All of these levels can be easily monitored with a thermometer and a basic water testing kit. Today, Bala Sharks are considered an endangered species of fish and are thought to have become rare or extinct in many of their original freshwater habitats. Since then, I have been involved with this hobby. Then, treat with over-the-counter medication. Bala sharks can grow to be about 12 inches long. I just got a Bala shark wrongly labeled as a black fin shark in a tiny tank with a sucker fish. The fish ram themselves into the tanks walls. Hi! Maybe he's just stressed from all the bagging, was he acting normal in the petstore tanks? All you need to provide them with sufficient lighting is a basic freshwater lamp that shouldnt cost you much money at all. Breeding bala sharks is moderately difficult and best attempted by aquarists with fish-breeding experience. The exact tank size thats best for Bala Sharks is somewhat debated in the aquarium community. With ich, fish owners might begin to notice that the fish rub up against objects due to the itching. Complete Guide to Feeding Your Pet GoldfishNovember 1, 2018 RobertFreshwater FishThe Ultimate Roseline Shark Care GuideApril 24, 2021 Robert. Bala Sharks tend to spawn in the morning, and this process can take several hours. Theyre such active fish that theres a good chance they will jump from time to time. Dropsy can happen for a variety of reasons, but its usually an indication of other problems, such as poor water quality, malfunctioning liver, or bacterial infections. Clown Loaches are one of the most popular freshwater fish in the aquarium scene. Raise the water temperature to 82o F for three days. 7. The information, content, and material contained on the site is intended to be of a general nature only and is not intended to constitute professional/medical advice. Keeping one bala shark in a tank is a significant stressor. The lifespan of a Bala Shark can be up to 10 years with the proper care. Overfishing for the aquarium trade and forest fires in 1975 are two possible causes for the decrease in the wild population of bala sharks. When it comes to plants and decor, bala sharks arent too fussy. Some may use hardwood and baking soda to adjust the pH naturally, but pH kits are easier and safer. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. The Bala Shark, scientific name Balantiocheilos Melanopterus, isn't really an actual shark but was named as such because of its appearance, which features silver coloring and tall dorsal fins. In addition to their dry food, Bala sharks need live protein. As such, its not uncommon to see them twitching around while they are trying to understand and get to know your aquarium. We earn commissions when you buy through our links. Fish with Ich have white spots on their scales and are often seen flashing (or scratching) against rough surfaces in the tank. Some stress-inducing conditions include: Suddenly changing the water temperature or pH Transfering your Bala shark to a new tank with different water conditions Adding aggressive fish species to the tank Your Bala's tank should be large and lengthy, as they are aggressive swimmers. To breed your Bala Sharks, it is recommended that you determine the sex of the fish if possible. It is crucial to give the fish enough space and room to swim during this process. Great tank mates for bala sharks include: In the wild, the bala sharks diet consists of insects, small crustaceans, plant matter, algae, and larvae. Theyre colored yellow, black and gray, and they can grow up to 12 inches, or 25-30 cm, in length making them relatively large for an aquarium fish. After the spawning and fertilization takes place, it is necessary to then remove the parent fish from the tank. Fun Fish Tank Themes 15 Creative Ideas For Your Aquarium! How to tell if a Bala shark is dying? When alone, they are more likely to act a bit more aggressive. There are special nets that can be placed at the very bottom of the aquarium that makes it easier to spot signs of spawning. After all, these fish will be kept in 150-gallon tanks. Youd need a bigger heater, filter, and pump, all of which require energy to run. Instead, the tricolored fish, also known as "Balantiocheilos melanopterus", have an average lifespan of 6 to 10 years. In todays guide, well take a closer look at Bala Shark diseases, their causes, and how to manage them. All fish are stressed by being netted and moved to a new environment, and many take time to regain their normal behaviours. Bala sharks have gray or silver bodies with long, pointed yellow or gray fins edged with black.Bala sharks are popular with aquarists due to their shark-like body shapes and striking fin patterns. My name is Jeff, and my goal with this site is to share everything I've learned over the years about caring for aquatic life. However, this isnt actually the case. This fish is well known for its congenial manner, and they tend to do well living with many other different fish species. I see nothing in the video that would cause me to do anything but leave it alone to recover, and hopefully it will. And it will eat smaller fish. If you have just 1 bala shark, its not really surprising it gets stressed, and stress can lead to other ill health issues. Learn how your comment data is processed. The fishs ventral fins are small and colored black or gray. The fishs ventral fins are small and colored black or gray. Rubber Bands In Aquariums? To treat dropsy, add teaspoon of Epsom salt to every five gallons of water in the tank, and speak to your veterinarian about antibacterial medication for the disease. To treat ich, you must isolate the infected fish in a separate tank. These fish are sensitive to changing water parameters, so maintaining consistent water parameters and carrying out regular 2030% water changes are essential to prevent disease and stress. This is true especially if kept with smaller fish who cant hold their own. At first we thought it was sand or gravel . Dont 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 them a fantastic choice for people who have enough tank space to house the species.Related ArticlesFreshwater FishIridescent Shark Care Guide & Species ProfileDecember 14, 2018 RobertFreshwater FishRed Tail Shark Care Guide & Species ProfileJanuary 27, 2022 RobertFreshwater FishThe Clown Loach Care Guide: A Playful Bottom Dweller For Community TanksJuly 13, 2019 RobertFreshwater FishThe Complete Guide to Rosy Red Minnows CareJanuary 26, 2021 RobertFish Care & BreedingWhat Do Goldfish Eat? Personally, however, we prefer to go with the large tank right away. Bala sharks become sexually mature at around six months old, or when the fish have grown to four inches long.Advertisementsif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'fishkeepingworld_com-leader-3','ezslot_16',119,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishkeepingworld_com-leader-3-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'fishkeepingworld_com-leader-3','ezslot_17',119,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishkeepingworld_com-leader-3-0_1');.leader-3-multi-119{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:50px;padding-bottom:10px!important;padding-top:10px!important;text-align:center!important}To breed bala sharks, follow these steps:Place a group of five bala sharks in a separate 65-gallon breeding tank with a temperature of 77F and a strong filter. Bala sharks can be purchased online easily, but the fish are difficult to find in small, local fish stores. Just be sure to choose items that are safe for aquarium use, as some may contain toxic chemicals that can harm your fish. Can Twitching Be A Negative Bala Shark Behavior? Jeff has always enjoyed having pets, but as a child, he was drawn to his familys fish tank. You may need to contact the manufacturers directly to get an exact GPH rating, especially as many filters will not be able to handle this large of a tank. In reality, they belong to a family of fishes known as carps and minnows. In this article, well look at everything there is to know about bala sharks. Your email address will not be published. Sep 25, 2011. Some external infections may also cause scale loss, but its usually accompanied by other alarming symptoms like bleeding and deformation. These should be avoided or closely monitored to ensure that your Bala Shark is safe with their tankmates. The answer to that last question is a definitive no, but well also answer every other question in this in-depth article! Im currently looking for a MUCH bigger tank cause I dont like how small the one it came in is, Im very open to more tips as I want to make sure this guy gets the best. As a shoaling fish, the bala shark feels most comfortable when housed with at least four other fish of its kind.Bala sharks are fast, active swimmers that dart around the middle of the tank. The typical lifespan of a Bala shark is known to be 10 years. Always inquire whether a specific smaller fish is the ideal tank buddy before adding to the tank. Despite needing a larger tank than most aquarium fish, bala sharks are peaceful and beautiful to look at, making them a fantastic choice for people who have enough tank space to house the species. Bala sharks grow quickly, and replacing several smaller tanks is extremely tedious. Theres also no need to fill bala sharks tanks with rocks or plants. They can jump quite high, and are known to escape aquariums by doing so. After this happens, it is usually recommended that the tanks air/water filtration system be switched to a single sponge type filter that is placed internally to keep the small fry from being sucked in. Think carefully before choosing tank mates for your bala sharks, as they might stress them and make them uncomfortable. One that seems to have developed a bright red area at the base of it's dorsal fin. Conclusion. In Bala Sharks, cloudy eyes are not a disease but rather a symptom of many conditions and diseases. Remember to remove the carbon filter during treatment because itll absorb the medication, rendering it useless. By mindyt5, 2 years ago on Tropical Fish. Females often have a slightly rounded belly area and body type. Therefore, these active swimmers are most at home in freshwater tanks that replicate these water conditions. These peaceful shoaling fish are less aggressive and territorial than actual freshwater sharks..toc_container ol li a{}.toc_container ol li{font-size:16px;margin:0;padding:0;line-height:32px}.toc_container ol{}.toc_container{margin-bottom:1.75em;padding:.75em;background-color:#f8f9fc}.toc_container h4{margin:15px}.oftoc2col ol{-webkit-column-count:2;-moz-column-count:2;column-count:2;-moz-column-fill:balance;column-fill:balance}.toc_container ol li a{color:#008bac}.toc_container ol li a:hover{text-decoration:none}.toc_container ol li{font-size:16px;margin:0;padding:0;line-height:30px}.toc_container{margin-top:1.25em;margin-bottom:2em;padding:1em;border:2px solid #f1f7f8;background-color:#fff;margin-left:0;margin-right:1%}.toc_container h4{margin-bottom:12px}TABLE OF CONTENTSBala Shark Facts & OverviewAppearance & BehaviorBala Shark Care & Tank RequirementsTank MatesDiet and FeedingBreedingShould You Get a Bala Shark for Your Aquarium?Bala Shark Facts & OverviewScientific name:Balantiocheilos melanopterusCommon namesBala shark, silver shark, tricolor shark, tricolor sharkminnowDistribution:Southeast AsiaSize:Up to 14 inchesLife expectancy:Up to 10 yearsColor:Silver with gray or yellow and black finsDiet:OmnivoreTemperament:PeacefulMinimum tank size:120 gallonsTemperature:7282F (2228C)pH:6.08.0Hardness:512 dGHCare level:EasyBreeding:Egg-layerOriginBala 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.Advertisementsif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'fishkeepingworld_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_1',133,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishkeepingworld_com-medrectangle-3-0');Bala sharks are an endangered species that are rarely found in the wild. I decided that since it is a schooling fish that can get to a foot long, and my biggest tank is only 4 feet long that it would be best not to go that route. Treat ich by removing the affected fish and placing them in a quarantine tank containing water that is a couple of degrees warmer than the home tanks temperature. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. Since the fish stops eating, its growth is stunned and its immunity is compromised. All information, content, materials on this site, or obtained from a website to which the site is linked are provided to you as is without warranty of any kind either express or implied. I also have some platys. Isolate the dancing pair and place them in a 60-gallon breeding tank. Provide a similarly varied diet in captivity with a combination of live and dried foods.Advertisementsif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'fishkeepingworld_com-leader-2','ezslot_14',136,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishkeepingworld_com-leader-2-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'fishkeepingworld_com-leader-2','ezslot_15',136,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishkeepingworld_com-leader-2-0_1');.leader-2-multi-136{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:50px;padding-bottom:10px!important;padding-top:10px!important;text-align:center!important}High-quality dried food, like flakes and pellets, should make up the bulk of the bala sharks diet. I had no idea that he would get this big. As a shoaling fish, the bala shark feels most comfortable when housed with at least four other fish of its kind. Partly due to their potential for growing quite large, they might be prone to hogging the food when it comes to food. In most cases, Bala Sharks will play dead when they go into shock, which is somewhat similar to humans fainting. Plant vegetation around the edges of the tank to prevent disruption to the swimming areas.Bala sharks are known to jump out of the tank, especially when settling into their new environment, so a secure lid on top of the tank is essential.Tank ConditionsThe ideal tank conditions for bala sharks are:Advertisementsif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'fishkeepingworld_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_10',115,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishkeepingworld_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'fishkeepingworld_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_11',115,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishkeepingworld_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0_1');.large-mobile-banner-1-multi-115{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:50px;padding-bottom:10px!important;padding-top:10px!important;text-align:center!important}Water type:Neutral, fast-flowing freshwaterTank size:Minimum 150 gallons, plus 45 gallons for every extra fishWater temperature:7282FSubstrate:Pebbles or mudTank setup:Plants, rootsAcidity:6.08.0 pHWater hardness:512 dGHFilter:Yes, to provide a fast current that mimics the current in the fishs natural habitatPump:Pumps contribute to a fast-flowing current, but arent essentialBubbler:No, additional aeration from a bubbler isnt necessaryLighting:Yes, a freshwater aquarium light should provide at least 8 hours of light per day, to encourage plant growth and provide a day-to-night cycleWater heater:Yes, to provide consistently warm waters for this tropical fishThe essentials for a bala sharks tank are a powerful external filter, natural tank lighting, and a high-quality water heater.These fish are sensitive to changing water parameters, so maintaining consistent water parameters and carrying out regular 2030% water changes are essential to prevent disease and stress.DiseaseBala sharks arent vulnerable to specific diseases, but there are several freshwater diseases that affect these fish when they are housed in poor tank conditions.DropsyDropsy is a buildup of fluid inside the fish and is usually a symptom of a bacterial or parasitic infection. To avoid this scenario, always have several of them as they travel together in schools when in natural environments. How should you size the filter? It can be assumed that since other fish do it, its just one of those many quirks that make fish such fascinating animals. These fish do not need special foods or supplements, and fish owners should simply strive to feed them a balanced diet for continued good health. If your bala shark is constantly twitching, and it seems to be nonstop, be sure to check for other signs that something might not be right with them. Add one teaspoon of salt per one gallon of water in the tank.Tank MatesBala sharks are peaceful fish that can be housed with other medium-to-large, peaceful fish. Wanda is a second-generation aquarist from the sunny tropics of Malaysia. Bala sharks do not protect their young, so it is important to remove the parents from the tank. Choosing the right tank that provides them with enough space and maintaining a healthy and suitable environment will protect your bala sharks from stress and keep them in good health. Use veterinarian-approved medications or insecticides to kill parasites. from getting diseases is to keep the water as clean as possible and provide an environment where they do not experience stress, anxiety, or distress. Home Aquatic Problems & Solutions Clear Signs of Stress in Bala Sharks. Most experts agree that Bala Shark care is relatively easy if the fish owner has some basic knowledge of fish care. The process of being bagged up, taken home, and added to an aquarium they arent used to is a lot of rapid change for a bala shark. . I took it back and got 10 Red Minor Tetras instead, don't know much about them but I enjoy watching schools! With a little bit of care and dedication, your bala sharks should thrive in your tank! These fish can grow to be large, and they like being able to swim. You can leave the room light on. When buying a bala shark, make sure the fish has been bred in captivity, to protect the species wild populations.The typical cost of a bala shark is $7 to $10. Finally, if you want to add a bit of color and texture to your aquarium, consider adding plastic plants, artificial rocks, and other decorations. An unclean environment is a frequent stressor of all fish, so proper testing of nutrients within the water as well as any potential build up is needed often. Is it possible it is an injured area or is there some disease that may cause this? I have a 5ft tank with a mixture of gourami (honey pearl and blue dwarf). However, if you see this happening, you must investigate the reason, as Bala Sharks dont do it on purpose. Sores and ulcers on the body and head, ragged, bloody fins. As you can see, most Bala Shark diseases are caused by poor water quality, whether due to contamination or keeping the fish in unfavorable conditions. ), Fish Hiding Behind The Filter? #1 I have two Bala sharks. The bala sharks small, closely-packed scales are iridescent, meaning that they reflect light as the fish moves, creating a shimmering appearance. Follow the steps below: Test the water to ensure the conditions are ideal and that there's enough open space for the shark to swim around freely. One more comment/question would a Bala shark be okay living with an Oscar fish? In the pet store, Bala sharks are sold when they are very young and only measure one or two inches. My rainbow shark and bala shark are swimming at the top of the tank gasping. Bala Sharks are prone to external parasites, which are parasites that attach themselves directly to the body of the fish or its gills for nutrition. And there you have it! Finally, Bala sharks need a nutritious source of plant matter. 30 Gallon Tank = 1 lonely and stressed Bala shark 55 Gallon Tanks = 2 Bala sharks that could get aggressive with each other for territory 100-150 gallon Tanks = 3-6 Bala sharks . Bala sharks can be affected by several external parasites, including anchor worms, fish lice, and flukes. Being able to consistently keep the pH right in the middle of this range (somewhere just above 7) will give you a safe window of flux in the event that any out of the ordinary water changes happen in your tank. Dont house them with aggressive or carnivorous fish like neon tetras. Make sure to opt for a heater thats rated for the size of your bala fish tank 150 gallons, per our minimum tank size recommendation. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. For example, the oxygen levels are extremely low in the water due to broken pumps or bubblers. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Fish owners should also be aware that these relatively frisky fish tend to move around and swim for hours. Bala sharks are some of the most difficult fish to breed, as they take a while to reach sexual maturity. Although bala sharks are prone to stress, you can do several things to make them feel better. [Top 8 Fish That Do! Oh yeah the only other fish I have in there are 4 tiger barbs, a small piece, and algae eater. The safe range for this is somewhere between 6.5 and 8 pH. Bad water quality symtoms are darting, loss of scales, looking pale, gasping, laboured breathing, flicking and rubbing, red gills, purple gills, turning upside down, sores, red streaking. All these parasites come with new additions to the tank, whether its water, food, new fish, etc. Bala Sharks can be somewhat vulnerable if their tank water becomes dirty or when the tank water level lowers. If you have other fish in the aquarium that may potentially pose a threat to them, they might exhibit behaviors such as twitching in an effort to keep those fish away. And one from these pair chase other two and when other fish comes near them it chase them too. Fishkeeping World is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and any other affiliated sites. Fill the tank with dechlorinated water, and let the tank cycle for a few weeks. Bala sharks become sexually mature at around six months old, or when the fish have grown to four inches long. Bala sharks hail from the fast-flowing rivers of Southeast Asia. Decades of movie-watching have created a misconception that all sharks are aggressive fish that will nip your fingers off if you put them in your tank. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Bala sharks have long, torpedo-shaped, silvery-gray bodies with silver or yellow fins edged with black. Fully-grown bala sharks should be housed in a tank of at least 150 gallons, at least 5 feet across. Its a good idea to check your other fish for signs of sickness, and check that your plants arent rotting in the water. I enjoyed the information about our daughters new pets. An appropriate temperature range is 72 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (22.2 to 26.7 degrees Celsius). After the female has laid eggs along the bottom of the tank, the male will fertilize the eggs with milt. He is also a proud member of the, Fishkeeping Worlds 4-in-1 Bundle Set eBook. In general, you should opt for tropical fish species that grow to at least 4 inches in length. On Avid Aquarist, Jeff shares everything hes learned about helping aquatic life survive and thrive in a home aquarium. Some people find an automatic fish feeder useful in maintaining a consistent feeding schedule. This includes red patches, skin ulcers, bloody fins, deformed scales, blisters, or sores. If you choose to have bala sharks in an aquarium with other fish of its kind or other fish that you know they can get along with, youre going to need a very big aquarium. Theres no simple answer, but there are a lot of assumptions made about this behavioral tendency. However, we recommend testing the feeder out first. Here's How To Setup The Air Pump, Air Stone, & Sponge Filter For Aquarium. The general procedure to eliminate these parasites is by isolating the fish, administering the right treatment, and disinfecting the fish tank. Tankarium is reader-supported. With 8 or more Bala Sharks and a suitable . As such, some assume that twitching is a sign of nervousness. Interested males and females will spawn early in the morning, lasting for a couple of hours. Here are some reasons why your fish might be stressed. The bala shark is a freshwater species of the Cyprinidae family. It might become necessary to move some to other tanks to ensure enough room for growth and movement.
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