Raise the water temperature slightly and gradually before adding some salt. Availability. How many sharks do you have and how big is the tank? And they are happy together . For aesthetic purposes, you can go with a full-spectrum LED light that replicates the natural day and night cycle of their natural habitat. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. The longer the tank, the more space this middle-dwelling fish has to explore.Advertisementsif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'fishkeepingworld_com-leader-1','ezslot_8',156,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishkeepingworld_com-leader-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'fishkeepingworld_com-leader-1','ezslot_9',156,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishkeepingworld_com-leader-1-0_1');.leader-1-multi-156{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:50px;padding-bottom:10px!important;padding-top:10px!important;text-align:center!important}Bala sharks dont swim along the bottom of the tank or dig in the substrate, so theres no need to use a specific type of substrate. On Avid Aquarist, Jeff shares everything hes learned about helping aquatic life survive and thrive in a home aquarium. Add substrate, live plants, and other tank decors. Female bala sharks have rounder bellies than males. Just be sure to choose items that are safe for aquarium use, as some may contain toxic chemicals that can harm your fish. Partly due to their potential for growing quite large, they might be prone to hogging the food when it comes to food. Ich or stress on my Bala . Features like automatic shut-offs can also be helpful. There isnt necessarily a scientific consensus for exactly why bala sharks twitch, however, one theory is that bala sharks twitch as part of their navigation through the water. As it gets large, 14-16+ inches, that means at the very least a 6-foot tank but better in 7-8 feet. Overfishing for the aquarium trade and forest fires in 1975 are two possible causes for the decrease in the wild population of bala sharks.The natural habitat of the bala shark is warm and densely vegetated, with a muddy, pebbly substrate. These fish are large enough to deter your bala sharks from chowing down on them, while remaining relatively peaceful. Great tank mates for bala sharks include: In the wild, the bala sharks diet consists of insects, small crustaceans, plant matter, algae, and larvae. Keep the bottom of the tank clear or add a breeding net to catch the eggs. My name is Jeff, and my goal with this site is to share everything I've learned over the years about caring for aquatic life. Treat ich by removing the affected fish and placing them in a quarantine tank containing water that is a couple of degrees warmer than the home tanks temperature. Within 24 hours, small larvae can begin to be visible. These twitches, being somewhat mysterious, could be an indicator of normal behavior or potential stressors that you need to watch out for. The Basics of Breeding Bala Sharks - RateMyFishTank.com We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Take some time to think about it, and always default to doing whats best for the fish. Overcrowding can stress balas greatly, and they might even leap out of the tank to die if their aquarium is too overcrowded. Instead, the tricolored fish, also known as "Balantiocheilos melanopterus", have an average lifespan of 6 to 10 years. Ensure that the filter is on and operating. Why Are My Bala Sharks Dying? {How You Can Help Save Them} 5. I'm Praveen Ghoshal, the founder of eFishkeeping.com. Initiate spawning by gradually increasing the water temperature to 82F over the time span of a week. JavaScript is disabled. Bala Sharks may show signs of stress in various situations, such as: Keeping a single Bala Shark in the tank for a long time (you should keep at least 4 to 6) This means that the fish should be kept separated in another tank before they reach puberty. Dont house them with aggressive or carnivorous fish like neon tetras. This one is a protozoan infection caused by Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, hence the name. Fish with Ich have white spots on their scales and are often seen flashing (or scratching) against rough surfaces in the tank.Treat ich by removing the affected fish and placing them in a quarantine tank containing water that is a couple of degrees warmer than the home tanks temperature. Also, the Bala Shark itself can become prone to stress if there are . As previously established, dropsy may be caused by bacterial infections. Why Do Bala Sharks Twitch? Is This Normal? Aquatic Byte Raise the water temperature to 82o F for three days. Once the tank is cycled and water parameters have stabilized, you can add your bala sharks to the tank. The two often come hand-in-hand, as the increased water flow helps to circulate oxygen throughout the aquarium. The water hardness is the last key piece of the puzzle when it comes to water levels. Some bacterial infections and reduced immunity may also display cloudy eyes as a symptom, but its usually rare when compared to other reasons. Theyll be perfectly content with a pH between 6.0 and 8.0 that essentially means you can do anything from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline. All-in-all, the Bala Shark makes an excellent addition to almost any freshwater tank. This authoritative reference eBook will not only help you learn how to create a healthy aquatic ecosystem without accidentally killing any of your fish, but itll also give you the momentum you need to build out your underwater empire. You should prioritize functionality and practicality in your decor choices. Check that the heater, pump, and filter are all working properly. Time will tell. Bala Sharks are an excellent freshwater aquarium fish. So without further ado, lets dive in! This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. The most common suggested range is between a 120 and 150 gallon tank, which is a rather large aquarium. These macroparasites can often be seen with the naked eye attached to the fishs skin or gills. If you want to keep Gouramis with a Bala Shark, choose larger species too. Although their name indicates a similarity to sharks, considered to be aggressive predators, these peaceful freshwater sharks get their name due to the similar body shape and higher, triangular-shaped dorsal fin. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Make sure to opt for a heater thats rated for the size of your bala fish tank 150 gallons, per our minimum tank size recommendation. Pay close attention to signs of illness, and take steps to correct any water issues. Bala sharks should be fed up to three times per day. The other one does not have this and I can't recall seeing it before on this one. Do your research before making any purchases! This is why having a lid on your tank is a smart idea. However, a dark-colored pebbly substrate, around an inch thick, is closest to the substrate found in the fishs wild habitat.Theres also no need to fill bala sharks tanks with rocks or plants. 4. It is necessary to prep a Bala Shark before they are of age to breed. All of these levels can be easily monitored with a thermometer and a basic water testing kit. Just be sure to keep up with tank maintenance, and you should be all set. Place your 150-gallon tank on a sturdy surface. Its definitely possible, but its not known for sure. Clown loaches, bala sharks need 90 gallon tanks. #1 I have two Bala sharks. The longer the tank, the more space this middle-dwelling fish has to explore. Decades of movie-watching have created a misconception that all sharks are aggressive fish that will nip your fingers off if you put them in your tank. Keep Reading: Why Do Bala Sharks Have White Spots? Silver sharks do best when their water temperature is at 77F. . When a Bala Shark suffers from a fungal infection, it develops a fluffy growth that is usually white. After all, these fish will be kept in 150-gallon tanks. He may get better or get worse and show signs of a disease we can diagnose. Frankly speaking, Bala sharks are a joy to feed. Fish owners should also be aware that these relatively frisky fish tend to move around and swim for hours. If their twitching is indicative of stress, be sure that your aquarium is an adequate size for your fish. You should keep at least five or six balas in the same tank. Theyre not totally wrong since living in a confined space gives you more control over the fishs habitat to keep them healthy and happy. Making this a habit will help you provide better care for your Bala Sharks, and prevent you from having to deal with unwanted surprises. Bala sharks dont swim along the bottom of the tank or dig in the substrate, so theres no need to use a specific type of substrate. We may earn a small commission through products purchased using links on this page. However, captive Bala sharks will be just as happy with any of the previously mentioned live proteins. Bala Shark is a kind of shark that lives in the Water should have a hardness of 10 to 13 dGH and a pH of 6.5 to 8. (7 Things You Should Know! Again, you should strive to replicate these conditions either with a good heater or by ensuring that your tanks surroundings are not too cold. This can happen for several reasons, but its usually nothing to worry about if its only a few scales. I have a beautiful Bala shark in my 35 gallon tank. You may need to contact the manufacturers directly to get an exact GPH rating, especially as many filters will not be able to handle this large of a tank. Overfishing for the aquarium trade and forest fires in 1975, Otocinclus: Oto Catfish Care Guide & Species Profile, Iridescent Shark Care Guide & Species Profile, Red Tail Shark Care Guide & Species Profile, The Clown Loach Care Guide: A Playful Bottom Dweller For Community Tanks, The Complete Guide to Rosy Red Minnows Care, What Do Goldfish Eat? Hey guys! Aggressive and non-compatible tank mates can make bala sharks stressed. Symptoms: White spots on the body, fins, or eyes, Causes: Poor water quality, stress, or overcrowding. Although not considered an aggressive fish species, Bala Sharks can eat smaller fish, especially those that are smooth and sleek, as they get bigger. If you notice they are rubbing against other fish or against something in the tank, it could be indicative of an illness or infection. Therefore, these active swimmers are most at home in freshwater tanks that replicate these water conditions. However, we recommend testing the feeder out first. The typical lifespan of a Bala shark is known to be 10 years. Although bala sharks are big fish, theyre docile and peaceful. Bala sharks are social fish and need to be in large numbers, so therefore a big tank in needed. However, these fish tend to get along well with many types of freshwater aquarium fish. These infections can happen due to many reasons, such as: Some bacterial infections can cause obvious symptoms in your Bala Sharks. Can I get a Bala shark to go in with these. I had no idea that he would get this big. Bala Sharks may show signs of stress in various situations, such as: Any of these aspects can increase the risk of the previously mentioned diseases, which is why you should maintain a proper environment for your fish in the tank at all times. Rubber Bands In Aquariums? Water conditions. Monitoring this helps to ensure that they are getting the right food portions. Consider adding shrimp or other higher protein-laden food. After the female spawns, the male will then fertilize the spawned eggs with a substance called milt. . Besides theyre attractive look, Bala Sharks are generally healthy fish if you provide them with proper accommodation and water quality. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If you have other fish in the aquarium that may potentially pose a threat to them, they might exhibit behaviors such as twitching in an effort to keep those fish away. Some fish breeders recommend adding an antibiotic solution to the tank water. Pay attention to any changes in the balas environment, like a changed diet. The process of being bagged up, taken home, and added to an aquarium they arent used to is a lot of rapid change for a bala shark. In their native habitats, Bala Sharks are also known by other names that include Tricolor Shark, Silver Bala, Silver Shark and Tri Color Minnows due to their unique colors and markings. However, this is not absolutely necessary, and many fish owners simply leave the bottom floor area clear for better viewing. 1. I see nothing in the video that would cause me to do anything but leave it alone to recover, and hopefully it will. 6. It's best to use a 150-gallon tank with a length of at least 5 feet. Can they get along with other fish species? Bala sharks grow up to 14 inches long. In this guide, we explore the ins and outs of Bala Shark care and everything you should know if youre thinking about adding them to your aquarium setup. 4. Female bala sharks stop growing before the males, so male bala sharks are longer than females. Bala sharks are pretty hardy and can live up to 10 years in captivity. Despite how big these fish are and how fast they can swim, they arent faster than some of their potential hunters. It is also difficult to distinguish between males and females, as the differences can be quite subtle. It is crucial to have a good water filtration system, and fish owners should try to leave these fish undisturbed during this time frame. 2020 - 2023 eFishkeeping. Copyright 2022 - Fishkeeping World - All Rights Reserved, Robert Woods is the creator of FishKeeping World, a third-generation fish keeper, and a graduate in animal welfare and behavior. Bala Sharks turning white? | Freshwater Fish Disease and Health Forum Dont house them with aggressive or carnivorous fish like neon tetras.Dont add non-fish species like shrimps and crabs to a bala shark tank, because they are known to eat crustaceans.Great tank mates for bala sharks include:Other bala sharks bala sharks are shoaling fish that should be housed in groups of at least fiveGouramisCorydorasRasborasRainbowfishDiet and FeedingIn the wild, the bala sharks diet consists of insects, small crustaceans, plant matter, algae, and larvae. I enjoyed the information about our daughters new pets. 6. They are peaceful fish with laid-back personalities.Colors, Patterns, Fins, and Sex DifferencesThe bala shark isnt a real freshwater shark. Bala shark - Wikipedia As weve previously mentioned, getting a filter that generates a pretty strong water flow is important, as these fish need a lot of water movement to be healthy. The ideal tank conditions for bala sharks are: The essentials for a bala sharks tank are a powerful external filter, natural tank lighting, and a high-quality water heater. Bala Shark Lifespan and How to Maximize It - Avid Aquarist Since the fish stops eating, its growth is stunned and its immunity is compromised. T the biffster Moved On Joined May 10, 2010 Messages 2,835 They are rubbing themselves against the gravel and rocks. Dont get a bala shark if your tank is small or contains large predatory fish.Despite needing a larger tank than most aquarium fish, bala sharks are peaceful and beautiful to look at, making them a fantastic choice for people who have enough tank space to house the species.Related ArticlesFreshwater FishIridescent Shark Care Guide & Species ProfileDecember 14, 2018 RobertFreshwater FishRed Tail Shark Care Guide & Species ProfileJanuary 27, 2022 RobertFreshwater FishThe Clown Loach Care Guide: A Playful Bottom Dweller For Community TanksJuly 13, 2019 RobertFreshwater FishThe Complete Guide to Rosy Red Minnows CareJanuary 26, 2021 RobertFish Care & BreedingWhat Do Goldfish Eat? Far from being the aggressive fish species many mistake them for, these gentle giants are more closely related to the common goldfish! Bala sharks can be quite active swimmers, but why do bala sharks twitch? However, it is still possible to breed them in home aquariums. Diversify feeding by adding live, high-protein foods like bloodworms and shrimp to the tank, and regularly feed the fish plankton, diced fruits, greens, and vegetables to fortify the fishs health. If something in your aquarium is causing this, remove it and either isolate it (if its another fish) or take your bala shark to a vet for further analysis. The tank itself will cost a pretty penny, but the upkeep will outweigh this upfront investment by miles. All fish are stressed by being netted and moved to a new environment, and many take time to regain their normal behaviours. Currently, I have 3 fish tanks at our home, where I enjoy this hobby with my Mom, Dad, and Younger Sister. These community fish like to. You can read more in our profile, click on the shaded name Bala Shark. These are rather effective snail-eating fish! Look for nutritious foods that provide the vitamins, minerals, and proteins needed for these fish to grow to their full potential.Diversify feeding by adding live, high-protein foods like bloodworms and shrimp to the tank, and regularly feed the fish plankton, diced fruits, greens, and vegetables to fortify the fishs health.Bala sharks should be fed up to three times per day. And one from these pair chase other two and when other fish comes near them it chase them too. Read more about me here. Bala sharks can be affected by several external parasites, including anchor worms, fish lice, and flukes. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Ich Or Stress On My Bala | My Aquarium Club All these parasites come with new additions to the tank, whether its water, food, new fish, etc. I just got a Bala shark wrongly labeled as a black fin shark in a tiny tank with a sucker fish. Theres also no need to fill bala sharks tanks with rocks or plants. In some cases, fish can jump out of the tank. Of course, you can always opt to use a smaller tank at first, then size up as your bala shark gets larger. The fluid buildup may also cause the eyes to bulge, the scales to point outwards, and the fins to clamp together. These fish are used to warm waters with a pebbly or muddy substrate. Chief among these requirements is strong water flow, coupled with good oxygenation. They may not know what to do with themselves if they dont have enough room to swim back and forth in the aquarium. There are some larger fish species that tend to be predators (like cichlids). However, this isnt actually the case. Your email address will not be published. Twitching due to stress may be one of the only ways they know how to tell you they arent happy. These foods form the basis of a healthy diet, so you should look for one thats formulated specifically for omnivores. forum community dedicated to tropical fish owners and enthusiasts. Home Aquatic Problems & Solutions Clear Signs of Stress in Bala Sharks. Ich or stress on my Bala. This infection is usually well-defined and appears in the fishs head, body, or fins, so you can confuse it with ich. Now it looks like 2 of them have paired up. Hello, and thanks for visiting Avid Aquarist! In terms of pH and water hardness, Bala sharks are pretty adaptable. It is important to have good water flow during spawning so that the male fertilizing agent gets spread out farther. They also flash against the gravel and other solid objects in the aquarium. We hope this care guide gave you some insight on how to care for bala sharks! The best way to adjust and monitor the water pH is by using a store-bought pH kit and gauge. Bala Shark Tank Size and Specifications . Its a good idea to check your other fish for signs of sickness, and check that your plants arent rotting in the water. Typically, we like to recommend a minimum tank size of 150 gallons. When you buy via the links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. These peaceful shoaling fish are less aggressive and territorial than actual freshwater sharks..toc_container ol li a{}.toc_container ol li{font-size:16px;margin:0;padding:0;line-height:32px}.toc_container ol{}.toc_container{margin-bottom:1.75em;padding:.75em;background-color:#f8f9fc}.toc_container h4{margin:15px}.oftoc2col ol{-webkit-column-count:2;-moz-column-count:2;column-count:2;-moz-column-fill:balance;column-fill:balance}.toc_container ol li a{color:#008bac}.toc_container ol li a:hover{text-decoration:none}.toc_container ol li{font-size:16px;margin:0;padding:0;line-height:30px}.toc_container{margin-top:1.25em;margin-bottom:2em;padding:1em;border:2px solid #f1f7f8;background-color:#fff;margin-left:0;margin-right:1%}.toc_container h4{margin-bottom:12px}TABLE OF CONTENTSBala Shark Facts & OverviewAppearance & BehaviorBala Shark Care & Tank RequirementsTank MatesDiet and FeedingBreedingShould You Get a Bala Shark for Your Aquarium?Bala Shark Facts & OverviewScientific name:Balantiocheilos melanopterusCommon namesBala shark, silver shark, tricolor shark, tricolor sharkminnowDistribution:Southeast AsiaSize:Up to 14 inchesLife expectancy:Up to 10 yearsColor:Silver with gray or yellow and black finsDiet:OmnivoreTemperament:PeacefulMinimum tank size:120 gallonsTemperature:7282F (2228C)pH:6.08.0Hardness:512 dGHCare level:EasyBreeding:Egg-layerOriginBala sharks are native to the clean, freshwater rivers and lakes of Southeast Asia, including around the Malay Peninsula, in the Chao Phraya and Mekong basins, and in the waters surrounding Sumatra and Borneo.Advertisementsif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'fishkeepingworld_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_1',133,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishkeepingworld_com-medrectangle-3-0');Bala sharks are an endangered species that are rarely found in the wild. Clown Loach Care: Tank Size, Food, Lifespan, Tank Mates, Dojo Loach Care 101 (aka Weather Or Pond Loach), Sohal Tang Care Guide: Diet, Mates, Tank Size & Breeding, Chevron Tang Care Guide: Lifespan, Diet, Mates & Tanks, Clown Tang Care: Diet, Tank Size, Mates and Breeding. I. n terms of lighting, bala sharks dont have any special requirements. So do I need to remove other two of them or completely take them out? Bala Shark: Care Guide, Pictures, Types, Lifespan & More Bala Shark Fins Fraying, Gray Scales | Freshwater Fish Disease and Other than diseases, Bala Sharks can develop white spots across their bodies due to stress. Here are a few things youll need: With a little bit of care and dedication, your bala sharks should thrive in your tank! The ideal pH range for Bala Sharks is between 6.5 and 7.8. Isolate the dancing pair and place them in a 60-gallon breeding tank. from getting diseases is to keep the water as clean as possible and provide an environment where they do not experience stress, anxiety, or distress. Some food types can make the balas sick and stressed. Your Bala's tank should be large and lengthy, as they are aggressive swimmers. Distressed Bala sharks also have As the fish stops eating, its immunity gets compromised and its growth is stunned. Ensure you maintain the right temperature, hardness, and pH within the best range for balas. Bala sharks become sexually mature at around six months old, or when the fish have grown to four inches long. If your bala shark is constantly twitching, and it seems to be nonstop, be sure to check for other signs that something might not be right with them. Attempting to definitively answer the question, why do bala sharks twitch, is difficult. The fish is called a bala shark because of its long, pointed dorsal fin, which resembles a sharks fin.Bala sharks have long, torpedo-shaped, silvery-gray bodies with silver or yellow fins edged with black. So, lets dive in. Theyre colored yellow, black and gray, and they can grow up to 12 inches, or 25-30 cm, in length making them relatively large for an aquarium fish. To treat ich, you must isolate the infected fish in a separate tank. And of course, aggressive fish are absolute no-gos. Home Aquatic Problems & Solutions Common Bala Shark Diseases to Watch For. The average lifespan of a bala shark is between eight and ten years. I feel bad for him because he needs more room to swim. Bad water quality symtoms are darting, loss of scales, looking pale, gasping, laboured breathing, flicking and rubbing, red gills, purple gills, turning upside down, sores, red streaking. Within 24 hours, larvae should appear. What are good tank mates for Bala Sharks? Most experts agree that Bala Shark care is relatively easy if the fish owner has some basic knowledge of fish care. Like all types of fish, bala sharks need proper care to thrive in their surroundings. Making sure that the fish have the right diet suited for their size and breed goes a long way towards ensuring their future health and extending their lifespan. Clear Signs of Stress in Bala Sharks - Avid Aquarist Clown Loaches are one of the most popular freshwater fish in the aquarium scene. Smart Bala Shark care should include monitoring them for signs of common fish ailments like dropsy that causes them to swell, and ich which results in white spots on their scales. Dropsy is a common disease that many fish species may suffer from, including Bala Sharks. They are peaceful fish with laid-back personalities. Conversely, its more widely believed that these fish twitch for particular reasons. This includes red patches, skin ulcers, bloody fins, deformed scales, blisters, or sores. Make sure to remove any dead parasites and clean the tank to prevent re-infection. Fish Swimming In Circles? A bala sharks twitches are a series of rapid movements that are extremely quick. Additionally, these fish should be closely watched as they grow to ensure continued compatibility with smaller fish. If your bala shark is twitching, it could be due to a variety of reasons, including stress, disease, parasites, or nutritional deficiencies. The safe range for this is somewhere between 6.5 and 8 pH. The general procedure to eliminate these parasites is by isolating the fish, administering the right treatment, and disinfecting the fish tank. Common signs of stress include lack of activity and loss of appetite. Bala Sharks Twitching? (7 Things You Need To Know!) Assuming that youve committed to raising bala sharks, you want to make sure that your tank is set up properly. Overcrowding can stress balas greatly, and they might even leap out of the tank to die if their aquarium is too overcrowded. This fish is well known for its congenial manner, and they tend to do well living with many other different fish species. This is when they are around 4 months old. To avoid this scenario, always have several of them as they travel together in schools when in natural environments. Bala Sharks: Complete Care Guide To Freshwater Sharks - Tankarium The most common issue that causes cloudy eyes is poor water conditions. It's a good idea to check your other fish for signs of sickness, and check that your plants aren't rotting in the water. After the eggs have been fertilized, the parents leave the eggs alone. When buying a bala shark, make sure the fish has been bred in captivity, to protect the species wild populations. Adding more will be better if theres enough space for all the fish to roam freely. Hi! Please share it with someone who might appreciate it! Within 24 hours, larvae should appear.The fry should hatch within three days. My name is Jeff, and my goal with this site is to share everything I've learned over the years about caring for aquatic life. Bala sharks are known to jump out of the tank, especially when settling into their new environment, so a secure lid on top of the tank is essential. This species is not a true shark, but is commonly so called because of its torpedo -shaped body and large fins. Although they might seem interesting, poor handling, like squeezing the fish's body or touching the eyes or the gills, can cause stress. Bala sharks have sensitive eyes that see better in tannin-rich waters. The typical cost of a bala shark is $7 . These can provide visual interest and places for your bala shark to hide and explore. The following reasons may be the answer to why your stressed Bala shark is losing color: .