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Scientific Name |
Balantiocheilos melanopterus |
| Type |
Cyprinids |
Family |
Cyprinodontoidae |
Subfamily |
Cyprininae |
Other Names |
Tricolor Shark, Silver Shark, Tri Color Shark Minnow, Hangus, Silver Bala |
Minimum Tank Size |
50 gallons or more, will not be happy in a tank which is too small. Have been known to pick at other fish or rub up against the sides franticly in small tanks. |
Tank Level |
All levels |
Care |
Easy |
Behavior |
Peaceful if they are in a large enough tank and if they are kept with at least one other Bala. Balas are schooling fish and need to be with others of their own kind. Tend to get agitated and semi-aggressive if kept alone or in a small tank. Active. Usually minds it's own business. Can jump and tight fitting lid is needed. Energetic, curious and aware of who's outside the tank. |
| Compatibility |
With other peaceful fish. |
Life span |
8 - 10 years |
Size |
13 - 16 inches (33-40cm), females are on the smaller side. Grows fast |
Aquarium |
Needs large swimming area. Likes live plants in the tank. |
Water chemistry |
Fresh Water |
pH |
5.8 to 7.8 |
Hardness |
dH: 5.0 - 15.0 (soft to medium) |
Temperature |
72º - 84ºF (22-29°C) |
Feeding |
Not picky, will eat flakes, pellets and live food. Needs some plant matter in food. Will also search for food on the bottom of the tank, which were not eaten by other fish. Full grown Balas have been known to eat very small fish such as neon tetras |
Sexing |
Males are larger, females are slightly smaller |
Breeding |
Egg scatterer. Some have reported to have bred them in an aquarium. |
Origin |
Sumatra, Thailand, Borneo and Malaysia |
Extras |
Not actually a true shark. They are called "Sharks" for their appearance and the shape of their dorsal fin. |
