Bala Shark (Balantiocheilos melanopterus)

Maintain a minimum school of 5 to 6 individuals in a tank of at least 125 gallons (473 liters) with a footprint of 72x18 inches (180x45 cm). Bala sharks (Balantiocheilos melanopterus) grow to 12-14 inches (30-35 cm) and require linear swimming space. Groups under 5 cause severe stress, leading to jumping, surface skimming, and stunted growth. Keeping a single or pair results in chronic aggression and fin nipping. Provide a tight-fitting lid with no gaps over 0.5 inches (1 cm). They need high flow (10x turnover) and open swimming lanes.

Target pH 6.5 - 7.5, General Hardness 5 - 12 dGH, Carbonate Hardness 4 - 10 dKH, Total Dissolved Solids 150 - 300 ppm, Electrical Conductivity 300 - 600 μS/cm, and temperature 72°F - 82°F (22°C - 28°C). They are sensitive to nitrates above 30 ppm; perform 30% weekly water changes. Use a sump or canister filter rated for 500+ gallons per hour. Ammonia must be 0 ppm; any detectable ammonia causes barbel erosion. Provide strong aeration via air stones or venturi. Hardness below 3 dGH leads to osmotic stress and lethargy.

They are omnivores with large appetites, requiring 40% protein, 10% fat, 50% vegetable matter. Feed high-quality sinking pellets (Hikari Cichlid Gold) twice daily, supplemented with frozen bloodworms, krill, and blanched zucchini. Offer spirulina wafers and nori sheets once daily. They accept floating flakes but prefer sinking foods. Medication alert: Tolerate copper at 0.2 mg/L but sensitive to formalin; use praziquantel for flukes. Avoid nitrofurazone, which damages gills. Salt baths up to 5 ppt are safe for short periods. Quarantine for 21 days with metronidazole.

Breeding is extremely difficult and rarely achieved in home aquariums (requires >300 gallons/1135 liters). To attempt, condition a school of 6 adults with high-protein foods (live bloodworms, krill) for 4 weeks. Simulate rainy season: Lower temperature to 72°F (22°C), perform 50% water change with cool (68°F) RO water over 6 hours, and increase photoperiod to 14 hours. They are egg-scatterers; provide spawning mops or java moss. Females release 500-1000 adhesive eggs. Remove parents immediately. Eggs hatch in 24-36 hours at 78°F (25°C). Fry require green water (Nannochloropsis) for 5 days, then baby brine shrimp.