Species Profile
Bala Shark
Balantiocheilos melanopterus
Also known as: Tricolor Shark, Silver Shark, Tri Color Shark
Sharkspeaceful
Adult size
13″
Minimum tank
150 gal
Temperature
72–82°F
pH
6.5–7.5
Schooling
Group of 4+
Water level
mid
Diet
Flake, pellets, frozen, veggie
Notes
Often sold as a tiny 3″ silver-finned fish but grows to 13″+ and lives in active schools of 4+. Plan for a 150gal+ long tank long-term, not the 30gal they fit in at purchase. Active, fast jumpers; tight lid required.
Compatible Tankmates
Best tank mates for Bala Shark
Every species below passes the compatibility engine when paired with Bala Sharkin a suitably sized tank. Verdicts come from the same rules the builder uses — click a card to see that species' own care profile and its tank mates in turn.
Cardinal Tetra
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Rummynose Tetra
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Harlequin Rasbora
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Zebra Danio
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Fancy Guppy
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Platy
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Molly
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Swordtail
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Male Betta
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Dwarf Gourami
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Honey Gourami
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Pearl Gourami
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Photo: Raimond Spekking / Wikimedia Commons · Source · CC-BY-SA-4.0