This shark has a small head and very large eyes. As the yolk sac is consumed, the fry become free swimming but still do not have true fins. We provide informative articles about caring for pets that you can come back to again and again when you have questions or want to learn more! This website uses cookies to improve your experience. However, they have very different behaviors from sharks in the wild, and it’s important that you pay attention to these behaviors as they will affect the manner in which you set up your tank. Bala sharks are a hardy variety of tropical fish, which makes them popular among aquarium enthusiasts, but they do require a great deal of space as they grow larger. See more ideas about shark, fish pet, freshwater fish. The key to keeping your aquarium fish happy and healthy is to maintain high water quality. Bala Sharks are a large and interesting freshwater fish that many aquarium owners consider at one point or another. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Above: Shown in the picture above is a premium quality Bala Shark . Cichlids are some of the most beautiful fish in the world, but they can also be the most aggressive. Discus fish are a joy to keep in the home aquarium and a discus community tank is even better! Before you even begin to set up your freshwater fish tank you need to decide where to put it. This story points out that Bala Sharks get very large. In the wild, Bala sharks migrate to special breeding ground to engage in mass spawning. If you're looking for some low-maintenance fish to add to your freshwater tank, consider some livebearers. The Arowana is a very large but graceful fish that makes a very interesting freshwater tank inhabitant. There may come a time during your career as an aquarium hobbyist that you need to divide your tank. This is another strong argument to keep their water clean and balanced for proper health and longevity. The Top Commercial Foods for Freshwater Fish, Identifying and Treating the Most Common Cichlid Diseases, Behavioral Changes and Problems in Aquarium Fish, How to Deal with the Top Betta Fish Diseases, Properly Maintaining the pH in a Freshwater Aquarium, What to do About Aquarium Snail Infestations, Tips for Cleaning and Maintaining Your Tank Filter. As you can see, it's shiny with yellow fins that are trimmed with jet black edges. Bala Sharks are generally an active fish. ❖ It takes a bit of time to adapt to a new aquarium and can tolerate temperature changes in the water. Freshwater shrimp make an excellent addition to your cleanup crew - keep reading to learn more about the top 5 species! For example, the female Bala Sharks may fill with eggs and look plumper. The large triangular-shaped dorsal fin, located almost perpendicular to the body, plus the size they can grow to make them look like actual sharks. Fish usually do not hatch in the same way that some reptiles and all chickens do. Would you like to write for us? The key to keeping your aquarium fish healthy is to offer them a well-balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs. Quick Facts. The blind cave tetra is unique among freshwater aquarium fish. One of the best prepared foods to offer them is You may be aware that there are over 30 species of betta fish in existence but did you know that these species can be divided by their breeding habits? It looks like the sharks because of the torpedo-shaped body and slanting, triangular-shaped dorsal fin. Learn about the causes of cichlid aggression and methods for reducing it. If you are looking for a delightful, docile fish for your community tank and if you have adequate space available, the Bala shark is an excellent choice. Roughage is probably needed. Algae growth is an incredibly common problem with freshwater tanks. The bala shark is a beautiful and fascinating fish that makes a wonderful pet. ❖ In captivity, feed your bala shark dried flakes and granules. Overall, it has a slender structure. ❖ The belly is slightly lighter in shade as compared to the rest of the body. How to test your aquarium's water, and what to look for. They can grow to about 6 inches in size, which is still small considered to the size of a full-grown bala shark. Learn how to select the right quantity and combination of fish for your freshwater aquarium. Breeding Bala Sharks in Captivity. It is slender and looks flat from the side view. Origin. Family: Cyprinidae. When they mature at say 7+ inches long, or maybe bigger, it may be possible to determine their gender by their shape. If you are interested in breeding your Bala sharks, you may want to learn the basics about breeding requirements for this species first. They have yellow stripes on their fins and black edging. MissBlue Kitty @Miss_Blue_Kitty. Learn how to succesfully breed mouth brooding African Cichlids. To raise baby fish successfully you will need to use the right food. Feeding two small meals per day that last in frequency for 3 to 5 minutes each is better. Bala sharks are prone to eat the eggs and newly hatched fry, however, so you may want to move the fry to a different tank after hatching or simply remove the mature Bala sharks from the tank. Egg binding can lead to fatal infections. At maturity, however, the Bala shark has the capacity to grow up to 12 or 14 inches in length. Angelfish are a species of freshwater cichlid and they are one of the most popular species of tropical aquarium fish. It is also known to eat various kinds of algae that grow in the waters. Articles on different freshwater plants and appropriate care. Recommended water hardness (dGH): 4 - 12°N (71.43 - 214.29ppm) 0°C 32°F 30°C 86°F Comments: This is a Premium Pet Fish, and we never see Premium Fish like these in any of the live fish stores or in the online stores that This means they like to travel in groups, usually migrating about in … Any resemblance ends there, as they are generally gentle fish with an active social habit. Your tank filter is perhaps the most important piece of equipment you have, so be sure to keep it clean as part of your routine maintenance schedule. Current is necessary for males to appropriately scatter sperm. No matter how careful you are, your fish are likely to get sick at some point during your time as an aquarium hobbyist. Cleaning your tank is one of the most important parts of home aquarium maintenance. Unexpected behavioral changes are often a symptom of disease in aquarium fish. The bala shark … ❖ Bala sharks are prone to eating their own eggs or young ones. ❖ It is also easy to maintain as it does not require too much fussing around from any person. It may be noted that when the bala shark is really young, it can be kept in a small aquarium. Egg scatterer. Extras. The body of the Bala shark is silver in color with large scales that can create sparkles. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Our site includes quite a bit of content, so if you're having an issue finding what you're looking for, go on ahead and use that search feature there! An overview of keeping fish in a fish bowl. A full-grown Bala shark will be about 14 inches (35 cm) in length. Find out which fish will rapidly outgrow your tank, and the smaller alternatives that are available. Oscars are a type of cichlid and they are a very amusing species of freshwater fish to keep in the home aquarium. Not actually a true shark. It is quite small in size and is actually very popular as a These fish generally have slender, silver-colored bodies with black-tipped fins, and they belong to the same family as danios, carps, and minnows. Also known as oto cats, otocinclus catfish are some of the smallest aquarium fish out there and also some of the best algae eaters. ❖ It is not recommended to overfeed the fish as it is bad for their health. They have a voracious appetite in the home aquarium, and will accept just about anything that you offer them. In order to protect the Bala shark … This PetPonder post lists some facts associated with this freshwater fish. It is not actually a shark. Despite its name, however, the bala shark is not really a shark. Jewel Cichlids are a group of brightly colored cichlids from Africa. ❖ It has a natural behavior pattern to hunt at the bottom of the river or lake for food bits. One of the most favorite fish for the tropical tanks enthusiasts is Bala Shark fish. If you are interested in cultivating a peaceful tank full of multiple species, don't choose these fish. If you are looking for a challenge, consider cultivating an Amazon biotope tank. Learn about how to properly choose and condition the water you use in your freshwater aquarium. This fish is commonly called ‘Hangus Ekor’ (hung-oos-a-co) in Malaysia, which is its country of origin as well. Bala shark’s bodies are a shimmering silver color, the fins are patterned with black, and a white color striped band is seen separating the patterns. What is an Unfiltered Tank and How do I Cultivate One? In some species, eggs are produced but they remain within the female shark’s uterus so that they are protected; these shark species typically then bear what looks like Cichlids are one of the largest families of freshwater fishes and they are prone to developing several aquarium fish diseases. They make a good community fish with other peaceful tankmates and can even be kept with smaller fish as long as the little ones are too big to fit in the Bala Shark's mouth. Learn about common fish illnesses and how to effectively treat them. An overview of tropical fish tanks, what they are, and the pros/cons of keeping one. However that’s where the similarities end. ❖ The bala shark is very popular as an aquarium fish. Unlike some species of fish, like guppies, that are able to mate when they are still quite young, the Bala shark does not reach sexual maturity until it is around 4 inches (between 10 and 15 cm), in size. The problems start with actually trying to sex the Bala Shark, they do look identical in most cases but females tend to have a rounder belly shape, this is not always obvious to us so the best way to try to obtain a breeding pair is to purchase a small group of juveniles and grow them on. There are reports of Bala sharks spawning in aquariums and they are frequently bred by professional breeders in Asia. Keeping the temperature in your tank is extremely important for the health of your fish but it can be a challenge during the hot summer months. The other names given to this fish are silver shark, tricolor shark, or shark minnow. Some African cichlids species are very aggressive, and you should avoid keeping them with bala sharks. Learn about the differing points of view and guidelines on using carbon in your aquarium. Sign up to receive the latest and greatest articles from our site automatically each week (give or take)...right to your inbox. Are you looking for an easy way to help control algae in your tank? Its temperament is quite different from an actual shark as it is generally a peaceful creature. Moving can be a stressful process but moving your fish tank doesn't need to add to that stress. 6789 Quail Hill Pkwy, Suite 211 Irvine CA 92603. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. ❖ It is known to feed on small-sized fish, shrimp, insects, etc. Sponge filters are a great option for hospital and fry tanks but they can also be used as a source of supplemental filtration for community tanks. It inhabits the mid-water areas of large and medium-sized lakes and rivers. Bala sharks are freshwater fish from Southeast Asia. We hope you are enjoying PetPonder! In the pet store, Bala sharks are sold when they are very young and only measure one or two inches. This is over looked at times and causes these fish to go into flight or life mode and being consuming fish smaller in size. Though they may look harmless, one aquarium snail can quickly turn into dozens or even hundreds. Fertile fish eggs first grow a small dot that eventually becomes eyes, then a tail emerges from the other end. Learn how to succesfully breed freshwater fish. The best part of keeping a freshwater aquarium is watching your tank inhabitants thrive and grow. Sharks give birth in one of three different major ways. To facilitate this type of external fertilization, it is important to have adequate filtration in place in your breeding tank, to provide a current that will spread the male Bala shark's sperm to all of the eggs laid by the female. Bala sharks enjoy and thrive in water that is kept around 77 degrees Fahrenheit. ❖ It is believed that the booming fish trade for this species, which led to its overfishing, may be one of the most probable reasons for its sudden decline in population. ❖ The females look bigger than the males during the breeding season. Some species of freshwater fish are simply more aggressive than others. This small-sized fish is often kept in aquariums. ❖ It may take 9 to 12 months to grow from 3 inches to 6 inches. The way you decorate your tank makes a big difference in its appearance. The large size of this shark intimidates other fish and does not let it get bullied, which works in its favor. In this article you will find information about keeping goldfish as pets and how to prepare for your own goldfish tank. Bala Shark Breeding. Articles on dozens of different freshwater fish and appropriate care. Whether you are new to the aquarium hobby or not, there are a few things you should know about freshwater fish compatibility. edged in deep black. They are not actual sharks, but were named this way because of the shark-like appearance of their topedo-shaped bodies and rigid dorsal fins. Their head is pointed and the caudal fin bifurcated. When cultivating an aquarium, you are likely to run into a variety of freshwater aquarium fish diseases and conditions including dropsy. The name "puffer fish" conjures an image of a balloon-like animal but these fish are so much more than their comical appearance. If you want a thriving, brightly colored aquarium then consider picking your freshwater fish by color. And there are plenty of reasons why. Bala sharks are egg scatterers and uses external fertilization. Silver dollar fish are a great addition to the community tank and breeding them can be a fun challenge. What a Bala Shark Looks Like. It’s an orange-yellow colour, with bright tendrils that look a lot like cake decorations: (Image Credit: Angela Heathcote) Then there’s the egg of the Australian ghost shark (Callorhinchus milii) which would pass as a prop from the movie Alien, with its metallic blue-black … If plan to keep bottom feeders or algae eaters in your tank you may need to supplement their diet with algae wafers. When it comes to snails in the freshwater aquarium, not all of them are bad. It is a beautiful looking fish whose scales have a different sickle-like shape. Take your skills to the next level by starting a biotope tank. Advantages and disadvantages to a Wall Mounted Fish Tank. Installing the proper aquarium lighting system is essential in maintaining a thriving tank environment. Breeding freshwater aquarium fish can be a rewarding but challenging experience. ❖ Being an omnivore, it can eat other fish and animals that are smaller in size. The bala shark does not fit into our regular image of how a shark should be. The dwarf gourami is a small but brightly colored freshwater fish that makes an excellent addition to the community tank. In the wild, they find separate grounds for spawning, and the fry have to look after themselves after they hatch. As it grows, it will need a 6-ft fish tank. ❖ It also feels secure when in a group. While the tend to hide in plants near the roots on their down time. Bala shark - Balantiocheilos melanopterus. Hangus means burnt, while Ekor means tail. If you want to select a high-quality commercial food for your aquarium fish you should understand how to interpret a fish food label. Learn the basics of aeration and how to properly aerate your aquarium. In order to keep your tank clean and healthy for your fish, you will need to perform some basic daily and weekly maintenance tasks. If you want to have a thriving freshwater tank, you need to start by selecting the right tank. Its other names include tricolor shark, tricolor shark minnow, shark minnow, and silver shark. In the wild, Bala sharks travel to separate breeding grounds to spawn, and they do not provide any protection for their own young. Have you ever considered adding a cichlid or two to your freshwater tank? ❖ Ideally, you would be required to maintain a temperature which is between 22-28°C. In order to protect the Bala shark fry, you will need to keep an eye on the breeding process so you can remove the adults as soon as they are finished spawning. Cultivating a thriving planted tank can be quite a challenge and if you do not follow the proper procedure, you may not be successful. They can even be quite useful in the aquarium by "predicting" outbreaks of ich. Learn about the factors you should consider when choosing a substrate for your freshwater aquarium. They have a torpedo-shaped body and rigid dorsal fins. The Bala Shark has a unique, large standing dorsal fin – that’s what it earned the name. Once the eggs have been laid and fertilized, the male and female Bala sharks pay no further attention to them. Cloudy tank water is a common problem in the freshwater aquarium. The bala shark is definitely not the kind of shark that would scare you and cause terror in your mind. Live-bearing species of fish like guppies and swordtails are notorious for breeding in the community tank. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. After producing eggs, the female will scatter them around the tank for the male to fertilize externally. Breeding freshwater angelfish can be a rewarding experience but raising the eggs to maturity may be a challenge. Cultivating a Healthy Discus Community Tank, Tips for Aquascaping a Tank for Large Freshwater Fish, How to Select the Best Location for Your Tank, Questions to Ask Before Starting a Freshwater Fish Tank, Moving - How to Prepare Your Tank for a Move, How to Select a Tank for a Freshwater Aquarium, Fish to Avoid for Planted Freshwater Tanks, Tips for Rooting, Pruning, and Propagating Live Aquarium Plants, Step-by-Step Guide for Setting Up a Planted Tank, The Importance of Carbon Dioxide in Planted Tanks, Understanding the Basics of Freshwater Aquarium Lighting, Choosing the Right Lighting According to Tank Size, Finding the Right Balance with Aquarium Lighting, Choosing the Right Filtration System for Your Aquarium, Constipation/Indigestion in Aquarium Fish. These facts aptly describe its unique nature. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Looking for a unique species to add to your tank? Before you go out and buy a freshwater tank, think about these questions so you are fully prepared. Most of the gobies kept in the home aquarium are saltwater fish but there are still a few freshwater gobies that make excellent additions to the home tank. Due to the shape of their body and fins, they have the same silhouette like that of a shark. Tips for Breeding Gouramis in the Home Aquarium, The Top 5 Tetras for Breeding in the Home Aquarium, Breeding and Rearing Live-bearing Species of Fish. ❖ The body is shaped like a torpedo, which is on similar lines to the body of the shark. Cultivating a thriving planted tank can be a challenge -- this article will help you diagnose the most common problems. Live plants can completely transform the look of your aquarium. They should regularly be fed a high quality flake food, along with live or frozen foods, and plenty of fresh vegetables. Maintaining a heavily planted tank may require more than special substrate -- you may also need to supplement your tank's supply of carbon dioxide. It has a relatively slow growth rate. Water Testing in Your Freshwater Aquarium, Choosing and Conditioning the Water in Your Aquarium, Using a Gravel Vacuum in the Home Aquarium, Tips for Protecting Your Aquarium Against High Summer Temperatures, Summer Precautions for Freshwater Tanks - Keeping Your Tank from Overheating, Adding Rocks and Wood to Your Freshwater Aquarium, Using Driftwood and Live Plants in the Freshwater Tank, Selecting a Background for your Freshwater Tank. In this guide, we explore the ins and outs of Bala Shark care and everything you should know if … The rear end of the fry looks more like … Also known as the silver shark, Bala sharks are not actually a species of shark - they are a species of freshwater fish whose sleek body shapes resembles that of a shark. Sumatra, Thailand, Borneo and Malaysia. The fish prefers Also known as the mystery snail, apple snails are a popular addition to the freshwater tank. It is found in Asia in the rivers basins of Mekong and also the Chao Phraya in Thailand, in the Malay Peninsula, and in Borneo and Sumatra in Southeast Asia. Learn about new methods for cycling your freshwater aquarium without fish. Learn about and how to recreate the natural environments of African and South American Cichlids. Still, her bulge looks forward to me, and that's probably digestive. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. It could be a female filling with eggs, but she's kind of small, unless she's small for her age. The reproduction takes place by external fertilization. Well, we're looking for good writers who want to spread the word. Bala sharks, while relatively hardy, can be particularly sensitive to changes in their water parameters.