmouth Guitarfish, Black Sharkminnow, Mekong Giant Catfish, Chinese High-Fin Banded Sharks, and Iridescent Sharks. However, they can't be kept in aquariums. Some shark-like fish that you can keep in home aquariums are Bala Shark, Rainbow Shark, Harlequin Shark, etc.

Is a bull shark a freshwater shark?

Because bull sharks favor shallow coastal waters, they are among the most likely sharks to attack humans. Bull sharks are the only shark that inhabits freshwater.

What is a bala shark?

Bala Sharks are a large and interesting freshwater fish that many aquarium owners consider at one point or another. And there are plenty of reasons why. In this guide, we explore the ins and outs of Bala Shark care and everything you should know if you’re thinking about adding them to your aquarium setup. By the time you’re finished reading, you’ll ...

How big do bala sharks get?

These tend to be just 3 to 4 inches when first bought, and fish owners are often surprised to learn that the adult size can be up to 1 foot or 13 inches.

What are good tank mates for Bala Sharks?

This fish is well known for its congenial manner, and they tend to do well living with many other different fish species.

Why do bala sharks have white spots?

Keeping an eye out for illness. Smart Bala Shark care should include monitoring them for signs of common fish ailments like dropsy that causes them to swell, and ich which results in white spots on their scales. If this is seen, the fish often has a parasitic or bacterial infection and should be treated.

How old do bala sharks need to be to breed?

This means that the fish should be kept separated in another tank before they reach puberty. This is when they are around 4 months old.

How long does it take for a bala shark to spawn?

Bala Sharks tend to spawn in the morning, and this process can take several hours. After the female spawns, the male will then fertilize the spawned eggs with a substance called milt.

How long do bala sharks live?

The lifespan of a Bala Shark can be up to 10 years with the proper care. A member of the Cyprinidae family of fish species, they (Balantiocheilus melanopterus) prefer fast-flowing rivers and streams in the Southeastern Asia countries of Sumatra, Kalimantan, Cambodia, Malaysia, and Thailand.

What fish are good tank mates for a Bala Shark?

Other Bala Sharks, Corydoras, Rainbowfish, Gourami, Rasbora, Char (Salvelinus), Tetra , Minor Tetra would make good tank mates. When choosing tank mates for this fish, the most important things to keep in mind are size and temperament. Other large Cyprinids are also good tank mate choices, but start off by placing only Bala Sharks together ...

How to keep bala fish from jumping out?

Even though Bala are considered peaceful, they are still very active fish. Place a lid on top of your tank to stop them from jumping out. It is especially recommended to have a lid on during their settling-in period for the first few weeks.

How old should a bala fish be before breeding?

Before they start breeding, you’d need to prepare the fish for it, before puberty. Take several young Balas (around 4 months old) and keep them in a separate tank. Telling the sex of a fish is a bit challenging, that’s why it’s recommended to keep at least 5 of them together.

Where is Bala Shark from?

January 24, 2019 Robert Freshwater Fish 15. The Bala Shark is a relatively large freshwater fish native to Southeast Asia. This beautiful looking fish would make a great addition to plenty of freshwater aquariums and its temperament is guaranteed to make it a great tank mate for your other fish. Due to its size, we recommend ...

How big do bala sharks get?

In the wild Bala Sharks can grow up to 14 inches, but in the aquarium they tend to grow slightly smaller, and reach around 12 inches in length.

How thick should a bala be?

The ideal thickness of the substrate would be around 1 cm, the closest thing to their natural environment would be dark colored pebbles of different sizes. Even though Bala are considered peaceful, they are still very active fish. Place a lid on top of your tank to stop them from jumping out.

What is the only thing that has in common with a shark?

The only thing it has in common with a shark is its name which it gets because of the high dorsal fin and body type which looks like the dorsal fin of a shark. However that’s where the similarities end. They are quite tolerant towards other small fish as long as they’re not small enough for him to swallow it.

What is a bala shark?

Between their peaceful temperament, general hardiness, and widespread compatibility, Bala sharks are a common freshwater fish to appear in aquariums. They’re a popular choice among almost all fish owners, both beginner and veteran.

What is the scientific name of a bala shark?

Common Name: Bala shark (also known as tricolor shark, tricolor shark minnow, silver shark, or shark minnow) Scientific Name: Balantiocheilos melanopterus. Family: Cyprinidae.

How many schools of bala sharks are there?

Bala sharks are classified as shoaling fish in the wild. Shoaling fish are typically found in small groups, or schools, of 4 to 6.

What temperature should a bala shark tank be?

As warmer water fish, Bala sharks should be kept in a tank with a temperature of 71 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit. Another important water factor is pH, which should be kept somewhere between 6.0 and 8.0. It’s also important to provide clean water at all times.

Why do bala sharks need food?

Bala sharks require high-quality food to help prevent them from becoming malnoruished. If they do become malnourished either from lack of eating or a poor diet, it can lead to several digestive problems.

What happens if you house a bala shark?

They are most content in schools that have at least four others. If you house a Bala shark by itself, it will be skittish and won’t feel content in the tank. This can lead to health issues later on as a result of mental and emotional strain.

Where do bala sharks live?

Bala sharks are fish native to southeast Asia. At the time of writing this, they are considered vulnerable in the wild. However, in many of their native areas, they’re considered rare or even extinct. Bala sharks are hardy fish and generally easy to keep.

Description

Please note that the product information displayed is provided by manufacturers, suppliers and other third parties and is not independently verified by Petco. Full disclaimer here.

Days to Ship

Petco takes great care to ensure that the Live Fish, Invertebrates & Plants you order arrives safely and in healthy condition. All Aquatic Life are guaranteed to stay alive for 7 days from the day they arrive at your home or we will gladly refund your money.

What is Bala Bangles?

Bala Bangles is a company that has created a product that protects both your hands and wrists when you are working with delicate electronics.

Who is the Founder of Bala Bangles?

Maximilian Kislevitz and Natalie Holloway founded Bala Bangles. They formerly worked at 72and Sunny, a Los Angeles-based marketing agency.

What Happened to Bala Bangles at Shark Tank pitch?

While the goods are extremely popular among yoga and Pilates enthusiasts, the pair is likely seeking a Shark’s assistance in navigating offshore manufacturing and expanding retail distribution.

What Happened to Bala Bangles after Shark Tank?

After all, Sharks were interested in investing in the Bala Bangles firm, and the deal closed, and Bala is flying off the shelves.

Net Worth of Bala Bangles

During the Shark Tank pitch the company was valued at $4 million, after acquisition by the two Sharks the company was valued at $3 million and they had make sales since then with annual revenue of $3 million. This show that the company net worth has increase in 2021.

Bala Bangles FAQs

Bala Bangles are elastic looped steel wire, which fits snugly around your wrist, preventing any injuries resulting from accidentally breaking the wires within the project.

image

Species Summary

Image
Native to Southeast Asia, the Bala Shark has been affectionately called “The Gentle Giant” due to its larger size and easygoing temperament. This beautiful freshwater fish would make a wonderful addition to your freshwater aquarium if you have a bit of experience raising fish. This fish’s laid back and calmer tempera…
See more on aquariumsource.com

Temperament and Activity Level

  • These affable fish travel in schools when in the wild, and fish owners should purchase several of these Bala Sharks at a time as they like company. These tend to be very active, and they make great home aquarium fish as they are interesting to watch. They’re such active fish that there’s a good chance they will jump from time to time. This is why having a lid on your tank is a smart id…
See more on aquariumsource.com

Bala Shark Size

  • Since these fish are rare in their natural abodes, most of these fish are bought from fish farms. These tend to be just 3 to 4 inches when first bought, and fish owners are often surprised to learn that the adult size can be up to 1 foot or 13 inches. As these Bala Fish grow larger, they should be switched to larger sized aquariums. Additionally, these fish should be closely watched as they gr…
See more on aquariumsource.com

Care

  • Most experts agree that Bala Shark care is relatively easy if the fish owner has some basic knowledge of fish care. These fish tend to remain healthy, but fish owners should be sure to keep their aquariums clean and the water level and temperature stable for best results. Bala Sharks can be somewhat vulnerable if their tank water becomes dirty or when the tank water level lowers. W…
See more on aquariumsource.com

What Are Good Tank Mates For Bala Sharks?

  • This fish is well known for its congenial manner, and they tend to do well living with many other different fish species. Some great tank mates for Bala Sharks are: 1. Rainbowfish 2. Tetra 3. Rasbora 4. Gourami 5. Other Bala Sharks However, there is the chance that the Bala Shark will eat smaller fish when they become larger, so the tank should always be roomy enough for all. There …
See more on aquariumsource.com

How Do You Breed them?

  • To breed your Bala Sharks, it is recommended that you determine the sex of the fish if possible. Females often have a slightly rounded belly area and body type. Males are typically a bit larger in size. It can be difficult to tell apart the sexes. When in captivity, the Bala Sharks only becomes able to reproduce when they are at least 3 years of age and at least 5 inches, or 13 cm, long. Fis…
See more on aquariumsource.com

Conclusion

  • Bala Sharks are a rewarding and unique fish to keep in your aquarium. We hope that after reading this post you’ll have a better understanding of the fish in general, and the kind of care that you’ll need to provide. This information should be more than enough to give you an idea of if this is the right fish for you. Some aquarists decide they would rather go with something that doesn’t need …
See more on aquariumsource.com

Bala Shark Facts & Overview

  • Origin
    Bala sharks are native to the clean, freshwater rivers and lakes of Southeast Asia, including around the Malay Peninsula, in the Chao Phraya and Mekong basins, and in the waters surrounding Sumatra and Borneo. Bala sharks are an endangered species that are rarely found i…
  • Adult Size & Lifespan
    Bala sharks grow up to 14 inches long. Female bala sharks stop growing before the males, so male bala sharks are longer than females. Female bala sharks have rounder bellies than males. The average lifespan of a bala shark is between eight and ten years.
See more on fishkeepingworld.com

Appearance & Behavior

  • Bala sharks have long, silver bodies with bold, pointed fins. They are peaceful fish with laid-back personalities.
See more on fishkeepingworld.com

Bala Shark Care & Tank Requirements

  • Caring for bala sharks is easy as long as you provide stable water conditions and enough space for these active swimmers to explore. House bala sharks in a freshwater tank and feed them an omnivorous diet.
See more on fishkeepingworld.com

Tank Mates

  • Bala sharks are peaceful fish that can be housed with other medium-to-large, peaceful fish. Don’t house them with aggressive or carnivorous fish like neon tetras. Don’t add non-fish species like shrimps and crabs to a bala shark tank, because they are known to eat crustaceans. Great tank mates for bala sharks include: 1. Other bala sharks — bala sharks are shoaling fish that should b…
See more on fishkeepingworld.com

Diet and Feeding

  • In the wild, the bala shark’s diet consists of insects, small crustaceans, plant matter, algae, and larvae. Provide a similarly varied diet in captivity with a combination of live and dried foods. High-quality dried food, like flakes and pellets, should make up the bulk of the bala shark’s diet. Look for nutritious foods that provide the vitamins, minerals, and proteins needed for these fish to gro…
See more on fishkeepingworld.com

Breeding

  • Breeding bala sharks is moderately difficult and best attempted by aquarists with fish-breeding experience. Bala sharks become sexually mature at around six months old, or when the fish have grown to four inches long. To breed bala sharks, follow these steps: 1. Place a group of five bala sharks in a separate 65-gallon breeding tank with a temperature of 77°F and a strong filter. Kee…
See more on fishkeepingworld.com

Should You Get A Bala Shark For Your Aquarium?

  • Bala sharks are unique-looking fish that provide plenty of entertainment in a home aquarium. You should get a bala shark if you have plenty of space for at least five of these active shoaling fish. Don’t get a bala shark if your tank is small or contains large predatory fish. Despite needing a larger tank than most aquarium fish, bala sharks are peaceful and beautiful to look at, making th…
See more on fishkeepingworld.com

1.Bala shark - Wikipedia

Url:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bala_shark

29 hours ago  · The Bala shark is a type of minnow, commonly called the tricolor shark, shark minnow, or silver shark. Besides the aquarium labeled name, Bala sharks are not a true species …

2.Bala Shark (Silver Shark) Size, Tank, Food, Lifespan & More

Url:https://www.fishkeepingworld.com/bala-shark/

20 hours ago  · Like all sharks, balas have a series of small movements called “twitch” that help them move through the water. However, the twitch of the Bala shark is particularly noticeable …

3.Videos of Is A Bala Shark A Shark

Url:/videos/search?q=is+a+bala+shark+a+shark&qpvt=is+a+bala+shark+a+shark&FORM=VDRE

4 hours ago  · The Bala Shark Is a Popular and Hardy Freshwater Fish in the Aquarium Hobby. Their color, shape, and mouth give them a shark-like appearance, but Bala sharks are not sharks; …

4.Bala Shark: Care, Temperament & Breeding - Fishtank …

Url:https://fishtank.expert/bala-shark/

31 hours ago Sharks are considered to be giant-sized marine creatures, and when you think of petting a shark, there are only a few species that come into your mind, and one of them is known as the Bala …

5.What Do Bala Sharks Eat? - AZ Animals

Url:https://a-z-animals.com/blog/what-do-bala-sharks-eat/

21 hours ago The Bala Shark is distinct in its appearance with a shiny silver body and yellow and black dorsal and caudal fins. Although this species is called a Bala Shark, it is actually a type of minnow. - …

6.Bala Sharks for Sale: Order Bala Sharks Online | Petco

Url:https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/bala-shark

21 hours ago Net Worth of Bala Bangles. During the Shark Tank pitch the company was valued at $4 million, after acquisition by the two Sharks the company was valued at $3 million and they had make …

7.Bala Bangles Shark Tank Update| Bala Bangles after …

Url:https://biznewske.com/bala-bangles-shark-tank-update/

32 hours ago

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9