Bala Shark (Balantiocheilus melanopterus) Care Guide

A large, active schooling fish with a silver body and black-edged fins resembling a shark silhouette. Despite its intimidating name, it is peaceful but grows to 35cm and needs a very large tank (300L+…

Overview

Balantiocheilus melanopterus is a species in the family Cyprinidae. A large, active schooling fish with a silver body and black-edged fins resembling a shark silhouette. Despite its intimidating name, it is peaceful but grows to 35cm and needs a very large tank (300L+). A strong swimmer that can jump, requiring a tight-fitting lid.

Taxonomy

Family: Cyprinidae
Genus: Balantiocheilus
Scientific name: Balantiocheilus melanopterus
Other names: Silver Shark, Tricolor Shark
Origin: Southeast Asia

Habitat

Balantiocheilus melanopterus is a large, fast-swimming cyprinid from rivers and lakes of Southeast Asia, now much reduced in the wild. A shoaling omnivore of open mid-water, it grows large and requires a long tank and group company.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 300 L
Temperature: 22-28 °C
pH: 6-8
GH: 5-15 °dGH
Water flow: moderate
Adult size: 25-35 cm
Lifespan: 8-10 years
Recommended group size: ≥ 5
Difficulty: intermediate

Diet

Classified as omnivore. Recommended feeding frequency: 2x daily. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.

Compatibility

Temperament: peaceful
Position in tank: middle
Compatible tank mates: Clown Loach, Tinfoil Barb, Giant Gourami, Oscar
Avoid with: Small Fish, Shrimp, Slow Swimmers

Breeding

Breeding strategy: egg-scatterer
Breeding difficulty: advanced