| 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. |
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