4. They make an excellent addition to an aquarium due in part to their mild-temperament as well as their beauty and grace. 5. All-in-all, the Bala Shark makes an excellent addition to almost any freshwater tank. Raise the water temperature to 82o F for three days. And will they nip your fingers off? You should avoid filling the tank with big or aggressive fish that might startle your bala sharks. I mostly have gold fish. Check that the heater, pump, and filter are all working properly. So, lets dive in. Additionally, youll want a filter that can handle a large volume of water and has a good filtration capacity. Bala sharks are timid and easily scared, and spend a lot of time hiding in caves and behind plants. Copyright 2022 - Fishkeeping World - All Rights Reserved, Robert Woods is the creator of FishKeeping World, a third-generation fish keeper, and a graduate in animal welfare and behavior. Best Tank: SC Aquariums 150-gallons Starfire Glass Aquarium, Best Heater: AQQA 1200 Watt Submersible Heater. Best Substrate For Planted Tank The Key To Awesome Aquascape, Best Low And Medium Light Aquarium Plants, Dwarf Hairgrass: Planting, Carpeting, And Care. I also have some platys. We earn commissions when you buy through our links. Since these fish come from a tropical environment, and will be living in a large tank, they'll need a good heater to keep the large amount of water at the right temperature. However, if you see this happening, you must investigate the reason, as Bala Sharks dont do it on purpose. They can actually get along with a plethora of other types of fish. Just keep it on for a third of the day (or eight hours) and you will have very happy fish! The water hardness is the last key piece of the puzzle when it comes to water levels. Inspired by my Dad, I got interested in fishkeeping when I was a kid. Disclosure: Our website is reader-supported. However, this is not absolutely necessary, and many fish owners simply leave the bottom floor area clear for better viewing. Ich is one of the most common skin diseases amongst captive freshwater fish. Like all types of fish, bala sharks need proper care to thrive in their surroundings. The fishs ventral fins are small and colored black or gray. Use veterinarian-approved medications or insecticides to kill parasites. Bala sharks can be purchased online easily, but the fish are difficult to find in small, local fish stores. 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. Although bala sharks are big fish, theyre docile and peaceful. Clown Loach Care: Tank Size, Food, Lifespan, Tank Mates, Dojo Loach Care 101 (aka Weather Or Pond Loach), Sohal Tang Care Guide: Diet, Mates, Tank Size & Breeding, Chevron Tang Care Guide: Lifespan, Diet, Mates & Tanks, Clown Tang Care: Diet, Tank Size, Mates and Breeding. Bala sharks are popular with aquarists due to their shark-like body shapes and striking fin patterns. The following reasons may be the answer to why your stressed Bala shark is losing color: . If this fish is on its own, that will cause additional stress. Bala sharks have sensitive eyes that see better in tannin-rich waters. There are some larger fish species that tend to be predators (like cichlids). These omnivores enjoy a wide variety of flake foods and live protein, and will be happy with pretty much anything you can find in your local fish stores! You should prioritize functionality and practicality in your decor choices. 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 Remember the weight of the water will add up quickly, so make sure the surface is strong enough to support the weight. Aquatic plants can also be added to the tank for additional oxygenation. Make sure to remove any dead parasites and clean the tank to prevent re-infection. Does anyon know who would take him for me and give him more room to enjoy? Your Bala shark could be under stress and it may lead to color loss. Given the depth of the average bala shark tank, youll want to ensure that the light rays reach the floor of your tank, where some plants may be located. We may earn a small commission through products purchased using links on this page. 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. You can buy them from the following reputable online stores: Bala sharks have long, silver bodies with bold, pointed fins. In terms of pH and water hardness, Bala sharks are pretty adaptable. Excess lights may cause your Bala shark unnecessary stress and cause them to hide frequently. Aggressive and non-compatible tank mates can make bala sharks stressed. Make sure that every new arrival has been properly quarantined for at least two weeks. Providing your fish with extra care and keeping . If you want to keep Gouramis with a Bala Shark, choose larger species too. The fluid buildup may also cause the eyes to bulge, the scales to point outwards, and the fins to clamp together. Also, the Bala Shark itself can become prone to stress if there are no places in the tank where they can hide when desired. Treat with a formalin or malachite green-based medication. My rainbow shark and bala shark are swimming at the top of the tank gasping. 2. This can happen due to medical conditions, such as neurological infections that attack their central nervous systems. Add substrate, live plants, and other tank decors. Monitoring this helps to ensure that they are getting the right food portions. This condition causes water buildup inside the fishs body cavities, which results in belly swelling. Well, a good rule of thumb is to opt for something with a flow rate thats 6 times the size of your tank. You can easily find them in pet stores. All Rights Reserved. Female bala sharks stop growing before the males, so male bala sharks are longer than females. One more comment/question would a Bala shark be okay living with an Oscar fish? Each bala shark is different in how often they might twitch. The most popular viral infection in Bala Sharks is Lymphocystis. Youd need a bigger heater, filter, and pump, all of which require energy to run. You should keep at least five or six balas in the same tank. Obviously, the more fish you have, the more room they will need. 1. Its body is lighter gray at the top than at the bottom.Advertisementsif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'fishkeepingworld_com-banner-1','ezslot_4',145,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishkeepingworld_com-banner-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'fishkeepingworld_com-banner-1','ezslot_5',145,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishkeepingworld_com-banner-1-0_1');.banner-1-multi-145{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}The bala sharks small, closely-packed scales are iridescent, meaning that they reflect light as the fish moves, creating a shimmering appearance.Typical BehaviorThe bala shark is a peaceful fish that gets along well with other peaceful species in a community tank. So do I need to remove other two of them or completely take them out? The general procedure to eliminate these parasites is by isolating the fish, administering the right treatment, and disinfecting the fish tank. A lot of Bala Shark owners reported that their fish play dead by floating upside down near the waters surface. Overall, you should be feeding yours 3 times a day. Bala Shark Tank Size and Specifications . This one causes irregular wart-like growth scattered across the fishs body. Please avoid nippy fish even if these fish dont hurt your bala sharks in any material way, their presence will serve as a constant source of stress for these gentle giants. I have a beautiful Bala shark in my 35 gallon tank. The male will then fertilize the eggs by releasing his milt over the eggs. The average lifespan of a bala shark is between eight and ten years. External parasites can be seen attached to the body or gills of the fish, and are introduced to the tank through new fish, live foods, or plants.Use veterinarian-approved medications or insecticides to kill parasites. How many sharks do you have and how big is the tank? With ich, fish owners might begin to notice that the fish rub up against objects due to the itching. Twitching can also help deter any predators from coming near them. No additional supplements are required as long as the fish has a balanced, diverse diet. 6. Bala Shark Habitat and Tank Conditions Tank size. On Avid Aquarist, Jeff shares everything hes learned about helping aquatic life survive and thrive in a home aquarium. WILDER Retired Moderator Retired Moderator Joined Overfishing for the aquarium trade and forest fires in 1975 are two possible causes for the decrease in the wild population of bala sharks.The natural habitat of the bala shark is warm and densely vegetated, with a muddy, pebbly substrate. This means that the fish should be kept separated in another tank before they reach puberty. Anubias Has Holes In Leaves? Reduced immunity due to other diseases or poor nutrition. Fish infected with Ich develop a sprinkling of tiny white spots on their fins, gill covers, and bodies. However, a few plants, like anubias, can make them feel more at home in captivity and provide a hiding place for tired or nervous fish. If your bala shark is new to your aquarium, theyll need time to adapt to their new environment. Despite their delicate appearance, Bala sharks are capable of displaying signs of stress. Breeding bala sharks is moderately difficult and best attempted by aquarists with fish-breeding experience. 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. Make sure that every new arrival has been properly quarantined for at least two weeks. Fully-grown bala sharks should be housed in a tank of at least 150 gallons, at least 5 feet across. The actual aquarium used when the spawning process happens needs to be at least 65 gallons, and the temperature should be kept at 77 degrees for the ideal breeding environment. In todays guide, well take a closer look at Bala Shark diseases, their causes, and how to manage them. It's a good idea to check your other fish for signs of sickness, and check that your plants aren't rotting in the water. He may get better or get worse and show signs of a disease we can diagnose. That said, their easy-going feeding habits doesnt mean you should feed them anything and everything. However, it can be as low as 6.0 and up to 8.0. You should get a bala shark if you have plenty of space for at least five of these active shoaling fish. Home Aquatic Problems & Solutions Common Bala Shark Diseases to Watch For. Can Twitching Be A Negative Bala Shark Behavior? Thankfully, there are a variety of fish species that make excellent companions for the bala shark. The fact that these are active shoaling fish also means theyll breathe a lot of life into your fish tanks, which is a glorious perk! Pay close attention to signs of illness, and take steps to correct any water issues. When introducing them to a new tank they should be given approximately a month to settle into their new home. Males are typically a bit larger in size. In this article, well look at everything there is to know about bala sharks. While some bala shark owners have noticed twitching in tandem with stressors or illness, its not indicative of correlation; it may just be a coincidence. I would feed everyone as normal but see if he eats? When kept in an aquarium, they tend to eat just about any type of fish food including both live options and dried flake food selections. 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. Making this a habit will help you provide better care for your Bala Sharks, and prevent you from having to deal with unwanted surprises. When alone, they are more likely to act a bit more aggressive. Partly due to their potential for growing quite large, they might be prone to hogging the food when it comes to food. 1)One of my bala sharks has already died. Remove the affected fish from the main tank. 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. However, this isnt actually the case. The most popular signs of stress are lack of activity and lost appetite. I have 2 balas and 3 Corey cats what kind of fruit and vegetables can I feed them and what plants can I put in there tank, I have a massive bala sharj i keep her in a 3ft tank she is housed with baby cichlids bristlenose plecs & male & female kribs she gets on great with them & leaves the babies alone i change water every 2 weeks & clean internal filter every week i had 4 to start with but 3 died but had her years learnt well & i have never done ph tests theres rocks boat & plastic plants along the botton plus i have 2 air supplies running & shes very happy but does not like ne in her tank as she splashes ne loads when it comes to tank clean but i must say i love her lol, I love reading the ads my bala shark is in a 3 foot tank also in there are african cichlid fry 2 kribs male female & 2 female * 1 male bristle nose plecs that breed so have pleco fry aswell * it works well. They are rubbing themselves against the gravel and rocks. Female bala sharks have rounder bellies than males. These fish need higher quality food, as they can get malnourished if fed poor quality foods. In some cases, fish can jump out of the tank. It is recommended that aquarium owners place hiding spots for Bala Sharks to rest in when tired of swimming. If you have just 1 bala shark, its not really surprising it gets stressed, and stress can lead to other ill health issues. 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. With a little bit of care and dedication, your bala sharks should thrive in your tank! Clown loaches, bala sharks need 90 gallon tanks. Bala sharks grow quickly, and replacing several smaller tanks is extremely tedious. The natural habitat of the bala shark is warm and densely vegetated, with a muddy, pebbly substrate. JavaScript is disabled. Watching fish swim about in an aquarium is truly fascinating, but its also a good idea to be mindful of changes in your fishs behavior. In Bala Sharks, cloudy eyes are not a disease but rather a symptom of many conditions and diseases. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Some external infections may also cause scale loss, but its usually accompanied by other alarming symptoms like bleeding and deformation. These, Why Your Betta Fish Is Laying At The Bottom Of The Tank, Why Is My Goldfish Turning White? Learn how your comment data is processed. Common signs of stress include lack of activity and loss of appetite. Fill the tank with dechlorinated water, and let the tank cycle for a few weeks. 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. ), Fish Hiding Behind The Filter? This is measured in dGH (degrees of general hardness) and the window youre aiming for is somewhere between 10 and 13. Perform a 50% water change and add antibacterial solutions to the water. Generally speaking, this particular behavior has been observed to last anywhere from a few seconds to a couple of minutes at a time. Although they might seem interesting, poor handling, like squeezing the fish's body or touching the eyes or the gills, can cause stress. These white spots irritate the fish skin, so itll swim erratically and rub itself against objects and tank walls. It also means that the care level is quite manageable. Hi I have a Bala shark thats around 12 inches I started of with 4 but I gave away 2 of them after about 3 months as they were getting picked on and eventually another so Im only left with the one but a friend has asked if I can re home his mollies in my tank Im not sure with the Bala and a fully grown pleco any advice please? For instance, include a few plants to help keep the water clean, such as live plants like Java ferns, Anubias, or Vallisneria. Pay close attention to signs of illness, and take steps to correct any water issues. Fully-grown bala sharks should be housed in a tank of at least 150 gallons, at least 5 feet across. Bala sharks dont swim along the bottom of the tank or dig in the substrate, so theres no need to use a specific type of substrate. Dont add non-fish species like shrimps and crabs to a bala shark tank, because they are known to eat crustaceans. To spur spawning, some fish breeders slowly increase the tank water temperature from 77 degrees up to 82 degrees. If your bala shark is twitching, it could be due to a variety of reasons, including stress, disease, parasites, or nutritional deficiencies. Wanda is a second-generation aquarist from the sunny tropics of Malaysia. 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. Since then, I have been involved with this hobby. He is about 4 to 5 inches. Bala sharks prefer fast-flowing waters, and swim in the midwater regions of their habitat. There is also a possibility that twitching can be a signifier that your bala shark is stressed. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. They may not know what to do with themselves if they dont have enough room to swim back and forth in the aquarium. Choosing a small tank for your bala shark can stress them as they grow bigger and compete for food. In that case, its usually accompanied by other erratic behaviors like excessive twitching, rolling, pitching, etc. To breed your Bala Sharks, it is recommended that you determine the sex of the fish if possible. Ich or stress on my Bala . Come join the discussion about species,breeding, health, behavior, aquariums, adopting, care, classifieds, and more! . These signs vary depending on the individual shark but can include changes in behavior, such as swimming in a different direction or staying close to the water's surface. Like we mentioned above, there are certain water conditions that youll need to provide if you want your Bala Shark to thrive and live a long and healthy life. And of course, aggressive fish are absolute no-gos. Despite how big these fish are and how fast they can swim, they arent faster than some of their potential hunters. 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. When in their natural habitat, Bala Sharks are omnivores that eat insects, larvae, algae, plant portions, and small crustaceans. Although bala sharks are extremely docile as far as aquarium fish go, they still need to be kept with other decent-sized fish. 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. However, they may still suffer from some health conditions. Some fish breeders recommend adding an antibiotic solution to the tank water. On Avid Aquarist, Jeff shares everything hes learned about helping aquatic life survive and thrive in a home aquarium. Think carefully before choosing tank mates for your bala sharks, as they might stress them and make them uncomfortable. Continue with Recommended Cookies, Resources Freshwater Fish Bala SharkBala Shark (Silver Shark) Size, Tank, Food, Lifespan & MoreFebruary 24, 2022 RobertThe bala shark is a freshwater species of the Cyprinidae family. As such, its not uncommon to see them twitching around while they are trying to understand and get to know your aquarium. Keep Reading: Why Do Bala Sharks Have White Spots? Byron. When a Bala Shark suffers from a fungal infection, it develops a fluffy growth that is usually white. He was being chased by a red tail shark & another larger bala, lost weight (because of being bullied), eventually showed red in his fins, fins started to deteriorate after being nipped and after being quarantined still died. 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. Moreover, they dont usually attack other fish, but they will display a lot of movement, racing inside the tank from one side to another. I dosed the water and am planning on dosing again tomorrow. Anything outside of that can cause serious health complications Bala Shark. These peaceful shoaling fish are less aggressive and territorial than actual freshwater sharks. I enjoyed the information about our daughters new pets. This can stress out smaller fish that tend to move less. These foods form the basis of a healthy diet, so you should look for one thats formulated specifically for omnivores. Hi, I keep Guppies with my Bala Sharks. Filtration Bala sharks need a quality filter that can filter five times the water volume in the tank. How should you size the filter? Thanks, Robert, Hi, thank you for som great reading, but im wondering if i could keep an elephant nose fish, a black ghost knife fish and a bala shark together in a 530 liters tank?its not setup yet, im just researcing some cool fish and since black ghost is my favorit fish i will be getting one of those:)i have a 120 liters tank running now with some guppies, kribensis chiklids, flying fox and some snails and shripms, im well aware they wont last long with a bala shark heheim no expert but i have kept severel kinds of fish over time , Hi Merete, they would probably be OK for the first year or so, but will need a large tank as they grow. Again, you should strive to replicate these conditions either with a good heater or by ensuring that your tanks surroundings are not too cold. If your bala shark is unwell, it could also cause them to stress out which may activate their twitching tendencies. Jeff has always enjoyed having pets, but as a child, he was drawn to his familys fish tank. Here are some signs that your bala sharks might be stressed. 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. [7] 5. Diversify feeding by adding live, high-protein foods like bloodworms and shrimp to the tank, and regularly feed the fish plankton, diced fruits, greens, and vegetables to fortify the fishs health. 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. Unless you live in a tropical climate, you will need an aquarium heater to maintain these temperatures. They do have a preference for water thats on the softer end of things, but will be happy with medium hardness as well. Additionally, these fish should be closely watched as they grow to ensure continued compatibility with smaller fish. 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. Instead, the tricolored fish, also known as "Balantiocheilos melanopterus", have an average lifespan of 6 to 10 years. However, a dark-colored pebbly substrate, around an inch thick, is closest to the substrate found in the fishs wild habitat.Theres also no need to fill bala sharks tanks with rocks or plants. They are peaceful fish with laid-back personalities.Colors, Patterns, Fins, and Sex DifferencesThe bala shark isnt a real freshwater shark. Bala sharks can be quite active swimmers, but why do bala sharks twitch? House bala sharks in a freshwater tank and feed them an omnivorous diet.Habitat and Tank RequirementsThe bala sharks natural habitat is lakes and fast-flowing rivers and streams in Southeast Asia. Plants and roots work fine. To combat this, special hormone injections are necessary to spur and stimulate this breeding nature. If you are concerned about them being stressed, check their water conditions to make sure the temperature is right and the quality is clean. 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. 4. To treat ich, you must isolate the infected fish in a separate tank. It can be difficult to tell apart the sexes. Within 24 hours, small larvae can begin to be visible. Within 24 hours, larvae should appear. Being able to maintain a small ecosystem and observe the behaviors and interactions in the underwater world peaked his interest early on and has kept him hooked until this day. Observe your Bala sharks for signs of dancing, as this is an indication that they are ready to breed. Please share it with someone who might appreciate it! It's best to use a 150-gallon tank with a length of at least 5 feet. An appropriate temperature range is 72 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (22.2 to 26.7 degrees Celsius). We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. You likely dont have to worry about predators in your aquarium, but if they are housed with fish that share dissimilar temperaments, they might feel prone to defensive or aggressive behaviors in an act of self-preservation. Female bala sharks have rounder bellies than males.Advertisementsif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'fishkeepingworld_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_2',109,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishkeepingworld_com-medrectangle-4-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'fishkeepingworld_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_3',109,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishkeepingworld_com-medrectangle-4-0_1');.medrectangle-4-multi-109{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}The average lifespan of a bala shark is between eight and ten years.AvailabilityBala sharks can be purchased online easily, but the fish are difficult to find in small, local fish stores. These are rather effective snail-eating fish! Most fish experts recommend that about 25 to 35 percent of the tank water be renewed each week to keep them healthy, comfortable and happy in their environment. Plant vegetation around the edges of the tank to prevent disruption to the swimming areas. Because Bala Sharks can grow to a large size, it is essential to give them plenty of protein in their diet to keep them growing strong. These can provide visual interest and places for your bala shark to hide and explore. You can read more in our profile, click on the shaded name Bala Shark. Just be sure to do your research before feeding them any unfamiliar foods and this applies to veggies. This can come in the form of frozen fish, brine shrimp, insect larvae, and worms. Just both 4 of them two days back. In their native habitats, they are accustomed to mosquito larvae, which is a widely available protein source in the rivers of Southeast Asia. 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. Providing live plants in the tank helps keep the water cleaner. Stress weakens the fishs immune system, so you might see white spots appearing on their bodies. These fish are large enough to deter your bala sharks from chowing down on them, while remaining relatively peaceful. There isnt necessarily a scientific consensus for exactly why bala sharks twitch, however, one theory is that bala sharks twitch as part of their navigation through the water. Many fish owners also like to add a bit of finely diced spinach and/or fruits as well. You can buy them from the following reputable online stores:LiveAquariaImperial TropicalsAppearance & BehaviorBala sharks have long, silver bodies with bold, pointed fins. Despite their size, theyre a peaceful fish that gets along very well with other species. Hi William, I wouldnt advise adding Bala Sharks to an existing tank. Some may use hardwood and baking soda to adjust the pH naturally, but pH kits are easier and safer. Although bala sharks are prone to stress, you can do several things to make them feel better. Good examples include clown loaches, boesemani rainbowfish, and angelfish. Bala Sharks may show signs of stress in various situations, such as: Keeping a single Bala Shark in the tank for a long time (you should keep at least 4 to 6) Some fish experts like to provide a more diversified diet for their Bala Sharks to mimic their natural environment food sources as closely as possible.
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