An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Check that the heater, pump, and filter are all working properly. Its body is lighter gray at the top than at the bottom. The mollies may become food for the Bala! I had no idea that he would get this big. These, Why Your Betta Fish Is Laying At The Bottom Of The Tank, Why Is My Goldfish Turning White? white spots to appear on the Bala Sharks skin, Introducing contaminated food, fish, or water. Ich is a very common disease thats caused by an aquatic protozoan parasite. Bala sharks have gray or silver bodies with long, pointed yellow or gray fins edged with black. Of course, there are also fish species you should steer clear of. Disclaimer: The content on this website is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Think carefully before choosing tank mates for your bala sharks, as they might stress them and make them uncomfortable. Bala sharks should be fed two to three times a day, and with moderate portions. We earn commissions when you buy through our links. Add substrate, live plants, and other tank decors. These fish are large enough to deter your bala sharks from chowing down on them, while remaining relatively peaceful. Twitching may help bala sharks move faster through the water. We understand that a huge tank is daunting, but its also a good way to gauge if youre truly prepared to take on the task of raising these giant fish. Let the Bala Shark settle in and then add the Gouramis. They are peaceful fish with laid-back personalities. Time will tell. Make sure these are working properly. Hey guys! Within 24 hours, larvae should appear. However, if you see this happening, you must investigate the reason, as Bala Sharks dont do it on purpose. 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. These white spots irritate the fish skin, so itll swim erratically and rub itself against objects and tank walls. Thus, these twitches could simply help them move throughout the water faster than if they were just using their tails. After that, youll need to sprinkle aquarium salts and ich treatment into the water. Overcrowding can decrease the chances of successful breeding. Its body is lighter gray at the top than at the bottom.Advertisementsif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'fishkeepingworld_com-banner-1','ezslot_4',145,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishkeepingworld_com-banner-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'fishkeepingworld_com-banner-1','ezslot_5',145,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishkeepingworld_com-banner-1-0_1');.banner-1-multi-145{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}The bala sharks small, closely-packed scales are iridescent, meaning that they reflect light as the fish moves, creating a shimmering appearance.Typical BehaviorThe bala shark is a peaceful fish that gets along well with other peaceful species in a community tank. Despite what their namesake might make you think, bala sharks are not combative with other fish. Instead, the tricolored fish, also known as "Balantiocheilos melanopterus", have an average lifespan of 6 to 10 years. Here's How To Setup The Air Pump, Air Stone, & Sponge Filter For Aquarium. 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. 6. This can happen due to medical conditions, such as neurological infections that attack their central nervous systems. Jeff has always enjoyed having pets, but as a child, he was drawn to his familys fish tank. The water hardness is the last key piece of the puzzle when it comes to water levels. Bala sharks are interesting freshwater fish as they grow to a big size in a tank, making them the gentle giants of your aquarium. Symptoms: White, wriggling parasites that can be seen attached to the outer skin of the fish. All rights reserved. Poor water conditions are the main reason why bala sharks suffer from stress. Monitor your bala sharks and water parameters regularly. Decades of movie-watching have created a misconception that all sharks are aggressive fish that will nip your fingers off if you put them in your tank. Water conditions. On Avid Aquarist, Jeff shares everything hes learned about helping aquatic life survive and thrive in a home aquarium. You can leave the room light on. So do I need to remove other two of them or completely take them out? And one from these pair chase other two and when other fish comes near them it chase them too. However, a dark-colored pebbly substrate, around an inch thick, is closest to the substrate found in the fishs wild habitat. Males are typically a bit larger in size. Here are some signs that your bala sharks might be stressed. 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 you want to keep Gouramis with a Bala Shark, choose larger species too. 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. Is My Bala Shark Male or Female? They may be tiny when you first pick them up from the pet store, but will grow rapidly and exponentially with proper care. Due to their large body size, its easy to assume that Bala sharks need lots and lots of food the more, the merrier. A vet may also prescribe antibiotics if its caused by bacteria, but in many cases, saving the fish is quite hard. 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. 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. The bala sharks natural habitat is lakes and fast-flowing rivers and streams in Southeast Asia. This infection is usually well-defined and appears in the fishs head, body, or fins, so you can confuse it with ich. Use an OTC White Spot Disease medication to treat the tank. (7 Things You Should Know! Thankfully, there are a variety of fish species that make excellent companions for the bala shark. I'm not exactly sure what this could be but I'd tag it as a neurological sign. Because bala sharks hail from the tropical climate of Southeast Asia, they require warm temperatures between 72-82F. In todays guide, well take a closer look at Bala Shark diseases, their causes, and how to manage them. This beautiful freshwater fish would make a wonderful addition to your freshwater aquarium if you have a bit of experience raising fish. Although they might seem interesting, poor handling, like squeezing the fishs body or touching the eyes or the gills, can cause stress. 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 can be somewhat vulnerable if their tank water becomes dirty or when the tank water level lowers. As such, its not uncommon to see them twitching around while they are trying to understand and get to know your aquarium. 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) These twitches, being somewhat mysterious, could be an indicator of normal behavior or potential stressors that you need to watch out for. Theyre such active fish that theres a good chance they will jump from time to time. 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. As such, some assume that twitching is a sign of nervousness. The longer the tank, the more space this middle-dwelling fish has to explore. Hi! Fish with dropsy appear bloated and have protruding eyes, scales that stick out from the body, loss of appetite, lethargy, and rapid breathing. Adding some plankton, bloodworms or appropriate vegetable matter can increase their overall health. Bala sharks are fast, active swimmers that dart around the middle of the tank. Since the fish stops eating, its growth is stunned and its immunity is compromised. Youll be rewarded with a healthy, happy aquarium filled with beautiful bala sharks! Bala Shark Habitat and Tank Conditions Tank size. Bala sharks have long, torpedo-shaped, silvery-gray bodies with silver or yellow fins edged with black. Hello, and thanks for visiting Avid Aquarist! Although bala sharks are big fish, theyre docile and peaceful. If this is seen, the fish often has a parasitic or bacterial infection and should be treated. Finally, if you want to add a bit of color and texture to your aquarium, consider adding plastic plants, artificial rocks, and other decorations. Bala Sharks are a rewarding and unique fish to keep in your aquarium. This means that you must ensure that the tank you pick for them is big enough to accommodate their current and future size. Ensure you maintain the right temperature, hardness, and pH within the best range for balas. Just be sure to choose items that are safe for aquarium use, as some may contain toxic chemicals that can harm your fish. 354 354. Also, the Bala Shark itself can become prone to stress if there are . Treat these fish with respect and provide them with clean, well-maintained tanks this will bring out the best in their personalities! I enjoyed the information about our daughters new pets. Algae Eaters: How Many To Have In A Fish Tank? Bala sharks are pretty hardy and can live up to 10 years in captivity. He is also a proud member of the, Fishkeeping Worlds 4-in-1 Bundle Set eBook. The new Bala Sharks can grow at different speeds. Signs of stress are often seen in bala sharks when theyre not kept in the right conditions. Many fish owners also like to add a bit of finely diced spinach and/or fruits as well. On Avid Aquarist, Jeff shares everything hes learned about helping aquatic life survive and thrive in a home aquarium. You should keep at least five or six balas in the same tank. Features like automatic shut-offs can also be helpful. You should get a bala shark if you have plenty of space for at least five of these active shoaling fish. 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. Furthermore, you need to keep your water clean by removing old water and replacing it occasionally. 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. ), Fish Hiding Behind The Filter? My rainbow shark and bala shark are swimming at the top of the tank gasping. Follow the steps below: Test the water to ensure the conditions are ideal and that there's enough open space for the shark to swim around freely. Native to Southeast Asia, the Bala Shark has been affectionately called The Gentle Giant due to its larger size and easygoing temperament. I was thinking it was Ick so I've begun treating the tank, but none of the other fish in the tank have the spots except the bala sharks. When Bala Fish suffer from dropsy, you must quarantine the sick fish in separate tanks and bathe them in Epsom salt to reduce the swelling. [Top 5 Causes And Solutions]. All these parasites come with new additions to the tank, whether its water, food, new fish, etc. Lets start by having a brief overview of the most common Bala Shark diseases that your fish may suffer from. Inspired by my Dad, I got interested in fishkeeping when I was a kid. Make sure that every new arrival has been properly quarantined for at least two weeks. Frankly speaking, Bala sharks are a joy to feed. . As these Bala Fish grow larger, they should be switched to larger sized aquariums. Fish with Ich have white spots on their scales and are often seen flashing (or scratching) against rough surfaces in the tank. Many people believe that getting pet fish is an excellent decision for a novice pet owner. 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. Since then, I have been involved with this hobby. All Possible Causes, Dropsy In Fish: Your Guide To Symptoms & Treatment. Monitor your bala sharks and water parameters regularly. Theyll be perfectly content with a pH between 6.0 and 8.0 that essentially means you can do anything from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline. In addition to a good filter, aquarists can add air pumps, air stones, and/or powerheads to create the desired water motion. They are rubbing themselves against the gravel and rocks. Bala sharks are timid and easily scared, and spend a lot of time hiding in caves and behind plants. Overcrowding can stress balas greatly, and they might even leap out of the tank to die if their aquarium is too overcrowded. After the eggs have been fertilized, the parents leave the eggs alone. They may not know what to do with themselves if they dont have enough room to swim back and forth in the aquarium. 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. 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. [7] 5. Add one teaspoon of salt per one gallon of water in the tank.Tank MatesBala sharks are peaceful fish that can be housed with other medium-to-large, peaceful fish. Within 24 hours, larvae should appear.The fry should hatch within three days. 4. This can come in the form of frozen fish, brine shrimp, insect larvae, and worms. Luckily, Lymphocystis isnt a fatal disease. For instance, include a few plants to help keep the water clean, such as live plants like Java ferns, Anubias, or Vallisneria. For aesthetic purposes, you can go with a full-spectrum LED light that replicates the natural day and night cycle of their natural habitat. As diurnal fish, they are more active in the day than the night. 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. Fully-grown bala sharks should be housed in a tank of at least 150 gallons, at least 5 feet across. Now it looks like 2 of them have paired up. This one causes white spots to appear on the Bala Sharks skin. Anything outside of that can cause serious health complications Bala Shark. If your bala shark is unwell, it could also cause them to stress out which may activate their twitching tendencies. #1 I have two Bala sharks. However, these fish tend to get along well with many types of freshwater aquarium fish. Pay close attention to signs of illness, and take steps to correct any water issues. Take some time to think about it, and always default to doing whats best for the fish. Twitching is an action seen in many bala sharks, so theres no reason to assume its a bad thing. Install the filter, heater, pump, and airstone. Currently, I have 3 fish tanks at our home, where I enjoy this hobby with my Mom, Dad, and Younger Sister. Overfishing for the aquarium trade and forest fires in 1975 are two possible causes for the decrease in the wild population of bala sharks.The natural habitat of the bala shark is warm and densely vegetated, with a muddy, pebbly substrate. Ich is one of the most common skin diseases amongst captive freshwater fish. Treat with a formalin or malachite green-based medication. Heres a quick overview on how to do so. Use a thermometer to measure temperature stability and test kits to check water parameters. The fluid buildup may also cause the eyes to bulge, the scales to point outwards, and the fins to clamp together. Aggressive and non-compatible tank mates can make bala sharks stressed. Use veterinarian-approved medications or insecticides to kill parasites. In the wild, these fish can be found in waters ranging from 72F to 82F. So, lets dive in. Later, fry can be given cyclops or nauplii of artemia. Partly due to their potential for growing quite large, they might be prone to hogging the food when it comes to food. So without further ado, lets dive in! Just keep it on for a third of the day (or eight hours) and you will have very happy fish! Make sure these plants are properly anchored to the substrate, as bala sharks are active swimmers that may uproot them. Shy and slow-moving fish can be good companions for them. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. Perform a 50% water change and add antibacterial solutions to the water. Bala sharks do not protect their young, so it is important to remove the parents from the tank. The bala sharks small, closely-packed scales are iridescent, meaning that they reflect light as the fish moves, creating a shimmering appearance. This condition causes water buildup inside the fishs body cavities, which results in belly swelling. Youd need a bigger heater, filter, and pump, all of which require energy to run. Of course, you can always opt to use a smaller tank at first, then size up as your bala shark gets larger. 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. Remove activated carbon media from the tanks filter while adding treatment to the water, because activated carbon will adsorb the medication. Betta Fish Tank Ideas Unique, Cute And Cool Designs, Best Places To Buy Goldfish For Sale Online, 13 Awesome Freshwater Aquarium Sharks to Enhance Your Underwater World, Aquarium Light VS Grow Light Know Which One To Choose. The fishs ventral fins are small and colored black or gray. Some stress-inducing conditions include: Suddenly changing the water temperature or pH Transfering your Bala shark to a new tank with different water conditions Adding aggressive fish species to the tank The male will then fertilize the eggs by releasing his milt over the eggs. Add one teaspoon of salt per one gallon of water in the tank. If they hit the decorations or the wall too hard, they may get stunned for a few minutes. With patience and dedication, you can successfully breed Bala sharks in your home aquarium. The answer to that last question is a definitive no, but well also answer every other question in this in-depth article! Come join the discussion about species,breeding, health, behavior, aquariums, adopting, care, classifieds, and more! Bala sharks prefer fast-flowing waters, and swim in the midwater regions of their habitat.Otocinclus: Oto Catfish Care Guide Please enable JavaScriptOtocinclus: Oto Catfish Care Guide & Species ProfileAdult Size & LifespanBala sharks grow up to 14 inches long. (Reasons, Treatment, Prevention). Anubias Has Holes In Leaves? We hope this care guide gave you some insight on how to care for bala sharks! Snails are also not a good choice for Bala Sharks. 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. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Oh yeah the only other fish I have in there are 4 tiger barbs, a small piece, and algae eater. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Bala Sharks tend to spawn in the morning, and this process can take several hours. After the spawning and fertilization takes place, it is necessary to then remove the parent fish from the tank. Look for nutritious foods that provide the vitamins, minerals, and proteins needed for these fish to grow to their full potential.Diversify feeding by adding live, high-protein foods like bloodworms and shrimp to the tank, and regularly feed the fish plankton, diced fruits, greens, and vegetables to fortify the fishs health.Bala sharks should be fed up to three times per day. 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! Plant vegetation around the edges of the tank to prevent disruption to the swimming areas. The dominant shark will constantly pick on the weakest, causing stress and leading to susceptability to infections and disease (as mentioned above). 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. Wanda is a second-generation aquarist from the sunny tropics of Malaysia. For the 150-gallon tank, that means you should look for a filter that has a flow rate of 900 gallons per hour (GPH). 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. You can buy them from the following reputable online stores:LiveAquariaImperial TropicalsAppearance & BehaviorBala sharks have long, silver bodies with bold, pointed fins. Just be sure to keep up with tank maintenance, and you should be all set. 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 fish can grow to be large, and they like being able to swim. These fish do not need special foods or supplements, and fish owners should simply strive to feed them a balanced diet for continued good health. Most fish experts recommend that about 25 to 35 percent of the tank water be renewed each week to keep them healthy, comfortable and happy in their environment. Raise the water temperature slightly and gradually before adding some salt. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. To avoid overfeeding, feed the fish an amount it can eat within about two minutes. Loneliness And Boredom In Fish: An In-Depth Analysis, Can Fish Swim Backwards? What does this mean for you? Bala sharks can grow to be about 12 inches long. How much space should you allocate to these active fish? In the pet store, Bala sharks are sold when they are very young and only measure one or two inches. Unless there are other signs that your bala shark may be sick, theres no reason to worry at the first sign of twitching. 4. Robert, Would a Bala Shark be okay with platies and tetras in the same tank? These peaceful shoaling fish are less aggressive and territorial than actual freshwater sharks. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. You should also be sure your aquarium is big enough for your bala shark to swim around without feeling too cramped. Moreover, they dont usually attack other fish, but they will display a lot of movement, racing inside the tank from one side to another. Bala Sharks are usually healthy and hardy fish, but theyre not completely immune to diseases. Sores and ulcers on the body and head, ragged, bloody fins. The typical cost of a bala shark is $7 to $10. Set up a heater. He is about 4 to 5 inches. They make an excellent addition to an aquarium due in part to their mild-temperament as well as their beauty and grace. Ensure that the filter is on and operating. The average lifespan of a bala shark is between eight and ten years. 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. Like most gentle fish, bala sharks tend to feel more at ease when they are kept in groups or schools. Use a stabilizer to maintain healthy conditions in your tank. Bala Sharks are very active fish species that enjoy darting around the fish tank at high speed. House bala sharks in a freshwater tank and feed them an omnivorous diet.Habitat and Tank RequirementsThe bala sharks natural habitat is lakes and fast-flowing rivers and streams in Southeast Asia. A good tank thermometer is a must, as it will help you monitor the water temperature. Obviously, the more fish you have, the more room they will need. Make sure that the water parameters are stable and pristine. Place your 150-gallon tank on a sturdy surface. The best way to adjust and monitor the water pH is by using a store-bought pH kit and gauge. Its definitely possible, but its not known for sure. Best Substrate For Planted Tank The Key To Awesome Aquascape, Best Low And Medium Light Aquarium Plants, Dwarf Hairgrass: Planting, Carpeting, And Care. And of course, aggressive fish are absolute no-gos. If this fish is on its own, that will cause additional stress. If your bala shark is twitching, it could be due to a variety of reasons, including stress, disease, parasites, or nutritional deficiencies. Should You Get a Bala Shark for Your Aquarium? Yet, you should still take it seriously and isolate the fish until it regains its full health completely.
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