|
This page will give a completely detailed profile of the selected
fish, from A to Z. The profiled fish will be chosen randomly by Badman,
and will come from the complete genre of tropical fish. New profiles
are added on a regular basis. If you would like to submit a profile
for the site please contact me. Don't forget to let us know you experiences
with this fish by filling out the
Balantiocheilus melanopterus
|
|
Overview:
Very common in the hobby today the bala shark should be researched before
purchased. They grow very large and fast and prefer to be kept in groups.
If you have the proper size tank they will reward you with action and
peaceful behavior.
Quick stats:
|
Listed tank sizes are the minimum
|
| Size: |
Up to 16" (40cm), females smaller |
| Tank: |
48 inches, 72 inches + for adults |
| Strata: |
All, mostly middle |
| PH: |
5.8 to 7.8 |
| Hardness: |
Soft to medium. dH range: 5.0 - 15.0 |
| Temperature: |
72ºF to 84ºF (22-29°C) |
Classification
| Order: |
Atheriniformes |
| Suborder: |
Cyprinodontoidei |
| Family: |
Cyprinodontoidae |
| Genera: |
Balantiocheilus |
Common name
Bala shark, Tricolor Shark
Image gallery:
Additional
species photographs
Discuss:
Badmans'
Forum
Distribution
Sumatra, Thailand, Borneo and Malaysia
General Body Form
Slightly downfacing mouth with no Barbels. It is a very slender fish with a
general convex appearance. The Dorsal fin is triangular in shape and is the
reason for its' common name. They can reach a length of 14 inches.
Coloration
Almost all the fins are edged with a wide Black band, with the front areas being
bright Yellow or Orange in color. The Pectoral fins are transparent. The sides
are silver with a slight Yellow sheen. The Back is Brown and the Belly area
White.
Maintenance
The Bala shark is one of the easiest fish to maintain it is also one of the
most peaceful that minds its own business at all times. The Tank should be large
with live plants and also lots of swimming areas, the Bala is a very active
fish which will cover all areas of the tank and will go over the substrate picking
up pieces of food that were missed by others. It has no specific feeding requirements
and will accept all flake food as well as supplemental live. They do best in
a water temperature of between 73° to 79°. pH slightly
Alkaline to neutral. The only drawback to this great fish is that it grows too
large for most home aquariums. The Bala shark is also a skilled jumper so a
tight fitting cover is needed.
Biotope
Streams and rivers of Southeast Asia, see the Biotope
page for some ideas.
Breeding
It is an Egg scatterer and has been reported to have been bred in the aquarium.
Buy now from
liveaquaria.com
|
|
|
|
Bala Shark
|
|
Click photo to buy
|
|
|
|
|
|