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Home Freshwater Livestock Freshwater Fish Sharks SHARK – BALA Balantiocheilos melanopterus
CICHLID - PARROT BLOOD / RED Amphilophus citrinellus × Heros severus $0.00 – $69.99
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SHARK - RAINBOW Epalzeorhynchos frenatum $8.99 – $14.99

SHARK – BALA
Balantiocheilos melanopterus

$13.99 – $69.99

The Bala Shark, also known as the Silver Shark, is found exclusively in Borneo, Sumatra and Peninsular Malaysia. Though its body shape resembles a shark, the Bala shark is not a true shark and is rather a member of the Cyprinidae family (minnows, barbs). Often referred to as a gentle giant, the Bala shark can reach a very large adult size of approximately 14″, thus requiring an above average aquarium to thrive long term. Specific water parameters are another important factor that may be overlooked for this species (see ‘Care Requirements’ below). Bala sharks form loose pecking orders, and therefore should be kept solitary or in groups of five or more individuals. Too few of individuals may result in the most subordinate fish being bullied incessantly. Aquatics Unlimited recognizes that wild Bala sharks are a listed IUCN species. Therefore, all of our Bala sharks are sourced from aquaculture.

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SKU: N/A Categories: Freshwater Fish, Freshwater Livestock, Sharks Tags: CARE LEVEL | MODERATE, FRESH FISH, LIVE, LIVE PLANT SAFE | YES, MIN TANK SIZE | 75, SHARK, TEMPERAMENT | PEACEFUL
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Description

Care Level: Moderate

Temperament: Peaceful

Live Plant Safe: Yes

General Description: The Bala Shark, also known as the Silver Shark, is found exclusively in Borneo, Sumatra and Peninsular Malaysia. Though its body shape resembles a shark, the Bala shark is not a true shark and is rather a member of the Cyprinidae family (minnows, barbs). Often referred to as a gentle giant, the Bala shark can reach a very large adult size of approximately 14″, thus requiring an above average aquarium to thrive long term. Specific water parameters are another important factor that may be overlooked for this species (see ‘Care Requirements’ below). Bala sharks form loose pecking orders, and therefore should be kept solitary or in groups of five or more individuals. Too few of individuals may result in the most subordinate fish being bullied incessantly. Aquatics Unlimited recognizes that wild Bala sharks are a listed IUCN species. Therefore, all of our Bala sharks are sourced from aquaculture.

Diet Requirements: Bala sharks are omnivores, but a greater proportion of their diet should be vegetable based. A diet made up of various high quality vegetable and protein based flake foods and sinking pellet foods are ideal, in addition to offering frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp that contains spirulina algae and other mixed freshwater preparations. Variety is the spice of life in order to maintain color, immune function and longevity of your fish.

Care Requirements: An established minimum 75 gallon aquarium is ideal for a small Bala shark. The tank will need to be upgraded accordingly as it grows into its adult size. This fish should not be put into a biologically immature aquarium. Weekly water changes are encouraged to keep water parameters pristine (Nitrates < 15 ppm) as Bala sharks cannot tolerate high nitrates and deteriorating water parameters. Equipping the aquarium with a canister filter can also be advantageous to maintain a healthier environment for a Bala shark. Bala sharks are relatively indifferent to aquarium decor, and this has been shown through healthy specimens raised in virtually bare aquariums. Driftwood and other natural looking arrangements will provide some refuge. Ample unobstructed and open swimming space are more important for Bala sharks. A sandy or fine substrate is preferred and the aquarium needs to be well oxygenated. Bala sharks are compatible with a variety of active medium-sized fishes, so long as tank mates will thrive in similar tank conditions and water parameters. Do not mix Bala sharks with overly aggressive and pugnacious species. Small fish species could be predated on as the Bala shark grows. Bala sharks kept in too cold of water, or fluctuating water temperatures, make them especially susceptible to ich. Recommended water conditions, 76-82° F, KH 4-15, pH 6.0-8.0.

Purchase Size: Medium: 2-1/2” to 3”

Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.

Shipping & Delivery

Dry goods orders are shipped via US Postal Service or UPS to the address provided at checkout based on the selection made in your website shopping cart. Product is carefully packed to help prevent any damage during shipping. Once processed you will receive a shipment notification via email with tracking number, and delivery notification. Please allow 48 hours for processing after your order is placed.

Livestock (i.e. fish, invertebrates, coral) are shipped via FedEx Priority Overnight to the address provided at checkout for a $55.00 flat rate charge. Livestock is packed in insulated styrofoam boxes with secure packing material and heat, cold, or Cryo packs as needed to maintain safe temperatures during transit. If one or more livestock items are in the shopping cart at checkout the $55.00 livestock shipping charge is automatically applied to your total. Livestock is shipped Monday through Wednesday ONLY (no weekend delivery is available) weather permitting, and we reserve the right to delay shipping until conditions are appropriate for safe arrival. Once your order is placed we will contact you to arrange the best shipping date based on these criteria. Someone must be available to sign for the livestock order on the first delivery attempt. Once processed you will receive a shipment notification via email with tracking number. Please allow 48 hours for processing after your order is placed.

For mixed dry goods & livestock orders items will be shipped via their corresponding shipping methods outlined above. Dry goods will be shipped via US Postal Service or UPS based on your selection and checkout, while livestock will ship via FedEx priority Overnight for a $55.00 flat rate charge. You will receive separate notifications and tracking numbers for the dry goods and livestock. Please note due to different carriers and shipping methods dry goods and livestock may arrive on different days.

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