Bala Shark: The Graceful Giant of Freshwater Aquariums

June 13, 2025 / Data0 QPSL /

The Bala Shark, also known as the silver shark, is one of the most stunning fish you can add to a freshwater aquarium. With its shiny body, smooth swimming style, and black-edged fins, this fish grabs attention right away. Even though it’s called a shark, it isn’t related to real sharks. It’s a peaceful and social species that grows much bigger than many other common aquarium fish, which is why it’s often called the “graceful giant.”

This article will walk you through everything you need to know about caring for Bala Sharks—from their looks and behavior to their tank setup and food. Whether you’re new to fishkeeping or looking to upgrade your tank, this guide will help you understand why Bala Sharks are so popular among aquarium lovers.

Meet the Bala Shark

The Bala Shark’s scientific name is Balantiocheilos melanopterus. It comes from rivers and lakes in Southeast Asia, especially in countries like Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Even though it has “shark” in its name, it doesn’t have anything in common with the sharks in the ocean. It’s named that way because of its shape and the tall fin on its back, which looks a lot like a shark’s dorsal fin.

How They Look

Bala Sharks have long, smooth bodies that shine with a silver glow. Their fins—especially the top, bottom, and tail ones—have black edges with some white or yellow mixed in. Young Bala Sharks may only be a few inches long, but with time and proper care, they can reach lengths of about a foot or more.

Because of their size, they are better suited for large tanks. Their striking appearance and calm personality make them a favorite choice for hobbyists who can give them enough space.

Behavior and Personality

These fish are always on the move. They are very active swimmers and love exploring their tanks. Bala Sharks aren’t aggressive and usually get along with other peaceful fish. But since they swim quickly and grow big, they might scare or bump into smaller, slower fish by accident.

Bala Sharks are happiest when they’re part of a group. They enjoy the company of their own kind and do best when kept in schools of three or more. If you keep only one, it might become stressed or hide all the time.

What Kind of Tank Do Bala Sharks Need?

Because of their size and activity, Bala Sharks need a large home with room to swim freely. Here’s what their tank should include:

Tank Size

  • Minimum: 125 gallons for a group of 3 to 5
  • Shape: Long tanks are better than tall ones

Water Conditions

  • Temperature: 72°F to 82°F (22°C to 28°C)
  • pH: Between 6.5 and 8.0
  • Water Hardness: Medium
  • Filter: Strong filters to keep the water clean and oxygen levels high

Decor and Setup

  • Use sand or soft gravel as the bottom layer
  • Add decorations like driftwood, plants (real or fake), and rocks
  • Leave plenty of open space for swimming
  • Always use a lid—Bala Sharks are strong jumpers!

Feeding Your Bala Shark

Bala Sharks eat both meat and plants, making them omnivores. In nature, they eat small bugs, worms, and plant matter. In your tank, they’ll enjoy many kinds of food.

Safe Foods to Give Them

  • Flakes or sinking pellets made for tropical fish
  • Frozen or live food such as brine shrimp or bloodworms
  • Soft vegetables like boiled peas, spinach, or zucchini
  • Algae wafers

Feed them once or twice daily. Give only what they can finish in a couple of minutes. Leftover food will rot and make the tank dirty.

Who Can Live With Bala Sharks?

Since Bala Sharks are peaceful, they can live with many other friendly fish—as long as the tank is big enough and the other fish aren’t too small or aggressive.

Good Companions

  • Rainbowfish
  • Gouramis
  • Tinfoil Barbs
  • Plecos
  • Large Danios
  • Other Bala Sharks

Fish to Avoid

  • Very small fish like Guppies or Neon Tetras (they could be mistaken for snacks!)
  • Aggressive fish like Cichlids or Bettas

Common Health Problems

When Bala Sharks are cared for properly, they are generally healthy. But, like all fish, they can get sick if the water is dirty or if they are stressed.

Some Issues to Watch For

  • White spots (Ich): A skin problem caused by stress or cold water
  • Fungus: Looks like white fuzz on their body or fins
  • Fin rot: Fins start to tear or look ragged
  • Swim trouble: Fish floats oddly or can’t stay upright, often due to food issues

How to Keep Them Healthy

  • Clean the tank regularly
  • Don’t overcrowd the tank
  • Avoid sudden water changes
  • Quarantine new fish before adding them to the tank

Can You Breed Bala Sharks at Home?

In most home tanks, Bala Sharks don’t breed. They need huge tanks and special water conditions that are hard to create at home. In fish farms, special techniques (like hormones) are sometimes used to help them breed.

If you’re a beginner, it’s better to focus on caring for them rather than trying to breed them.

The Good and the Not-So-Good

Why People Love Bala Sharks

  • They are calm and peaceful
  • Their silver color is beautiful
  • They’re fun to watch swim
  • They live for many years (8–10 with care)

Things to Think About

  • Need large tanks
  • Can grow very big
  • May jump, so a lid is a must
  • Hard to breed at home

Quick Tips for New Owners

  • Always keep more than one Bala Shark
  • Make sure your tank is large enough
  • Use a secure lid to stop jumping
  • Keep water clean and at the right temperature
  • Feed them a mix of food
  • Watch for signs of stress or sickness

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How big can Bala Sharks get?

They can grow to about 12 inches (30 cm) or more. That’s why they need very large tanks to stay happy and healthy.

2. Do Bala Sharks need friends?

Yes, they are social and feel safer in groups. Try to keep at least 3 to 5 together.

3. Are Bala Sharks mean or dangerous to other fish?

No, they are peaceful. But they might accidentally scare or chase smaller fish due to their size and speed.

4. Can Bala Sharks jump out of the tank?

Yes, they can! Always keep a tight lid on the tank to prevent them from leaping out.

5. What do Bala Sharks eat?

They eat flakes, pellets, live foods like brine shrimp, and veggies like peas or spinach.

Final Thoughts

Bala Sharks are stunning fish with calm personalities and graceful movement. They are a great choice for fish keepers who can provide a large enough tank and are willing to care for them long-term. While they do need a bit more space and attention than smaller fish, the beauty and elegance they bring are well worth it.

If you want a peaceful, active fish that makes your aquarium stand out, the Bala Shark might be your perfect match.