6. 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. Bala sharks are popular with aquarists due to their shark-like body shapes and striking fin patterns. Making sure that the fish have the right diet suited for their size and breed goes a long way towards ensuring their future health and extending their lifespan. In general, you should opt for tropical fish species that grow to at least 4 inches in length. 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. Provide a similarly varied diet in captivity with a combination of live and dried foods. Usually, these fish thrive under a stable temperature of 77F. After the eggs have been fertilized, the parents leave the eggs alone. Typically, we like to recommend a minimum tank size of 150 gallons. In Bala Sharks, cloudy eyes are not a disease but rather a symptom of many conditions and diseases. There is no definitive reason why bala sharks twitch, but given what is known about their typical temperament and behavior, its fairly easy to assume a few reasons why they do this. It may just be one of those behaviors that they adopted that has no purpose. This infection is usually well-defined and appears in the fishs head, body, or fins, so you can confuse it with ich. By the time youre finished reading, youll know a ton about them and be able to decide if theyre a good fit for you. 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. Bala sharks arent vulnerable to specific diseases, but there are several freshwater diseases that affect these fish when they are housed in poor tank conditions. A vet may also prescribe antibiotics if its caused by bacteria, but in many cases, saving the fish is quite hard. 6. 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. These tend to be very active, and they make great home aquarium fish as they are interesting to watch. 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. And there you have it! To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. To treat ich, you must isolate the infected fish in a separate tank. But if you like watching bala sharks, you might notice a few things that show that your fish arent OK. The mollies may become food for the Bala! Rubber Bands In Aquariums? Here are some signs that your bala sharks might be stressed. Please consult a licensed veterinarian in your area for any animal or pet-related medical advice. However, this isnt actually the case. 8 Causes of White Spots on Your Bala Shark - Avid Aquarist How should you size the filter? Bala sharks are timid and easily scared, and spend a lot of time hiding in caves and behind plants. Bala Shark: Ultimate Guide (Care, Diet, Breeding & More) - Fun Fish Tank Fish also suffer from a change in behavior due to dropsy, including a noticeable lack of appetite and reduced activity. They are merely named as such due to their uncanny resemblance to their namesake. Complete Guide to Feeding Your Pet Goldfish, Marine Aquarium Societies of North America, 10 Types of Freshwater Sharks & How to Care for Them, Bala shark, silver shark, tricolor shark, tricolor sharkminnow, Silver with gray or yellow and black fins, Minimum 150 gallons, plus 45 gallons for every extra fish, Yes, to provide a fast current that mimics the current in the fishs natural habitat, Pumps contribute to a fast-flowing current, but arent essential, No, additional aeration from a bubbler isnt necessary, 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 cycle, Yes, to provide consistently warm waters for this tropical fish, Other bala sharks bala sharks are shoaling fish that should be housed in groups of at least five. However, Bala Sharks are a peaceful species that is extremely popular in the aquarium trade due partly to their unique appearance and calm demeanor. (7 Things You Should Know! Dropsy is a common disease that many fish species may suffer from, including Bala Sharks. Besides infections, Bala Sharks are highly prone to stress when you keep them in unfavorable conditions for a long time. [Top 5 Causes And Solutions]. . Bala Shark Care: Care Guide, Breeding, Tank Size and Disease Thanks for any help. Learn more. The longer the tank, the more space this middle-dwelling fish has to explore. Remove all fish from the tank, including the parents, to prevent the adults from eating the fry. We have a 15 gallon with 2 BalasOne is s little more playful that the other. A Bala shark that is kept alone in a tank may eventually start displaying signs of . And will they nip your fingers off? These fish can grow to be large, and they like being able to swim. Its a good idea to check your other fish for signs of sickness, and check that your plants arent rotting in the water. If you have to make any adjustments to the water pH, ensure it stays within the recommended range of 6.5 to 8. In the wild, these fish can be found in waters ranging from 72F to 82F. 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. We may earn a small commission through products purchased using links on this page. When Bala Fish suffer from dropsy, you must quarantine the sick fish in separate tanks and bathe them in Epsom salt to reduce the swelling. Ideally, youd to it the other way around. 5. While some bacteria are necessary for the ecosystem of the aquarium, others can harm your fish. white spots to appear on the Bala Sharks skin, Introducing contaminated food, fish, or water. Bala sharks are peaceful fish that can be housed with other medium-to-large, peaceful fish. Make sure these are working properly. Oh yeah the only other fish I have in there are 4 tiger barbs, a small piece, and algae eater. What is the most important component of a healthy diet? . In the pet store, Bala sharks are sold when they are very young and only measure one or two inches. Yet, you should still take it seriously and isolate the fish until it regains its full health completely. Fun Fish Tank Themes 15 Creative Ideas For Your Aquarium! Since the fish stops eating, its growth is stunned and its immunity is compromised. 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. Like most gentle fish, bala sharks tend to feel more at ease when they are kept in groups or schools. In their native habitats, Bala Sharks are also known by other names that include Tricolor Shark, Silver Bala, Silver Shark and Tri Color Minnows due to their unique colors and markings. How to tell if a Bala shark is dying? These infections can happen due to many reasons, such as: Some bacterial infections can cause obvious symptoms in your Bala Sharks. An appropriate temperature range is 72 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (22.2 to 26.7 degrees Celsius). Just both 4 of them two days back. 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. Perform a 50% water change and add antibacterial solutions to the water. 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. Yet, its not the only disease caused by bacteria. Betta Fish Tank Ideas Unique, Cute And Cool Designs, Best Places To Buy Goldfish For Sale Online, 13 Awesome Freshwater Aquarium Sharks to Enhance Your Underwater World, Aquarium Light VS Grow Light Know Which One To Choose. Use an OTC White Spot Disease medication to treat the tank. Female bala sharks stop growing before the males, so male bala sharks are longer than females. I feel bad for him because he needs more room to swim. Choosing a small tank for your bala shark can stress them as they grow bigger and compete for food. All of these levels can be easily monitored with a thermometer and a basic water testing kit. They might start hitting themselves against the tanks walls or swim frantically. Bala sharks are interesting freshwater fish as they grow to a big size in a tank, making them the gentle giants of your aquarium. Silver sharks do best when their water temperature is at 77F. 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. WILDER Retired Moderator Retired Moderator Joined To combat this, special hormone injections are necessary to spur and stimulate this breeding nature. JavaScript is disabled. Adding some plankton, bloodworms or appropriate vegetable matter can increase their overall health. Despite what their namesake might make you think, bala sharks are not combative with other fish. 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. If everything is good and white spots are only affecting one Bala Shark, then setup a quarantine tank. Unless there are other signs that your bala shark may be sick, theres no reason to worry at the first sign of twitching. The most common Bala Shark external parasites are anchor worms, fish lice, and flukes. Also, the Bala Shark itself can become prone to stress if there are . Symptoms: Fins become ragged and may have holes, Causes: External injuries, stress, poor water quality. I'm not exactly sure what this could be but I'd tag it as a neurological sign. A good filter is vital in maintaining ideal tank conditions for your bala sharks. Twitching may help bala sharks move faster through the water. 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. This means that you must ensure that the tank you pick for them is big enough to accommodate their current and future size. This includes low pH caused by the high concentration of ammonia in the water. All you need to provide them with sufficient lighting is a basic freshwater lamp that shouldnt cost you much money at all. It is generally a good idea to purchase five or six Bala sharks from the pet store and to observe them for signs of mating behavior. Fish owners should also be aware that fish kept in captivity will not typically reproduce or breed. These foods form the basis of a healthy diet, so you should look for one thats formulated specifically for omnivores. Most experts agree that Bala Shark care is relatively easy if the fish owner has some basic knowledge of fish care. The average lifespan of a bala shark is between eight and ten years. Bala sharks have gray or silver bodies with long, pointed yellow or gray fins edged with black. Think carefully before choosing tank mates for your bala sharks, as they might stress them and make them uncomfortable. These should be avoided or closely monitored to ensure that your Bala Shark is safe with their tankmates. The fishs ventral fins are small and colored black or gray. This beautiful freshwater fish would make a wonderful addition to your freshwater aquarium if you have a bit of experience raising fish. Dont get a bala shark if your tank is small or contains large predatory fish. Although bala sharks are prone to stress, you can do several things to make them feel better. Raise the water temperature to 82o F for three days. The fish ram themselves into the tanks walls. Overfishing for the aquarium trade and forest fires in 1975, Otocinclus: Oto Catfish Care Guide & Species Profile, Iridescent Shark Care Guide & Species Profile, Red Tail Shark Care Guide & Species Profile, The Clown Loach Care Guide: A Playful Bottom Dweller For Community Tanks, The Complete Guide to Rosy Red Minnows Care, What Do Goldfish Eat? As previously established, dropsy may be caused by bacterial infections. There are special nets that can be placed at the very bottom of the aquarium that makes it easier to spot signs of spawning. Within 24 hours, larvae should appear. 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. She has been helping her father with his freshwater tanks since she was a toddler, and has fallen in love with the hobby ever since. 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? Make sure that every new arrival has been properly quarantined for at least two weeks. forum community dedicated to tropical fish owners and enthusiasts. The other one does not have this and I can't recall seeing it before on this one. You should notice the females becoming rounder than normal, indicating the development of eggs.Interested males and females will spawn early in the morning, lasting for a couple of hours.After the female has laid eggs along the bottom of the tank, the male will fertilize the eggs with milt.Remove all fish from the tank, including the parents, to prevent the adults from eating the fry. If you notice they are rubbing against other fish or against something in the tank, it could be indicative of an illness or infection.

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