The general procedure to eliminate these parasites is by isolating the fish, administering the right treatment, and disinfecting the fish tank. Hi William, I wouldnt advise adding Bala Sharks to an existing tank. After the female has laid eggs along the bottom of the tank, the male will fertilize the eggs with milt. Bala sharks grow up to 14 inches long. All you need to provide them with sufficient lighting is a basic freshwater lamp that shouldnt cost you much money at all. Consider adding shrimp or other higher protein-laden food. Bala sharks become sexually mature at around six months old, or when the fish have grown to four inches long.Advertisementsif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'fishkeepingworld_com-leader-3','ezslot_16',119,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishkeepingworld_com-leader-3-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'fishkeepingworld_com-leader-3','ezslot_17',119,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishkeepingworld_com-leader-3-0_1');.leader-3-multi-119{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}To breed bala sharks, follow these steps:Place a group of five bala sharks in a separate 65-gallon breeding tank with a temperature of 77F and a strong filter. Remove activated carbon media from the tanks filter while adding treatment to the water, because activated carbon will adsorb the medication.IchIch is one of the most common skin diseases amongst captive freshwater fish. Bala Shark 101 Care Guide for Beginners - Avid Aquarist Youd need a bigger heater, filter, and pump, all of which require energy to run. We earn commissions when you buy through our links. 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. The fishs ventral fins are small and colored black or gray. The bala shark ( Balantiocheilos melanopterus) also known as the tricolor shark, tricolor sharkminnow, silver shark, or shark minnow, is a fish of the family Cyprinidae, and is one of the two species in the genus Balantiocheilos. Bala sharks have gray or silver bodies with long, pointed yellow or gray fins edged with black.Bala sharks are popular with aquarists due to their shark-like body shapes and striking fin patterns. 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. These community fish like to. And of course, aggressive fish are absolute no-gos. Hey guys! At maturity, however, the Bala shark has the capacity to grow up to 12 or 14 inches in length. They also tend to stress shy or slow moving fish due to their constant vigorous activity in the tank. What are good tank mates for Bala Sharks? In the pet store, Bala sharks are sold when they are very young and only measure one or two inches. In their natural habitat, Bala Sharks usually live about 5 to 6 years due to harsh conditions. [Top 8 Fish That Do! my bala shark fish is acting weird - Aquarium Advice Let the Bala Shark settle in and then add the Gouramis. A good tank thermometer is a must, as it will help you monitor the water temperature. These fish are used to warm waters with a pebbly or muddy substrate. Fully-grown bala sharks should be housed in a tank of at least 150 gallons, at least 5 feet across. All these parasites come with new additions to the tank, whether its water, food, new fish, etc. Symptoms: Fins become ragged and may have holes, Causes: External injuries, stress, poor water quality. Ich or stress on my Bala. Dropsy is a common disease that many fish species may suffer from, including Bala Sharks. Keep the fry in a separate tank until the fish reach six months old or four inches long. She has been helping her father with his freshwater tanks since she was a toddler, and has fallen in love with the hobby ever since. Species such as neon tetras may be great in most community tanks, but will likely turn into a tasty snack for a hungry bala shark. However, it can be as low as 6.0 and up to 8.0. And it will eat smaller fish. So, before you get a bala shark, please take these factors into consideration otherwise, you may be in for a nasty awakening. This infection is usually well-defined and appears in the fishs head, body, or fins, so you can confuse it with ich. Using a testing kit, you can monitor and adjust the water parameters to make them more suitable for your bala sharks. Besides theyre attractive look, Bala Sharks are generally healthy fish if you provide them with proper accommodation and water quality. Anubias Has Holes In Leaves? Personally, however, we prefer to go with the large tank right away. No additional supplements are required as long as the fish has a balanced, diverse diet.BreedingBreeding bala sharks is moderately difficult and best attempted by aquarists with fish-breeding experience. All-in-all, the Bala Shark makes an excellent addition to almost any freshwater tank. Bala Sharks: Complete Care Guide To Freshwater Sharks - Tankarium Can I get a Bala shark to go in with these. What constitutes a moderate portion? He may get better or get worse and show signs of a disease we can diagnose. Like we mentioned above, there are certain water conditions that youll need to provide if you want your Bala Shark to thrive and live a long and healthy life. The following reasons may be the answer to why your stressed Bala shark is losing color: . Fish with dropsy appear bloated and have protruding eyes, scales that stick out from the body, loss of appetite, lethargy, and rapid breathing. This means that the fish should be kept separated in another tank before they reach puberty. Im currently looking for a MUCH bigger tank cause I dont like how small the one it came in is, Im very open to more tips as I want to make sure this guy gets the best. Feed the fry ciliates, then switch to nauplii of artemia or cyclops once the fry are four days old.Keep the fry in a separate tank until the fish reach six months old or four inches long.Should You Get a Bala Shark for Your Aquarium?Bala sharks are unique-looking fish that provide plenty of entertainment in a home aquarium.You should get a bala shark if you have plenty of space for at least five of these active shoaling fish. In todays guide, well take a closer look at Bala Shark diseases, their causes, and how to manage them. Although they might seem interesting, poor handling, like squeezing the fish's body or touching the eyes or the gills, can cause stress. Read more about me here. A perpetual nomad, Wanda does her best to integrate fish-keeping with her lifestyle, and has taken care of fish in three different continents. Bala sharks are an endangered species that are rarely found in the wild. My bala sharks have white spots all over their fins and bodies. Conclusion. There is also a possibility that twitching can be a signifier that your bala shark is stressed. These affable fish travel in schools when in the wild, and fish owners should purchase several of these Bala Sharks at a time as they like company. These fish tend to remain healthy, but fish owners should be sure to keep their aquariums clean and the water level and temperature stable for best results. So do I need to remove other two of them or completely take them out? Raise the water temperature slightly and gradually before adding some salt. Additionally, these fish should be closely watched as they grow to ensure continued compatibility with smaller fish. These fish are sensitive to changing water parameters, so maintaining consistent water parameters and carrying out regular 2030% water changes are essential to prevent disease and stress. Feed the fry ciliates, then switch to nauplii of artemia or cyclops once the fry are four days old. I also have some platys. Add one teaspoon of salt per one gallon of water in the tank. Betta Fish Tank Ideas Unique, Cute And Cool Designs, Best Places To Buy Goldfish For Sale Online, 13 Awesome Freshwater Aquarium Sharks to Enhance Your Underwater World, Aquarium Light VS Grow Light Know Which One To Choose. 4. Heres a quick overview on how to do so. When it comes to plants and decor, bala sharks arent too fussy. These fish are used to warm waters with a pebbly or muddy substrate.Set up your bala sharks tank to replicate the fishs habitat in the wild. 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. Jeff has always enjoyed having pets, but as a child, he was drawn to his familys fish tank. In captivity, a healthy Bala Shark can live for anywhere between 8 to 10 years. 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. Some fish breeders recommend adding an antibiotic solution to the tank water. Byron. On Avid Aquarist, Jeff shares everything hes learned about helping aquatic life survive and thrive in a home aquarium. Learn how your comment data is processed. With regular maintenance and good care, these fish may live up to 10 years as they are considered basically hardy and prone to good health. When buying a bala shark, make sure the fish has been bred in captivity, to protect the species wild populations.The typical cost of a bala shark is $7 to $10. The most common suggested range is between a 120 and 150 gallon tank, which is a rather large aquarium. 1. So, lets dive in. Like all types of fish, bala sharks need proper care to thrive in their surroundings. Treat the tank with OTC antibacterial treatment. Keeping a single Bala Shark in the tank for a long time (you should keep at least 4 to 6), Introducing your fish to a new tank with different water conditions, Changing the water temperature or pH suddenly, Introduce aggressive fish species to the tank. Stress weakens the fishs immune system, so you might see white spots appearing on their bodies. Bala Sharks turning white? | Freshwater Fish Disease and Health Forum They make an excellent addition to an aquarium due in part to their mild-temperament as well as their beauty and grace. It is crucial to give the fish enough space and room to swim during this process. You can also add other decorations like driftwood, rocks, and caves. The most common Bala Shark external parasites are anchor worms, fish lice, and flukes. Why Do Bala Sharks Twitch? - Detailed Guide Yet, you should still take it seriously and isolate the fish until it regains its full health completely. Like most gentle fish, bala sharks tend to feel more at ease when they are kept in groups or schools. You should also invest in a filter and a powerful pump to clean the aquarium more often. The most popular signs of stress are lack of activity and lost appetite. Your Bala's tank should be large and lengthy, as they are aggressive swimmers. A vet may also prescribe antibiotics if its caused by bacteria, but in many cases, saving the fish is quite hard. Add substrate, live plants, and other tank decors. I just got a Bala shark wrongly labeled as a black fin shark in a tiny tank with a sucker fish. A well-formulated dry fish food. The Bala Shark, scientific name Balantiocheilos Melanopterus, isn't really an actual shark but was named as such because of its appearance, which features silver coloring and tall dorsal fins. However, this is not absolutely necessary, and many fish owners simply leave the bottom floor area clear for better viewing. Follow the steps below: Test the water to ensure the conditions are ideal and that there's enough open space for the shark to swim around freely. Sometimes, Bala Sharks may charge into the glass walls due to their active and fast swimming. Provide a similarly varied diet in captivity with a combination of live and dried foods.Advertisementsif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'fishkeepingworld_com-leader-2','ezslot_14',136,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishkeepingworld_com-leader-2-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'fishkeepingworld_com-leader-2','ezslot_15',136,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishkeepingworld_com-leader-2-0_1');.leader-2-multi-136{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}High-quality dried food, like flakes and pellets, should make up the bulk of the bala sharks diet. Although bala sharks are prone to stress, you can do several things to make them feel better. Aggressive and non-compatible tank mates can make bala sharks stressed. However, Bala Sharks are a peaceful species that is extremely popular in the aquarium trade due partly to their unique appearance and calm demeanor. All of these levels can be easily monitored with a thermometer and a basic water testing kit. Bala sharks can be affected by several external parasites, including anchor worms, fish lice, and flukes. It is recommended that aquarium owners place hiding spots for Bala Sharks to rest in when tired of swimming. The most popular signs of stress are lack of activity and lost appetite. Other than diseases, Bala Sharks can develop white spots across their bodies due to stress. And they are happy together . Theyre found in tanks, The Dojo Loach (aka Weather Loach or Pond Loach) is one of our all-time favorite freshwater species. This can come in the form of frozen fish, brine shrimp, insect larvae, and worms. 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. It's best to use a 150-gallon tank with a length of at least 5 feet. Again, your bala sharks may be large enough to defend themselves, but they shouldnt be put in a stressful situation to begin with. Millie is a passionate aquarist who caught the fishkeeping bug in high school and has been addicted ever since. Replace the filter with an internal sponge filter that wont suck up the fry.Perform a 50% water change and add antibacterial solutions to the water. All-in-all, this is a pretty easy-going fish. Providing live plants in the tank helps keep the water cleaner. As it gets large, 14-16+ inches, that means at the very least a 6-foot tank but better in 7-8 feet. To spur spawning, some fish breeders slowly increase the tank water temperature from 77 degrees up to 82 degrees. In addition to a good filter, aquarists can add air pumps, air stones, and/or powerheads to create the desired water motion. Theyre not totally wrong since living in a confined space gives you more control over the fishs habitat to keep them healthy and happy. 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. The lifespan of a Bala Shark can be up to 10 years with the proper care. (50 gallon tank). Make sure these plants are properly anchored to the substrate, as bala sharks are active swimmers that may uproot them. Luckily, with early action, dietary improvement, and proper treatment, you can help your fish live a full life! Ensure that the filter is on and operating. All Possible Causes, Dropsy In Fish: Your Guide To Symptoms & Treatment. They do have a preference for water thats on the softer end of things, but will be happy with medium hardness as well. It may be OK, or there may have been internal damage. Bala Shark Tank Size and Specifications . 8 Causes of White Spots on Your Bala Shark - Avid Aquarist Water conditions. Disclaimer: The content on this website is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Twitching may help bala sharks move faster through the water. They tend not to eat many of the fry, but if you are concerned, make sure you have a lot of plants, both at the surface and the bottom for fry to hide in until they are larger. Hello, and thanks for visiting Avid Aquarist! 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. Since the fish stops eating, its growth is stunned and its immunity is compromised. We understand that a huge tank is daunting, but its also a good way to gauge if youre truly prepared to take on the task of raising these giant fish. Overall, you should be feeding yours 3 times a day. Quarantine infected fish, and treat with an antifungal medication. The fish ram themselves into the tanks walls. This could lead to further digestive problems that can make the fish more vulnerable to the common fish diseases and ailments usually seen. Fish also suffer from a change in behavior due to dropsy, including a noticeable lack of appetite and reduced activity. These signs vary depending on the individual shark but can include changes in behavior, such as swimming in a different direction or staying close to the water's surface. If everything is good and white spots are only affecting one Bala Shark, then setup a quarantine tank. Bala Sharks are a rewarding and unique fish to keep in your aquarium. But I'm betting since this doesn't look like flashing that he's done some brain damage or something. 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. Do your research before making any purchases! I have a beautiful Bala shark in my 35 gallon tank. Aquatic plants can also be added to the tank for additional oxygenation. Treat with a formalin or malachite green-based medication. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. ), Fish Hiding Behind The Filter? Dont house them with aggressive or carnivorous fish like neon tetras. This fish is well known for its congenial manner, and they tend to do well living with many other different fish species. How to Keep a Bala Shark: 12 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow (Reasons, Treatment, Prevention). On Avid Aquarist, Jeff shares everything hes learned about helping aquatic life survive and thrive in a home aquarium. This is why having a lid on your tank is a smart idea. 7. It can be assumed that since other fish do it, its just one of those many quirks that make fish such fascinating animals. Home Aquatic Problems & Solutions Common Bala Shark Diseases to Watch For. I would feed everyone as normal but see if he eats? At the store the employee was having trouble finding a bag that didn't have a hole in it, so he had to move the fish from one bag to another three times, I know this can be stressful for it. Bala sharks are pretty hardy and can live up to 10 years in captivity. Ich is a very common disease thats caused by an aquatic protozoan parasite. Just keep it on for a third of the day (or eight hours) and you will have very happy fish! Think carefully before choosing tank mates for your bala sharks, as they might stress them and make them uncomfortable. No additional supplements are required as long as the fish has a balanced, diverse diet. Moreover, they dont usually attack other fish, but they will display a lot of movement, racing inside the tank from one side to another. Lets start by having a brief overview of the most common Bala Shark diseases that your fish may suffer from. Thankfully, there are a variety of fish species that make excellent companions for the bala shark. Hi I have a Bala shark thats around 12 inches I started of with 4 but I gave away 2 of them after about 3 months as they were getting picked on and eventually another so Im only left with the one but a friend has asked if I can re home his mollies in my tank Im not sure with the Bala and a fully grown pleco any advice please? Females often have a slightly rounded belly area and body type. 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. 4. As previously established, dropsy may be caused by bacterial infections. 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. 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. Sick Bala Sharks | Tropical Fish Forums Snails are also not a good choice for Bala Sharks. The fluid buildup may also cause the eyes to bulge, the scales to point outwards, and the fins to clamp together. In awhile, 30 to 50 percent of the water should be renewed carefully. While some bala shark owners have noticed twitching in tandem with stressors or illness, its not indicative of correlation; it may just be a coincidence. These tend to be very active, and they make great home aquarium fish as they are interesting to watch. However, a dark-colored pebbly substrate, around an inch thick, is closest to the substrate found in the fishs wild habitat. The typical cost of a bala shark is $7 . All fish are stressed by being netted and moved to a new environment, and many take time to regain their normal behaviours. Bala Sharks, Bala Shark, Silver Shark, Tri-Color Minnow, Sharkminnow (Balantiocheilus melanopterus), Gets along with similarly sized community fish. Algae Eaters: How Many To Have In A Fish Tank? Clear Signs of Stress in Bala Sharks - Avid Aquarist The mollies may become food for the Bala! Please share it with someone who might appreciate it! Set up a heater. He is about 4 to 5 inches. Bala sharks can be purchased online easily, but the fish are difficult to find in small, local fish stores. The fish is called a bala shark because of its long, pointed dorsal fin, which resembles a sharks fin. House bala sharks in a freshwater tank and feed them an omnivorous diet. Plant vegetation around the edges of the tank to prevent disruption to the swimming areas. In reality, they belong to a family of fishes known as carps and minnows. When introducing them to a new tank they should be given approximately a month to settle into their new home. Thanks, Robert, Hi, thank you for som great reading, but im wondering if i could keep an elephant nose fish, a black ghost knife fish and a bala shark together in a 530 liters tank?its not setup yet, im just researcing some cool fish and since black ghost is my favorit fish i will be getting one of those:)i have a 120 liters tank running now with some guppies, kribensis chiklids, flying fox and some snails and shripms, im well aware they wont last long with a bala shark heheim no expert but i have kept severel kinds of fish over time , Hi Merete, they would probably be OK for the first year or so, but will need a large tank as they grow. Dropsy can happen for a variety of reasons, but its usually an indication of other problems, such as poor water quality, malfunctioning liver, or bacterial infections. I. n terms of lighting, bala sharks dont have any special requirements. Bala Shark Has White Spots? (Reasons, Treatment, Prevention) As such, some assume that twitching is a sign of nervousness. Bala sharks can be quite active swimmers, but why do bala sharks twitch? You can buy them from the following reputable online stores: Bala sharks have long, silver bodies with bold, pointed fins. Use a stabilizer to maintain healthy conditions in your tank. Learn more. Come join the discussion about species,breeding, health, behavior, aquariums, adopting, care, classifieds, and more! The fact that these are active shoaling fish also means theyll breathe a lot of life into your fish tanks, which is a glorious perk! Bala sharks can be purchased online easily, but the fish are difficult to find in small, local fish stores. These omnivores enjoy a wide variety of flake foods and live protein, and will be happy with pretty much anything you can find in your local fish stores! Tankarium is reader-supported. All Rights Reserved. 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. External parasites can be seen attached to the body or gills of the fish, and are introduced to the tank through new fish, live foods, or plants.Use veterinarian-approved medications or insecticides to kill parasites. 2020 - 2023 eFishkeeping. In general, you should opt for tropical fish species that grow to at least 4 inches in length. Some fish experts like to provide a more diversified diet for their Bala Sharks to mimic their natural environment food sources as closely as possible. Within 24 hours, larvae should appear. One important thing to be aware of in terms of a bala sharks nervous behavior is they are jumpers. Bala Shark Care: Care Guide, Breeding, Tank Size and Disease With a little bit of care and dedication, your bala sharks should thrive in your tank! Typically, we like to recommend a minimum tank size of 150 gallons. 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. It can be difficult to tell apart the sexes. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Overfishing for the aquarium trade and forest fires in 1975 are two possible causes for the decrease in the wild population of bala sharks. Fungal infections are caused by spores that target the scales and skin of a fish. With patience and dedication, you can successfully breed Bala sharks in your home aquarium. The information, content, and material contained on the site is intended to be of a general nature only and is not intended to constitute professional/medical advice. Bala Shark: Care Guide, Pictures, Types, Lifespan & More This can happen for several reasons, but its usually nothing to worry about if its only a few scales. Ensure you maintain the right temperature, hardness, and pH within the best range for balas. In this article, well look at everything there is to know about bala sharks. Bala Shark Habitat and Tank Conditions Tank size. It really depends on the size of your Bala shark, but a good rule of thumb is to provide an amount of food that can be consumed in a few minutes. Poor water conditions are the main reason why bala sharks suffer from stress. Wanda is a second-generation aquarist from the sunny tropics of Malaysia. Unless there are other signs that your bala shark may be sick, theres no reason to worry at the first sign of twitching. Set up your bala sharks tank to replicate the fishs habitat in the wild. You should prioritize functionality and practicality in your decor choices. Thanks for any help. The natural habitat of the bala shark is warm and densely vegetated, with a muddy, pebbly substrate. Youll be rewarded with a healthy, happy aquarium filled with beautiful bala sharks! Because bala sharks hail from the tropical climate of Southeast Asia, they require warm temperatures between 72-82F. If this is seen, the fish often has a parasitic or bacterial infection and should be treated. Female bala sharks have rounder bellies than males. Did you find this care guide helpful? Furthermore, you need to keep your water clean by removing old water and replacing it occasionally. When in their natural habitat, Bala Sharks are omnivores that eat insects, larvae, algae, plant portions, and small crustaceans. I see nothing in the video that would cause me to do anything but leave it alone to recover, and hopefully it will. White fluffy growths on the fishs body, mouth, and head. Remove the affected fish from the main tank. They also flash against the gravel and other solid objects in the aquarium. Why Do Bala Sharks Twitch? Is This Normal? Aquatic Byte A good, nutritious diet is important to every fish, and Bala sharks are no different. The exact tank size thats best for Bala Sharks is somewhat debated in the aquarium community. Aggressive and non-compatible tank mates can make bala sharks stressed. Common signs of stress include lack of activity and loss of appetite. The bala sharks natural habitat is lakes and fast-flowing rivers and streams in Southeast Asia.
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