Silver/Bala shark

Common name(s) Silver shark, Bala shark, Tri-colour shark, Malaysian shark Picture of Silversharks

Photos © Sean Evans

Scientific name Balantiocheilos melanopterus

Synonyms

Size Up to 14" (35cm), but usually smaller in aquaria - around 6-8" (15-20cm).

Origin S.E.Asia: Borneo, Sumatra, Thailand, peninsular Malaysia

Tank setup A 4ft/120cm tank will be sufficient to raise a few juveniles, but realistically a tank 6ft/180cm in length is required to allow these fish to thrive once they reach adult size. Provide refuges, but leave plenty of swimming space with no sharp decor (see below).

Compatibility Despite its eventual size, this is a peaceful community fish. It is preferable to keep them as a shoal, though this requires a very large tank eventually. May be harassed by more territorial tankmates, such as Red Tailed Black sharks.

Temperature 22-28^oC (72-82^oF)

Water chemistry Fairly soft, slightly acidic (pH 6.5-7) ideally, but does fine in harder and more alkaline water

Feeding Omnivorous, eagerly consume any food offered.
Some vegetable component to the diet is recommended.

Sexing Unknown, females may be deeper bodied.

Breeding Rare in aquariums.

Comments A hardy and robust fish, though often somewhat nervous. They are very easily startled and may try to jump out of the tank. You should therefore try to avoid sudden movements near the tank or when cleaning. Also avoid sharp decor, or they may injure themselves when dashing for cover.

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This website was last updated on 18th January 2008

Common name(s)	Silver shark, Bala shark, Tri-colour shark, Malaysian shark	Photos © Sean Evans
Scientific name	Balantiocheilos melanopterus
Synonyms
Size	Up to 14" (35cm), but usually smaller in aquaria - around 6-8" (15-20cm).
Origin	S.E.Asia: Borneo, Sumatra, Thailand, peninsular Malaysia
Tank setup	A 4ft/120cm tank will be sufficient to raise a few juveniles, but realistically a tank 6ft/180cm in length is required to allow these fish to thrive once they reach adult size. Provide refuges, but leave plenty of swimming space with no sharp decor (see below).
Compatibility	Despite its eventual size, this is a peaceful community fish. It is preferable to keep them as a shoal, though this requires a very large tank eventually. May be harassed by more territorial tankmates, such as Red Tailed Black sharks.
Temperature	22-28^oC (72-82^oF)
Water chemistry	Fairly soft, slightly acidic (pH 6.5-7) ideally, but does fine in harder and more alkaline water
Feeding	Omnivorous, eagerly consume any food offered. Some vegetable component to the diet is recommended.
Sexing	Unknown, females may be deeper bodied.
Breeding	Rare in aquariums.
Comments	A hardy and robust fish, though often somewhat nervous. They are very easily startled and may try to jump out of the tank. You should therefore try to avoid sudden movements near the tank or when cleaning. Also avoid sharp decor, or they may injure themselves when dashing for cover.