When buying a bala shark, make sure the fish has been bred in captivity, to protect the species' wild populations. Here are a few things youll need: With a little bit of care and dedication, your bala sharks should thrive in your tank! Typically, we like to recommend a minimum tank size of 150 gallons. (3 Ways to Tell). Due to their large body size, its easy to assume that Bala sharks need lots and lots of food the more, the merrier. It is crucial to give the fish enough space and room to swim during this process. When introducing them to a new tank they should be given approximately a month to settle into their new home. 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. We have a 15 gallon with 2 BalasOne is s little more playful that the other. My bala sharks have white spots all over their fins and bodies. 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. Some bacterial infections and reduced immunity may also display cloudy eyes as a symptom, but its usually rare when compared to other reasons. Twitching is an action seen in many bala sharks, so theres no reason to assume its a bad thing. 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. These twitches, being somewhat mysterious, could be an indicator of normal behavior or potential stressors that you need to watch out for. Algae Eaters: How Many To Have In A Fish Tank? They may be tiny when you first pick them up from the pet store, but will grow rapidly and exponentially with proper care. So without further ado, lets dive in! The most popular viral infection in Bala Sharks is Lymphocystis. However, it can be as low as 6.0 and up to 8.0. To treat dropsy, add teaspoon of Epsom salt to every five gallons of water in the tank, and speak to your veterinarian about antibacterial medication for the disease. This means that you must ensure that the tank you pick for them is big enough to accommodate their current and future size. If your bala shark is unwell, it could also cause them to stress out which may activate their twitching tendencies. The fish is called a bala shark because of its long, pointed dorsal fin, which resembles a sharks fin.Bala sharks have long, torpedo-shaped, silvery-gray bodies with silver or yellow fins edged with black. A bala sharks twitches are a series of rapid movements that are extremely quick. forum community dedicated to tropical fish owners and enthusiasts. There are some species of smaller fish that should be avoided as tank mates as well. In most cases, Bala Sharks will play dead when they go into shock, which is somewhat similar to humans fainting. 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. Yet, they are pretty sensitive to different stressors that affect their well-being. In this article, well look at everything there is to know about bala sharks. When alone, they are more likely to act a bit more aggressive. Hi! Lets get one thing straight Bala sharks are big fish. However, we recommend testing the feeder out first. Remove the affected fish from the main tank. Bala Sharks tend to spawn in the morning, and this process can take several hours. In this guide, we explore the ins and outs of Bala Shark care and everything you should know if youre thinking about adding them to your aquarium setup. As it gets large, 14-16+ inches, that means at the very least a 6-foot tank but better in 7-8 feet. Byron. Youll also want to be mindful of the pH levels in the tank as well. And it will eat smaller fish. Of course, you can always opt to use a smaller tank at first, then size up as your bala shark gets larger. It might become necessary to move some to other tanks to ensure enough room for growth and movement. Caring for bala sharks is easy as long as you provide stable water conditions and enough space for these active swimmers to explore. Some may use hardwood and baking soda to adjust the pH naturally, but pH kits are easier and safer. Within 24 hours, larvae should appear.The fry should hatch within three days. These infections can happen due to many reasons, such as: Some bacterial infections can cause obvious symptoms in your Bala Sharks. Make sure these plants are properly anchored to the substrate, as bala sharks are active swimmers that may uproot them. The tank water temperature is yet another important factor to consider when setting up a Bala shark tank. You can easily accomplish this with a solid heater. Thanks for any help. You should prioritize functionality and practicality in your decor choices. If this is seen, the fish often has a parasitic or bacterial infection and should be treated. Some food types can make the balas sick and stressed. It's best to use a 150-gallon tank with a length of at least 5 feet. After the female has laid eggs along the bottom of the tank, the male will fertilize the eggs with milt. It is necessary to prep a Bala Shark before they are of age to breed. A good, nutritious diet is important to every fish, and Bala sharks are no different. Then, treat with over-the-counter medication. It may be OK, or there may have been internal damage. This includes red patches, skin ulcers, bloody fins, deformed scales, blisters, or sores. These white spots irritate the fish skin, so itll swim erratically and rub itself against objects and tank walls. Assuming that youve committed to raising bala sharks, you want to make sure that your tank is set up properly. The most common Bala Shark external parasites are anchor worms, fish lice, and flukes. Use a thermometer to measure temperature stability and test kits to check water parameters. Clown loaches, bala sharks need 90 gallon tanks. Also, the Bala Shark itself can become prone to stress if there are no places in the tank where they can hide when desired. 3. You should keep at least five or six balas in the same tank. The natural habitat of the bala shark is warm and densely vegetated, with a muddy, pebbly substrate. Adding more will be better if theres enough space for all the fish to roam freely. JavaScript is disabled. Set up your bala sharks tank to replicate the fishs habitat in the wild. The tank itself will cost a pretty penny, but the upkeep will outweigh this upfront investment by miles. They are merely named as such due to their uncanny resemblance to their namesake. Fish infected with Ich develop a sprinkling of tiny white spots on their fins, gill covers, and bodies. Keep Reading: Why Do Bala Sharks Have White Spots? Since these fish prefer plants and other objects to hide in, it is better to place these along the sides of the aquarium to leave enough room for movement elsewhere. When in their natural habitat, Bala Sharks are omnivores that eat insects, larvae, algae, plant portions, and small crustaceans. 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. The new Bala Sharks can grow at different speeds. Bala sharks are some of the most difficult fish to breed, as they take a while to reach sexual maturity. Many people assume that the Bala Shark is best left to experienced fishkeepers. Theyre not totally wrong since living in a confined space gives you more control over the fishs habitat to keep them healthy and happy. This can happen for several reasons, but its usually nothing to worry about if its only a few scales. Can I get a Bala shark to go in with these. 4. For instance, include a few plants to help keep the water clean, such as live plants like Java ferns, Anubias, or Vallisneria. Bala Sharks may show signs of stress in various situations, such as: Any of these aspects can increase the risk of the previously mentioned diseases, which is why you should maintain a proper environment for your fish in the tank at all times. Heres a fun little factoid: Bala sharks are not, in fact, true sharks. Water conditions. 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. Add one teaspoon of salt per one gallon of water in the tank. Bala sharks hail from the fast-flowing rivers of Southeast Asia. Unless there are other signs that your bala shark may be sick, theres no reason to worry at the first sign of twitching. Keep the fry in a separate tank until the fish reach six months old or four inches long. Symptoms: White, wriggling parasites that can be seen attached to the outer skin of the fish. Remove activated carbon media from the tanks filter while adding treatment to the water, because activated carbon will adsorb the medication. Here are some reasons why your fish might be stressed. Add substrate, live plants, and other tank decors. Sep 25, 2011. (7 Things You Should Know! Bala sharks can be quite active swimmers, but why do bala sharks twitch? These fish are large enough to deter your bala sharks from chowing down on them, while remaining relatively peaceful. Make sure to remove any dead parasites and clean the tank to prevent re-infection. 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. You might also have to ask the vet for an antibiotic to make your sick fish feel better. 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. All you need to provide them with sufficient lighting is a basic freshwater lamp that shouldnt cost you much money at all. All Rights Reserved. They lock their fins to the side and stop moving them. Use veterinarian-approved medications or insecticides to kill parasites. This one causes white spots to appear on the Bala Sharks skin. Of course, there are also fish species you should steer clear of. Just be sure to provide enough space, feed them a good, nutritious diet, and take good care of their tanks! In captivity, a healthy Bala Shark can live for anywhere between 8 to 10 years. These gentle giants lend a certain peacefulness to any freshwater aquarium, and we are certain you will enjoy their presence. Native to Southeast Asia, the Bala Shark has been affectionately called The Gentle Giant due to its larger size and easygoing temperament. 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. 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. I'm Praveen Ghoshal, the founder of eFishkeeping.com. These should be avoided or closely monitored to ensure that your Bala Shark is safe with their tankmates. 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 male Bala shark tends to grow a little larger than females. 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. Ich is a very common disease thats caused by an aquatic protozoan parasite. 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) Dont house them with aggressive or carnivorous fish like neon tetras.Dont add non-fish species like shrimps and crabs to a bala shark tank, because they are known to eat crustaceans.Great tank mates for bala sharks include:Other bala sharks bala sharks are shoaling fish that should be housed in groups of at least fiveGouramisCorydorasRasborasRainbowfishDiet and FeedingIn the wild, the bala sharks diet consists of insects, small crustaceans, plant matter, algae, and larvae. In addition to their dry food, Bala sharks need live protein. The Bala Shark, scientific name Balantiocheilos Melanopterus, isn't really an actual shark but was named as such because of its appearance, which features silver coloring and tall dorsal fins. 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! 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. As these Bala Fish grow larger, they should be switched to larger sized aquariums. 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? 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. You can read more in our profile, click on the shaded name Bala Shark. Raise the water temperature to 82o F for three days. Treat with a formalin or malachite green-based medication. I enjoyed the information about our daughters new pets. Make sure that every new arrival has been properly quarantined for at least two weeks. Partly due to their potential for growing quite large, they might be prone to hogging the food when it comes to food. Great tank mates for bala sharks include: In the wild, the bala sharks diet consists of insects, small crustaceans, plant matter, algae, and larvae. Although bala sharks are big fish, theyre docile and peaceful. Many people believe that getting pet fish is an excellent decision for a novice pet owner. 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 beautiful freshwater fish would make a wonderful addition to your freshwater aquarium if you have a bit of experience raising fish. Fish with dropsy appear bloated and have protruding eyes, scales that stick out from the body, loss of appetite, lethargy, and rapid breathing. These fish can grow to be large, and they like being able to swim. Hello, and thanks for visiting Avid Aquarist! 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.Initiate spawning by gradually increasing the water temperature to 82F over the time span of a week. Bala sharks have gray or silver bodies with long, pointed yellow or gray fins edged with black.Bala sharks are popular with aquarists due to their shark-like body shapes and striking fin patterns. This article will list the signs of stress in bala sharks and what you can do about them. These silver sharks are vulnerable to stress if you keep them in poor tank conditions for a long time. They can actually get along with a plethora of other types of fish. Anubias Has Holes In Leaves? Symptoms: Fins become ragged and may have holes, Causes: External injuries, stress, poor water quality. Fish with Ich have white spots on their scales and are often seen flashing (or scratching) against rough surfaces in the tank. Besides infections, Bala Sharks are highly prone to stress when you keep them in unfavorable conditions for a long time. Here are some signs that your bala sharks might be stressed. 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. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. It is also difficult to distinguish between males and females, as the differences can be quite subtle. This authoritative reference eBook will not only help you learn how to create a healthy aquatic ecosystem without accidentally killing any of your fish, but itll also give you the momentum you need to build out your underwater empire. As a result, they may lose a few scales if the tank is too small for them or overcrowded with rough decorations. 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. Once the tank is cycled and water parameters have stabilized, you can add your bala sharks to the tank. Later, fry can be given cyclops or nauplii of artemia. The Bala shark does not even reach sexual maturity until it is around four inches (10 or 15 cm) in size, so Bala shark breeding can be difficult for . The fry can be fed with ciliates at first. Pay close attention to signs of illness, and take steps to correct any water issues. Despite needing a larger tank than most aquarium fish, bala sharks are peaceful and beautiful to look at, making them a fantastic choice for people who have enough tank space to house the species. Ive also kept tetras without issue, however most tetras need to shoal, so make sure your tank has enough room for a large group of tetras plus growing Bala Sharks. All-in-all, the Bala Shark makes an excellent addition to almost any freshwater tank. It also means that the care level is quite manageable. Sores and ulcers on the body and head, ragged, bloody fins. Though I'm not positive, maybe someone will have a better diagnosis. Hi William, I wouldnt advise adding Bala Sharks to an existing tank. Take some time to think about it, and always default to doing whats best for the fish. On Avid Aquarist, Jeff shares everything hes learned about helping aquatic life survive and thrive in a home aquarium. 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? This fishs laid back and calmer temperament makes it an ideal tank mate with many other species of fish. In awhile, 30 to 50 percent of the water should be renewed carefully. Algae wafers are a great way to add plant matter to their diet, but some Bala sharks may also enjoy fresh vegetables like blanched peas or spinach. Maybe he got hurt or something, check all your water parameters and turn off the lights for a day. Ich is one of the most common skin diseases amongst captive freshwater fish. Stress weakens the fishs immune system, so you might see white spots appearing on their bodies. Hi, I keep Guppies with my Bala Sharks. Providing live plants in the tank helps keep the water cleaner. Despite what their namesake might make you think, bala sharks are not combative with other fish. White fluffy growths on the fishs body, mouth, and head. Bala Sharks can be somewhat vulnerable if their tank water becomes dirty or when the tank water level lowers. Hey guys! 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. Remember to remove the carbon filter during treatment because itll absorb the medication, rendering it useless. [Top 8 Fish That Do! Make sure the decorations are securely placed and wont topple over if your bala shark bumps into them. Otherwise, these fish share no other traits or behaviors with sharks found in saltwater oceans. 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. Hi Ben, I personally wouldnt risk it. This one is a protozoan infection caused by Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, hence the name. Conclusion. Keeping one bala shark in a tank is a significant stressor. They do have a preference for water thats on the softer end of things, but will be happy with medium hardness as well. Bala Shark Habitat and Tank Conditions Tank size. Bala sharks become sexually mature at around six months old, or when the fish have grown to four inches long. In general, you should opt for tropical fish species that grow to at least 4 inches in length. Does anyon know who would take him for me and give him more room to enjoy? Place your 150-gallon tank on a sturdy surface. And they are happy together . 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. Keeping a single Bala Shark in the tank for a long time (you should keep at least 4 to 6), Introducing your fish to a new tank with different water conditions, Changing the water temperature or pH suddenly, Introduce aggressive fish species to the tank. The most common issue that causes cloudy eyes is poor water conditions. Symptoms: White spots on the body, fins, or eyes, Causes: Poor water quality, stress, or overcrowding. Bala sharks are popular with aquarists due to their shark-like body shapes and striking fin patterns. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. 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. Many fish owners also like to add a bit of finely diced spinach and/or fruits as well. white spots to appear on the Bala Sharks skin, Introducing contaminated food, fish, or water. So do I need to remove other two of them or completely take them out? 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.
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