A substantial fish, this cyprinid is a unique shark. In the wild, Bala Sharks thrive in Malaysia, Thailand, Borneo, Sumatra, and Southeast Asia. Bala Sharks are distinctive for the interesting pattern on their fins and tail. The pattern is an aqua-blue color and a bold black stripe at the edge of each fin. Their body, though, is solid. At a pet store, you can't miss them if you memorize this color pattern.Like most aquatic sharks, Bala sharks can be large. As juveniles, the Bala Shark can grow up to four inches, and if you're thinking about getting one, this is perhaps juveniles are the most appropriate size. But with proper care, the Bala Shark can grow ten inches longer, measuring up to fourteen inches! So be prepared before purchasing a Bala Shark. Due to their size, Bala Sharks need a large aquarium and the water temperature should be kept at 72-82 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure you have a freshwater environment, too. Space needed varies on the fish or the amount of decorations or other Bala Sharks in the aquarium. This can be a major concern because Bala Sharks like to be kept in large groups. So consider about the space you have in an aquarium before getting a Bala Shark.
Although it has the word "shark" in the species' name, Bala Sharks are not assertive. And the other thing not so shark-like about the Bala, is that they are serious herbivores. Bala Sharks are serious plant-eaters, and live for them. So be careful, because plastic, decorative plants in the aquarium may make them sick if a Bala Shark eats it thinking it's food. Also, Bala Sharks may eat live plants in the fish tank as well. If this is okay, get lots of extra living plants for these sharks to eat. Any commercial fish food containing vegetables that are non-toxic to fish are also okay, too.
Because Bala Sharks are very demanding, they're more on the intermediate side of the fish difficulty ranking. So if you're breeding Bala Sharks or are adopting Bala Sharks, make sure you know what you're doing when you plan on getting a Bala Shark. Overall, if you have what it takes, Bala Sharks are amazing fish to have in your aquarium!
Did you know: More Juvenile Bala Sharks are sold than adult Bala Sharks?
