Bala shark
Balantiocheilos melanopterus
FishFreshwater
- Care level
- Moderate
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Recommended tank
- 600 L
- Maximum size
- 35 cm
- Temperature
- 22–28 °C
- pH
- 6–8
- Group size
- ≥ 5
- Diet
- Omnivore
Care at a glance
The bala shark from South-East Asia is silvery with black-edged fins and has the streamlined shape that earned it its name; a shark it is of course not. It is often sold as a small fish of a few centimetres, but grows into one of many tens of centimetres.
It is a genuine shoaling fish that turns nervous when kept alone, so you need room both for the size and for the group. It is also an excellent jumper, so a tight-fitting cover is no detail with this species.
Good to know
Related species
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Values are mainstream hobbyist guidance, not gospel — always watch what your own animals need.