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Bala Shark, Tricolor Shark, Silver Shark
A slender, elongated fish with a tall, erect dorsal fin and a forked caudal
fin. The head is small and dominated in size by the eye. The body is dark
gray with a silver iridescence. The rear parts of all fins, have wide, black
edges. This species has a streamlined look. It can grow to an astounding
length of 16" (40 cm). Much bigger than the young fry they sell at the pet
stores. Their natural habitat is in large rivers and streams of Borneo,
Malaysia, Sumatra, and Thailand in Southeast Asia. They prefer the
middle of the tank.
A tank with a volume of 30 gallons (114 L) is suitable for young
individuals. Adults over 10" (25 cm) are recommended to be kept in a
tank measuring 100 gallons (378 L). These fish need large open
swimming areas, and prefer long tanks. The tank should have well-planted
corners and a tight-fitting cover, for these fish jump. Water parameters are
as follows: pH 5.8-8 (7.0), 5-15 dH (7), with temperatures of 72-84°F
(22-29°C).
This fish is an active fish that can be kept in a community tank with small
to large fish. This species will not harm plants. Tankmates that are
recommended are Gouramis, Barbs, Danios, Rasboras, Loaches,
Knifefish, tetras, Corydoras, Angelfish, livebearers, Loricarids.
They prefer foods such as Tubifex worms , insect larvae, crustaceans,
insects; flakes; small pellets.
The females are fatter during spawning season and breeding has only been
successful in large tanks of 100 or more gallons. Southeast Asian fish
farmers use hormones to breed the Bala Shark, although little success has
been reported in captivity. This active fish grows quickly and needs a
large swimming area.
