Bala Shark
A sleek, fast-swimming schooling fish that grows large. Bala sharks need a long tank, group companionship, and strong filtration to thrive.
tankSize
300L (75 gal) minimum for a group
careLevel
Intermediate
temperature
23 to 27C
temperament
Peaceful
diet
Pellets, flakes, and frozen foods
lifespan
8 to 12 years
aloneOrCommunity
Community (schooling, large tank)
weeklyMaintenance
Large water changes and strong filtration upkeep
Best for
- Owners with long, spacious aquariums
- People who enjoy large, active schooling fish
- Community tanks with robust, peaceful species
- Keepers who can commit to long-term adult size
Not ideal for
- Small or medium tanks
- Owners who want slow, calm fish
- Tanks with aggressive cichlids
- Overstocked setups with weak filtration
Temperament
- Peaceful but can be skittish
- Best kept in groups of 3 or more
- Needs open swimming space to feel secure
Daily routine
feeding: Feed once or twice daily; use varied foods for health.
check: Watch for skittish darting and ensure tank has a secure lid.
enrichment: Open swimming lanes and some plants for breaks help comfort.
Living fit
smallHome: Not ideal due to large tank and swimming needs.
kids: Exciting to watch, but setup and upkeep are substantial.
firstTimeOwner: Better after experience with large tank maintenance.
Health notes
- Skittish behavior can lead to injury if tank is cramped.
- Clean water and oxygenation are important for active swimmers.
- Quarantine new fish to reduce disease risk.
Cost and time
time: Moderate weekly time due to large tank maintenance.
cost: High setup cost because of tank size and filtration.
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