Family: Cyprinidae
Distribution: Balantiocheilos melanopterus, or Bala Shark, is distributed throughout the Mekong and Chao Phraya basins, the Malay Peninsula, and parts of Sumatra and Borneo. It is found in mid-sized rivers and lakes at a mid-range depth.
PH: 6.0 – 8.0
Temperature: 22°C -28°C (70 – 82F)
Hardness: 5 – 12 dH
Description: Balantiocheilos melanopterus can reach the reasonable size of 35 cm in length. This species has a silver body with some black outlines on its dorsal, anal, caudal and pelvic regions. It is reportedly very difficult to tell the difference between males and females, although females tend to have a rounder belly. The Bala Shark has a life expectancy of 10 years.
Diet: The Bala Shark is omnivorous and should be offered flakes, live foods – bloodworm, snails and shrimp will suffice – and veggie matter.
Breeding: Balantiocheilos melanopterus, like most sharks, scatter their eggs in nature. This species should not be bred in an aquarium environment.
Comments: The Bala Shark will need a big aquarium – at least 150 cm in length, but you should have an even larger one – and plenty of driftwood and rocks. You will also need to provide spots of thick, dense vegetation. You should put a cover on your tank to prevent the Bala Shark from jumping straight out of your tank.
Article/Books:
Recommended Compatible Species: This species of shark is actually quite timid, but will eat small invertebrates such as shrimp and snails. This species, if you are thinking of putting it in a one-species tank, does best in groups of three.
They will live happily with most Tetra species (particularly the Neon Tetra and Black Tetra). They are also great tank mates with Discus, Apistogramma‘s like Apistogramma Cacatouides and Apistogramma Borelli, Corydoras Catfish (particularly Corydoras Sterbai and Corydoras aeneus) Angelfish, Clown loach, the common Guppy and Platy and most Gourami (such as the Blue Gouramiand Dwarf Gourami like the Honey Gourami) Also can live happily with most Danio (particularly the Zebra Danio and Pearl Danio) and also many Killifish make great tank mates.
Originally posted 2010-01-05 11:13:48. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
