Of course, there are also fish species you should steer clear of. This includes red patches, skin ulcers, bloody fins, deformed scales, blisters, or sores. The safe range for this is somewhere between 6.5 and 8 pH. These peaceful shoaling fish are less aggressive and territorial than actual freshwater sharks. Although they might seem interesting, poor handling, like squeezing the fishs body or touching the eyes or the gills, can cause stress. By mindyt5, 2 years ago on Tropical Fish. 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. Set up a heater. 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. Thanks for reading, and good luck with your bala sharks! I see nothing in the video that would cause me to do anything but leave it alone to recover, and hopefully it will. If you're concerned about your fish's health, it's important to take them to a qualified vet or fish store for diagnosis and treatment. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Take some time to think about it, and always default to doing whats best for the fish. I have a beautiful Bala shark in my 35 gallon tank. You can buy them from the following reputable online stores:LiveAquariaImperial TropicalsAppearance & BehaviorBala sharks have long, silver bodies with bold, pointed fins. (3 Ways to Tell). Keep the fry in a separate tank until the fish reach six months old or four inches long. The fishs ventral fins are small and colored black or gray. 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) One more comment/question would a Bala shark be okay living with an Oscar fish? They are merely named as such due to their uncanny resemblance to their namesake. Inspired by my Dad, I got interested in fishkeeping when I was a kid. However, they may still suffer from some health conditions. 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 . If something in your aquarium is causing this, remove it and either isolate it (if its another fish) or take your bala shark to a vet for further analysis. You might notice this behavior is a little more constant for a couple of days or so after bringing them home. Usually, these fish thrive under a stable temperature of 77F. Assuming that youve committed to raising bala sharks, you want to make sure that your tank is set up properly. A larger predator could nip or become aggressive towards them. Keep the bottom of the tank clear or add a breeding net to catch the eggs. The bala shark isnt a real freshwater shark. Pay close attention to signs of illness, and take steps to correct any water issues. If your bala shark is new to your aquarium, theyll need time to adapt to their new environment. Some great tank mates for Bala Sharks are: However, there is the chance that the Bala Shark will eat smaller fish when they become larger, so the tank should always be roomy enough for all. The exact tank size thats best for Bala Sharks is somewhat debated in the aquarium community. 3. Poor water conditions are the main reason why bala sharks suffer from stress. Remember the weight of the water will add up quickly, so make sure the surface is strong enough to support the weight. To breed your Bala Sharks, it is recommended that you determine the sex of the fish if possible. They may be tiny when you first pick them up from the pet store, but will grow rapidly and exponentially with proper care. The bala shark is a freshwater species of the Cyprinidae family. Twitching can also help deter any predators from coming near them. Therefore, these active swimmers are most at home in freshwater tanks that replicate these water conditions. Hi I have a Bala shark and i was thinking of adding a couple of tetras and platies in in the same tank and wondering if they would get along? Home Aquatic Problems & Solutions Common Bala Shark Diseases to Watch For. To play it safe we always recommend a minimum tank size thats on the larger end of this spectrum as a starting point. Currently, I have 3 fish tanks at our home, where I enjoy this hobby with my Mom, Dad, and Younger Sister. A good, nutritious diet is important to every fish, and Bala sharks are no different. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. The natural habitat of the bala shark is warm and densely vegetated, with a muddy, pebbly substrate. The average lifespan of a bala shark is between eight and ten years. 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. 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. 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. 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. One that seems to have developed a bright red area at the base of it's dorsal fin. 6. Observe your Bala sharks for signs of dancing, as this is an indication that they are ready to breed. Adding some plankton, bloodworms or appropriate vegetable matter can increase their overall health. These community fish like to. They can actually get along with a plethora of other types of fish. The longer the tank, the more space this middle-dwelling fish has to explore.Advertisementsif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'fishkeepingworld_com-leader-1','ezslot_8',156,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishkeepingworld_com-leader-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'fishkeepingworld_com-leader-1','ezslot_9',156,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishkeepingworld_com-leader-1-0_1');.leader-1-multi-156{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}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. I just brought home a 5" Bala Shark from Petsmart. 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. There are special nets that can be placed at the very bottom of the aquarium that makes it easier to spot signs of spawning. However, Bala Sharks are a peaceful species that is extremely popular in the aquarium trade due partly to their unique appearance and calm demeanor. 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. 6. Again, you should strive to replicate these conditions either with a good heater or by ensuring that your tanks surroundings are not too cold. As weve previously mentioned, getting a filter that generates a pretty strong water flow is important, as these fish need a lot of water movement to be healthy. Aquarium Source is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Algae Eaters: How Many To Have In A Fish Tank? After all, these fish will be kept in 150-gallon tanks. Making this a habit will help you provide better care for your Bala Sharks, and prevent you from having to deal with unwanted surprises. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. Bala Sharks are very active fish species that enjoy darting around the fish tank at high speed. Twitching is an action seen in many bala sharks, so theres no reason to assume its a bad thing. Can Twitching Be A Negative Bala Shark Behavior? Fish owners should also be aware that these relatively frisky fish tend to move around and swim for hours. Smart Bala Shark care should include monitoring them for signs of common fish ailments like dropsy that causes them to swell, and ich which results in white spots on their scales. Some external infections may also cause scale loss, but its usually accompanied by other alarming symptoms like bleeding and deformation. 7. Yet, you should still take it seriously and isolate the fish until it regains its full health completely. ), Fish Hiding Behind The Filter? Frankly speaking, Bala sharks are a joy to feed. At the store the employee was having trouble finding a bag that didn't have a hole in it, so he had to move the fish from one bag to another three times, I know this can be stressful for it. ], Top 10 Blood Parrot Cichlid Tank Mates (With Pictures! Caring for bala sharks is easy as long as you provide stable water conditions and enough space for these active swimmers to explore. 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. 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. . Fungal infections are caused by spores that target the scales and skin of a fish. . How much space should you allocate to these active fish? Youll be rewarded with a healthy, happy aquarium filled with beautiful bala sharks! This species is not a true shark, but is commonly so called because of its torpedo -shaped body and large fins. Plant vegetation around the edges of the tank to prevent disruption to the swimming areas. Please share it with someone who might appreciate it! Ich is a very common disease thats caused by an aquatic protozoan parasite. As such, its not uncommon to see them twitching around while they are trying to understand and get to know your aquarium. Place your 150-gallon tank on a sturdy surface. Your Bala's tank should be large and lengthy, as they are aggressive swimmers. Additionally, these fish should be closely watched as they grow to ensure continued compatibility with smaller fish. Make sure that the water parameters are stable and pristine. That said, its important to create the most peaceful environment possible for your bala shark so they dont want to jump out of it. If their twitching is indicative of stress, be sure that your aquarium is an adequate size for your fish. Use an OTC White Spot Disease medication to treat the tank. The typical lifespan of a Bala shark is known to be 10 years. The water hardness is the last key piece of the puzzle when it comes to water levels. Snails are also not a good choice for Bala Sharks. Finally, Bala sharks need a nutritious source of plant matter. It really depends on the size of your Bala shark, but a good rule of thumb is to provide an amount of food that can be consumed in a few minutes. It can be assumed that since other fish do it, its just one of those many quirks that make fish such fascinating animals. Chief among these requirements is strong water flow, coupled with good oxygenation. He is also a proud member of the, Fishkeeping Worlds 4-in-1 Bundle Set eBook. Although bala sharks are extremely docile as far as aquarium fish go, they still need to be kept with other decent-sized fish. Luckily, Lymphocystis isnt a fatal disease. The general procedure to eliminate these parasites is by isolating the fish, administering the right treatment, and disinfecting the fish tank. Remove activated carbon media from the tanks filter while adding treatment to the water, because activated carbon will adsorb the medication.IchIch is one of the most common skin diseases amongst captive freshwater fish. 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. What are good tank mates for Bala Sharks? We have a 15 gallon with 2 BalasOne is s little more playful that the other. But I'm betting since this doesn't look like flashing that he's done some brain damage or something. It is crucial to have a good water filtration system, and fish owners should try to leave these fish undisturbed during this time frame. I have a 5ft tank with a mixture of gourami (honey pearl and blue dwarf). Instead, the tricolored fish, also known as "Balantiocheilos melanopterus", have an average lifespan of 6 to 10 years. A good filter is vital in maintaining ideal tank conditions for your bala sharks. Bala sharks are pretty hardy and can live up to 10 years in captivity. The ideal pH range for Bala Sharks is between 6.5 and 7.8. Bala Sharks, Bala Shark, Silver Shark, Tri-Color Minnow, Sharkminnow (Balantiocheilus melanopterus), Gets along with similarly sized community fish. Add one teaspoon of salt per one gallon of water in the tank. Perform a 50% water change and add antibacterial solutions to the water. 5. In awhile, 30 to 50 percent of the water should be renewed carefully. Place a group of five bala sharks in a separate 65-gallon breeding tank with a temperature of 77F and a strong filter. Besides theyre attractive look, Bala Sharks are generally healthy fish if you provide them with proper accommodation and water quality. That said, their easy-going feeding habits doesnt mean you should feed them anything and everything. Also, the Bala Shark itself can become prone to stress if there are . For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. The most common suggested range is between a 120 and 150 gallon tank, which is a rather large aquarium. Learn more. Its definitely possible, but its not known for sure. 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. You can easily find them in pet stores. After the eggs have been fertilized, the parents leave the eggs alone. Common signs of stress include lack of activity and loss of appetite. These fish are large enough to deter your bala sharks from chowing down on them, while remaining relatively peaceful. Hi Ben, I personally wouldnt risk it. Theres no simple answer, but there are a lot of assumptions made about this behavioral tendency. Good examples include clown loaches, boesemani rainbowfish, and angelfish. Bala sharks are popular with aquarists due to their shark-like body shapes and striking fin patterns. Many people believe that getting pet fish is an excellent decision for a novice pet owner. 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. It's best to use a 150-gallon tank with a length of at least 5 feet. This includes low pH caused by the high concentration of ammonia in the water. What's more, Bala Sharks are sensitive to pH imbalance, and ignoring the expected range is one of the easiest ways to shorten their lifespan. This is true especially if kept with smaller fish who cant hold their own. I just got a Bala shark wrongly labeled as a black fin shark in a tiny tank with a sucker fish. 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. Dont house them with aggressive or carnivorous fish like neon tetras. Install the filter, heater, pump, and airstone. Once the tank is cycled and water parameters have stabilized, you can add your bala sharks to the tank. They do have a preference for water thats on the softer end of things, but will be happy with medium hardness as well. Did you find this care guide helpful? 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. They lock their fins to the side and stop moving them. Providing your fish with extra care and keeping . What constitutes a moderate portion? (50 gallon tank). A perpetual nomad, Wanda does her best to integrate fish-keeping with her lifestyle, and has taken care of fish in three different continents. I. n terms of lighting, bala sharks dont have any special requirements. 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. Luckily, with early action, dietary improvement, and proper treatment, you can help your fish live a full life! Some aquarists decide they would rather go with something that doesnt need such a large tank, and others get hooked on the idea of owning a Bala Shark right from the get-go. These fish need higher quality food, as they can get malnourished if fed poor quality foods. In their native habitats, they are accustomed to mosquito larvae, which is a widely available protein source in the rivers of Southeast Asia. High-quality dried food, like flakes and pellets, should make up the bulk of the bala sharks diet. I took it back and got 10 Red Minor Tetras instead, don't know much about them but I enjoy watching schools! Bala Sharks are usually healthy and hardy fish, but theyre not completely immune to diseases. They might start hitting themselves against the tanks walls or swim frantically. This is why having a lid on your tank is a smart idea. After a few more hours, the unfertilized whitish spawn material can be safely removed. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. In todays guide, well take a closer look at Bala Shark diseases, their causes, and how to manage them. For example, the oxygen levels are extremely low in the water due to broken pumps or bubblers. Feed the fry ciliates, then switch to nauplii of artemia or cyclops once the fry are four days old.Keep the fry in a separate tank until the fish reach six months old or four inches long.Should You Get a Bala Shark for Your Aquarium?Bala sharks are unique-looking fish that provide plenty of entertainment in a home aquarium.You should get a bala shark if you have plenty of space for at least five of these active shoaling fish. White fluffy growths on the fishs body, mouth, and head. Can they get along with other fish species? Keep the bottom of the tank clear or add a breeding net to catch the eggs. However, captive Bala sharks will be just as happy with any of the previously mentioned live proteins. 5. Bala Shark has a distinctive shape with a . They can jump quite high, and are known to escape aquariums by doing so. Males are typically a bit larger in size. Many fish owners also like to add a bit of finely diced spinach and/or fruits as well. Bala Shark is a kind of shark that lives in the Water should have a hardness of 10 to 13 dGH and a pH of 6.5 to 8. Here are a few things youll need: With a little bit of care and dedication, your bala sharks should thrive in your tank! Do Bala Sharks Twitch As A Defense Mechanism? Fish infected with Ich develop a sprinkling of tiny white spots on their fins, gill covers, and bodies. In terms of pH and water hardness, Bala sharks are pretty adaptable. Symptoms: Fins become ragged and may have holes, Causes: External injuries, stress, poor water quality. It is crucial to give the fish enough space and room to swim during this process. The lifespan of a Bala Shark can be up to 10 years with the proper care. Well, youll need to invest in a larger tank to accommodate your fish when they reach their full size. I would feed everyone as normal but see if he eats? Best Tank: SC Aquariums 150-gallons Starfire Glass Aquarium, Best Heater: AQQA 1200 Watt Submersible Heater. Some bacterial infections and reduced immunity may also display cloudy eyes as a symptom, but its usually rare when compared to other reasons. Within 24 hours, larvae should appear.The fry should hatch within three days. eFishkeeping.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Tankarium is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. The fishs ventral fins are small and colored black or gray. 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. Treatment usually involves sprinkling antibiotics into the water, but it doesnt always work out, and some Bala Sharks will simply die from the injuries. Later, fry can be given cyclops or nauplii of artemia. While some bacteria are necessary for the ecosystem of the aquarium, others can harm your fish. These include neon tetra, guppies, harlequin rasbora and other smaller fish types. Should You Get a Bala Shark for Your Aquarium? The most popular viral infection in Bala Sharks is Lymphocystis. 150 gallons may seem like a huge space and financial commitment, and it is. I'm Praveen Ghoshal, the founder of eFishkeeping.com. Sexing the fish is difficult, and attempting breeding with a large group of fish increases the likelihood that there are males and females in the group. 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. However, these fish tend to get along well with many types of freshwater aquarium fish. Here's How To Setup The Air Pump, Air Stone, & Sponge Filter For Aquarium. Availability. Since then, I have been involved with this hobby. Make sure these plants are properly anchored to the substrate, as bala sharks are active swimmers that may uproot them. As previously established, dropsy may be caused by bacterial infections. 2023 Tankarium, a Found First Marketing company. A member of the Cyprinidae family of fish species, they (Balantiocheilus melanopterus) prefer fast-flowing rivers and streams in the Southeastern Asia countries of Sumatra, Kalimantan, Cambodia, Malaysia, and Thailand. 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. 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. Aggressive and non-compatible tank mates can make bala sharks stressed. This should be a small amount that takes the fish roughly 2 to 3 minutes to eat. Theyre not totally wrong since living in a confined space gives you more control over the fishs habitat to keep them healthy and happy. Fortunately for aquarists, Bala Sharks are very low maintenance in this regard. [7] 5. Fully-grown bala sharks should be housed in a tank of at least 150 gallons, at least 5 feet across. Bala sharks become sexually mature at around six months old, or when the fish have grown to four inches long. Lets start by having a brief overview of the most common Bala Shark diseases that your fish may suffer from. They are rubbing themselves against the gravel and rocks. Top 5 Reasons You Must Know! However, it is still possible to breed them in home aquariums. Fish also suffer from a change in behavior due to dropsy, including a noticeable lack of appetite and reduced activity. Furthermore, you need to keep your water clean by removing old water and replacing it occasionally. In the wild, these fish can be found in waters ranging from 72F to 82F. This fish is well known for its congenial manner, and they tend to do well living with many other different fish species. 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.
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