Bala shark size: how big does it get?

Adults reach about 32 cm. The largest on record measured 35 cm (standard length). Record sizes among the 137 Cyprinidae species on LumaReef: 1.3 cm (Strawberry Rasbora) to 200 cm (Yellowcheek).

Bala shark tank size: what is the minimum?

A tank at least 250 cm long. In LumaReef that is the Showcase tank or larger.

Bala shark water parameters: what does it need?

Temperature 22–28 °C, pH 6.5–7.8, hardness 4–16 °dGH. Warmer than most Cyprinidae on LumaReef (20–26 °C).

Bala shark tank mates: what can it live with?

It gets along with 69 of the 99 freshwater species in the catalogue, such as Freshwater angelfish, Bristlenose pleco, and Swordtail.

Bala shark: is it endangered?

The IUCN Red List rates it Vulnerable. Threatened among the 121 assessed Cyprinidae species on LumaReef: 28.

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Bala shark

Balantiocheilos melanopterus

A fast, restless open-water runner that wants length, not volume.

The Bala shark (Balantiocheilos melanopterus) is a tropical freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae. It swims in midwater, close to the bottom. Adults grow to about 32 cm; the largest on record measured 35 cm (standard length). The IUCN Red List rates it Vulnerable. In the aquarium it needs a tank at least 250 cm long and water at 22–28 °C.

Size: 32 cm
Smallest tank: 250 cm
Temperature: 22–28 °C
Care: Moderate

In the aquarium

Temperature22–28 °C

pH6.5–7.8

Hardness4–16 °dGH

Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Omnivore
Activity: Busy
Water layer: Mid water
Group: Happiest in a group of 5 or more
Plants: Plant safe

These values are compiled from real species data, and the LumaReef simulation is built to keep them true to life.

Which tank it fits

Nano60 cm · 65 litresToo small
Standard90 cm · 180 litresToo small
Wide120 cm · 300 litresToo small
Living room180 cm · 650 litresToo small
Showcase250 cm · 1,200 litres30 of them
Gallery300 cm · 1,440 litres36 of them

Who it lives with

Gets along69 species

and 45 more species

Caution21 species

Crowding the same layer

Narrow shared temperature range

Not together9 species

Aggressive with peaceful

Water temperatures do not overlap

In the wild

Water type: Freshwater
Climate zone: Tropical
Habitat: Midwater, close to the bottom
Largest on record: 35 cmstandard length, tail fin excluded
Aquarium trade: Very common

Conservation status

Classification

OrderCypriniformes
FamilyCyprinidae
GenusBalantiocheilos
SpeciesBalantiocheilos melanopterus
Described byBleeker, 1851

In other languages

English: Tricolor Sharkminnow
German: Haibarbe
Russian: Акулий бала
Japanese: ハナウグイ

Quick answers

Bala shark size: how big does it get?: Adults reach about 32 cm. The largest on record measured 35 cm (standard length). Record sizes among the 137 Cyprinidae species on LumaReef: 1.3 cm (Strawberry Rasbora) to 200 cm (Yellowcheek).
Bala shark tank size: what is the minimum?: A tank at least 250 cm long. In LumaReef that is the Showcase tank or larger.
Bala shark water parameters: what does it need?: Temperature 22–28 °C, pH 6.5–7.8, hardness 4–16 °dGH. Warmer than most Cyprinidae on LumaReef (20–26 °C).
Bala shark tank mates: what can it live with?: It gets along with 69 of the 99 freshwater species in the catalogue, such as Freshwater angelfish, Bristlenose pleco, and Swordtail.
Bala shark: alone or in a group?: Keep at least 5 together.
Bala shark and plants: is it plant safe?: Yes, it leaves plants alone.
Bala shark: is it endangered?: The IUCN Red List rates it Vulnerable. Threatened among the 121 assessed Cyprinidae species on LumaReef: 28.