Bala Shark / Silver Shark

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Native to Southeast Asia (Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Borneo). Prefers medium and large river basins (both main courses and flooded marginal lakes). Unfortunately widely endangered or extinct in the wild in many of its native areas.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Bala Shark / Tricolor Shark (Balantiocheilos melanopterus). One of the most recognizable Asian Cyprinids for its metallic "shark-like" appearance, with a very elegant and hydrodynamic silhouette, large eyes and a slightly protruding snout.

Social Behavior: Extremely peaceful, gregarious and hyper-dynamic. It is an unstoppable swimmer that often borders on panic if suddenly frightened. In small groups it reassures itself; if kept alone it will tend to waste away or go crazy hitting the glass.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Magnificent bright silver livery (almost chrome) with strongly delineated scales. The large fins (dorsal, anal, caudal and pelvic) are light yellow, sharply bordered by thick black stripes (melanopterus). No sexual dimorphism in juveniles.

Aquarium Setup: GIGANTIC common purchase mistake. Requires titanic sized tanks (minimum 200 cm / 80 inches in length) and solid covers, as they jump. It needs miles of "swimming runway". Sharp obstacles and bulky furnishings in the center are dangerous.

Diet and Feeding: Voracious omnivore. Does not actively prey on fish, but in nature it sifts insects and plant debris. In the aquarium it accepts flakes, frozen mosquito larvae, blanched peas and vegetables. Often makes audible "clicks" when eating at the surface.

Water Quality: Very resistant to varied ranges of pH (6.0 - 8.0) and hardness, provided the water is highly oxygenated and water changes are regular. Suffers dramatically from ammonia and nitrite spikes, which cause cloudiness of the eyes.

Compatibility and Tankmates: The gentle giant. Cohabits with medium and large but peaceful fish (e.g. Clown Loaches, Giant Gouramis, large Barbs and Severums). Should NOT be placed in tanks with Neons, as its enormous size would scare them to death.

Aquarium Reproduction: Non-existent in normal home aquariums. Reaches sexual maturity only at 15-20 cm (6-8 inches) and is an egg scatterer. Commercial breeding takes place in mega-ponds in Southeast Asia with hormonal induction.

Risks and Diseases: Commercial victim: sold at 5 cm (2 inches) for "60 liter / 15 gallon community tanks", they deform developing atrophy or kill themselves by throwing themselves against the lids due to lack of vital space. Devastating onset of fungal infections in case of snout injuries due to impacts.