What should you feed bala sharks

Almost all specimens sold in the aquarium trade have been captive-bred. This species is known by a number of names, all of which have something in common: the word "shark. A member of the Cyprinid family, Balantiocheilos melanopterus has a shiny metallic silver body with well-defined scales, large eyes, and a deeply forked yellow-tinged tail. The dorsal, caudal, pelvic, and anal fins are all edged in deep black. This tri-color scheme of silver, yellow, and black gives rise to another of its common names, the tri-color shark.

Perhaps the most important feature of this fish is its adult size. Usually sold as young juveniles in pet shops, they are only a mere three to four inches, giving potential owners the impression that they are suitable for most tanks. This is particularly important because bala sharks are schooling fish that must be kept with others of their own kind.

Be aware that many pet shops will not take large fish back, so take that into consideration before bringing one home. Ask the shop if it makes trade-in arrangements. If all else fails, check out public locations, such as medical offices or other businesses that have large aquariums that could use large fish.

The one option that should never be used is to drop a bala shark, or any other nonindigenous fish , into local waterways. Unwanted fish should be euthanized before opting to release them outdoors. Juvenile bala sharks can be kept with a wide variety of fish due to their generally peaceful nature.

As they grow larger, though, they will sometimes eat small fish, particularly sleek fish, such as the neon tetra. Balas should not be housed with invertebrates, such as snails or shrimp, as these are always part of their diet in the wild. They also tend to scare the shy and slow-moving fish, due to their constant, vigorous activity in the tank.

Balas are most content in schools, preferably of four or more; when kept alone, they tend to be both timid and skittish. If only two or three balas are in the tank, a dominant fish may emerge and bully the others. If the tank is large enough though, adult bala sharks can be housed with other medium- to large-sized robust fish. As previously mentioned, the key factor in the bala's environment is tank size. An aquarium of gallons is needed to keep a school of adult bala sharks, and since they are active swimmers, a longer tank is recommended.

These are active fish that startle easily. In warm climates, ponds are also an option for this species, but they should only be kept outdoors in locations where it is warm year-round. They are sensitive to water conditions, particularly low water temperatures, and are susceptible to white spot disease when temperatures drop too low. The tank should be fitted with a tight cover , as this species jumps when startled.

Decorate with large robust plants around the periphery of the tank, but leave plenty of open swimming space in the center of the tank. Floating plants are also suitable to deter fish from jumping out. Decide on a tank size. Since bala sharks can grow to 12 inches If you get them as juveniles, they will be fairly small at around 3 inches 7. But as they grow, they will need a minimum of gallons liters and a tank length of at least 72 inches Choose a quantity.

Bala sharks are considered shoaling or schooling fish, which means they live in groups. And if kept in pairs, the dominant one is known to bully the other. Furnish the tank sparingly. A few plants around the perimeter of the tank, and some wood for shelter and decor, should be plenty. Set up a heater. An appropriate temperature range is 72 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit Fill the tank with fresh water from the tap, and test its pH and hardness levels.

Appropriate ranges are 6. If you live in an area that takes its water from wells in limestone bedrock, the tap water will tend to be on the harder side. If the water comes from lakes, it will usually be softer. While you can buy chemicals to adjust pH, you can also use peat in the tank or filter to raise acidity, and calcium salts to raise alkalinity.

Ensure enough water movement. Since bala sharks are river fish, they are adapted to aquatic environments with steadily moving water. Buy a filter for your tank that is powerful enough to keep a steadily moving current running and provide enough oxygen for the fish. A large canister filter can take care of oxygen, current, and water purity.

A powerhead can help increase the current in larger tanks. Select appropriate tankmates. Bala sharks are known to be peaceful and rarely aggressive. But their fast swimming and skittishness can cause stress for calmer species. They get along well with fish that have similar personalities, [11] X Research source such as larger cichlids, angelfish, parrot cichlids, medium-size tetra, gouramis, and ram cichlids.

Try to keep bala sharks with other species at least half their size. They tend to see any fish small enough to fit in their mouths, such as smaller tetra, as food. Get a tight-fitting lid. When they are startled, bala sharks react by quickly moving away from what scares them, or jumping. They are known to leap as high as six feet out of an open tank. So be sure to outfit your tank with a tight-fitting lid.

Method 2. Acclimate them carefully. Then place them in the tank while still in their plastic water bags, and add one cup milliliters of tank water to the bag every ten minutes for one hour. Finally, gently net the fish from the bag, and dispose of the bag and its water. Expect an adjustment period. After bringing the fish home and putting them in the tank, you might notice that they are shy at first, and may not eat for a few days.

This is normal behavior, because of the fright they experience during the trip from the store to your tank. Be careful not to overfeed them during this period--try giving them small amounts a few times a day until their appetite improves. Feed them a broad diet. Bala Sharks like a variety of foods, including flakes, brine shrimp, mosquito larvae, chopped fruit, blanched spinach, shelled peas, [16] X Research source sinking wafers, and live black worms.

At each feeding, give them as much as they're able to eat in 3 minutes. If you only feed them once a day, give them what they can eat in 5 minutes. Change the water frequently. When you replace the water, this is also a good time to clean the bottom of the tank, including rocks, with a vacuum siphon. Because they are such eager eaters, it can be easy to overfeed these fish. To avoid overfeeding, offer your bala sharks small amounts of food twice a day, alternating between the staple and supplemental diets.

Only offer your bala sharks as much food as they can consume in three to five minutes because any uneaten food will sink to the bottom of the tank where it will accumulate as organic waste. Katherine Barrington has written on a variety of topics, from arts and crafts to pets, health and do-it-yourself projects. Types of Fish.

By Katherine Barrington. Staple Diet A staple diet for bala sharks should consist of high-quality dried flakes and granules. Supplemental Diet To ensure healthy growth, offer your bala sharks a variety of live and frozen foods as a supplement to their staple diet.