CheckMyFishTankBala Shark care
Balantiocheilos melanopterus · Freshwater · Intermediate level care
A big, fast silver schooling fish that is often sold too small.
Feeding
Twice a day. A modest portion of pellets they finish in about 3 minutes. Pellets, flakes, frozen foods.
Eats fish small enough to fit in its mouth.
Jumps. Keep a tight lid on the tank.
Good tank mates
Fish that pass every check with Bala Shark in a 360 gallon tank: same water, overlapping temperature, nobody gets eaten and no bullies.
Do not mix with
- Neon Tetra: Bala Shark grows big enough to eat Neon Tetra.
- Cardinal Tetra: Bala Shark grows big enough to eat Cardinal Tetra.
- Green Neon Tetra: Bala Shark grows big enough to eat Green Neon Tetra.
- Black Neon Tetra: Bala Shark grows big enough to eat Black Neon Tetra.
- Ember Tetra: Bala Shark grows big enough to eat Ember Tetra.
- Lemon Tetra: Bala Shark grows big enough to eat Lemon Tetra.
- Glowlight Tetra: Bala Shark grows big enough to eat Glowlight Tetra.
- Black Skirt Tetra: Bala Shark grows big enough to eat Black Skirt Tetra.
Questions
What size tank does a Bala Shark need?
At least 180 gallons for a group of 5. Adults grow to about 14 inches, so plan for the adult size, not the size at the store.
What temperature does a Bala Shark like?
72 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit, with a pH of about 6 to 8. A steady temperature matters more than hitting one exact number.
How many Bala Shark should I keep together?
Keep 5 or more. They feel safe in a group and show better color and behavior.
What do Bala Shark eat?
Pellets, flakes, frozen foods. Feed twice a day: a modest portion of pellets they finish in about 3 minutes.
Sources
Checked against these sources on 2026-11-10. When sources disagree we use the safer number.