Family: | CYPRINIDAE |
Species: |
Balantiocheilus melanopterus |
Common Name: |
Bala Shark, Silver Shark |
Size: | Up to 16 inches (40 cm) females smaller. |
Note: | Should not be considered a home aquarium fish, young are always seen for sale and caution should taken before purchasing. It is unfair to subject any animal to less than ideal living conditions. |
Habitat: | ASIA: Mekong and Chao Phraya river basins, Malay Peninsula, Sumatra and Borneo. |
Min Tank Size: | At least 150 gallons for a school of six. |
Diet: | Omnivorous, flake, Frozen, live food and pellets. |
Behavior: | Peaceful and active schooling fish. |
Water: | Temperature 72°F to 84°F (22-29°C), pH: 5.8 to 7.8, Hardness: Soft to medium. dH range: 5.0 – 15.0 |
Care: | Easy. |
Communities: | Good, great jumper keep covered. |
Suitability: | Poor, grows to large for most home aquaria. |