Bala Sharks – The Non Shark

Bala Sharks

Bala Sharks also called Tricolor Sharks has always been one of my favorite freshwater fish to keep in my aquariums. They do tend to get large and can grow to 14 inches long. They do best in groups. When alone they are frighten often and will not survive long. It is not really a shark. It’s called a shark due to it’s shape that resembles a shark. It actually belongs to the carp family. Bala Sharks are a peaceful fish but you must use caution with fish that are small enough to fit in their mouths. They are omnivores and are not a finicky eater. Bala Sharks will accept flake foods, pellets, freeze dried and frozen foods. They will also voraciously accept live foods, including daphnia, bloodworms, brine shrimp, mosquito larvae and tubifex. You should include vegetables in their diet too.

They are very active and are always on the move. You have to choose their tanks mates based to the activity of theses fish. Slow moving delicate fish might not be able to tolerate the fast motion and swimming activity of the Bala Shark. Known to be from Thailand, Malaysia (Borneo and Sumatra)

I have included Swordtails, Plecostomus, Corydoras, Tiger Barbs, and other types of barbs with my sharks. They all have different levels of the tanks they enjoy.