Bala Shark

Balantiocheilos melanopterus

Not a real shark, but a sleek silver minnow that grows much bigger than most people expect. Needs room to race.

A peaceful freshwater fish that grows to 30 cm, lives in the middle of the tank in groups of 3 or more and needs 22–28 °C, pH 6.0–8.0 and an aquarium of at least 400 L.

Care at a glance

Water

Freshwater

Temperature

22–28 °C (72–82 °F)

pH

6.0–8.0

Adult size

30 cm (12 in)

Aquarium

400 L or bigger (106 US gal)

Temperament

Peaceful

Group size

3 or more

Swims

Middle

Diet

Omnivore

Wild home

Rivers of Southeast Asia

Good to know

• Hardy. Tolerates less-than-perfect water. Great for beginners.

Tank mates

Good company: Black Ghost Knifefish, Clown Loach, Fancy Goldfish, Motoro Stingray, Ornate Bichir, Pearl Gourami, Pictus Catfish, Red-Tailed Black Shark, Rosy Barb, Siamese Algae Eater.

Will eat: Amano Shrimp, Celestial Pearl Danio, Chili Rasbora, Crystal Red Shrimp, Ember Tetra, Endler's Livebearer, Ghost Shrimp, Marbled Hatchetfish, Neocaridina Shrimp, Neon Tetra, Pea Puffer.

Eaten by: Asian Arowana.

Attacked by: Flowerhorn, Jack Dempsey.

Eats the newborn fry of: Angelfish, Betta, Black Skirt Tetra, Bloodfin Tetra, Boesemani Rainbowfish, Bristlenose Pleco, Cardinal Tetra, Cherry Barb, Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid, Comet Goldfish, Congo Tetra, Corydoras and 28 more.

Colours

• Classic uncommon

The care values are the ones Aquarius uses, based on how these animals live. Tank mates follow the game's rules: water type, temperature and pH, who can swallow whom, fin nipping, temperament and territory.