Bala Shark

Balantiocheilos melanopterus

A silvery, active 'shark' sold small — but it schools, gets over a foot long, and jumps.

Water

Freshwater

Temperature

72–82°F

pH

6.5–7.8

Hardness

5–15 dGH

Max size

14 in

Min tank

150 gal

Temperament

Peaceful

Social

Schooling (4+)

Swim level

All

Diet

Omnivore

Care level

Intermediate

Lifespan

8-10 years

Breeding

Egg-scatterer

Suitability

Kept but not recommended

Origin

Southeast Asia

Bala sharks look like easy community fish as juveniles but grow large, need a big group, and require an enormous, tightly covered tank. Most home aquariums simply can't house them properly.