{"product_id":"bala-shark","title":"Bala Shark (Balantiocheilos melanopterus)","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eBala Shark (Balantiocheilos melanopterus)\u003c\/strong\u003e is one of the most popular large freshwater schooling fish in the aquarium hobby. Known for its sleek silver body, bold black-edged fins, and shark-like appearance, the Bala Shark adds constant movement and excitement to large aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDespite their name, Bala Sharks are not true sharks. They are peaceful members of the carp family and make excellent additions to large community aquariums when kept in groups. Their active swimming behavior and impressive adult size make them a favorite among hobbyists with spacious aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBala Sharks are highly social fish that thrive in schools and require plenty of open swimming space to reach their full potential.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQuick Facts\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eBalantiocheilos melanopterus\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bala Shark\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 12–14 inches\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peaceful\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Omnivore\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLifespan:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8–10 years\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 125 gallons\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Temperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 72–82°F\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH Range:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6.5–8.0\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Hardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSwimming Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Midwater to Upper Levels\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSchooling Fish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Choose Bala Sharks?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ Classic shark-like appearance\u003cbr\u003e✔ Active and entertaining swimmers\u003cbr\u003e✔ Peaceful community fish\u003cbr\u003e✔ Beautiful silver body with black-edged fins\u003cbr\u003e✔ Excellent for large aquariums\u003cbr\u003e✔ Impressive adult size\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAquarium Setup\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBala Sharks require large aquariums with plenty of open swimming space. Because they are powerful swimmers, longer aquariums are preferred over taller tanks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRecommended setup:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e125 gallons minimum\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStrong filtration\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOpen swimming areas\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eModerate water movement\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSecure lid (excellent jumpers)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStable water conditions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSchool of 3–5 or more fish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBala Sharks can become nervous when kept alone and display their best behavior in groups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDiet \u0026amp; Feeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBala Sharks are omnivores and readily accept:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eQuality pellets\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTropical flakes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrozen bloodworms\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBrine shrimp\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDaphnia\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInsect larvae\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVegetables\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpirulina-based foods\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA varied diet promotes healthy growth and vibrant coloration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTank Mates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBala Sharks do well with:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSilver Dollars\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTinfoil Barbs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRoseline Sharks\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRainbowfish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLarger Gouramis\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSeverums\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGeophagus\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLarge Plecos\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePeaceful Community Fish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTiny nano fish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAggressive cichlids\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFin-nipping species\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVery territorial fish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSchooling Behavior\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBala Sharks are highly social and should be kept in groups whenever possible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRecommended group sizes:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMinimum: 3 fish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIdeal: 5 or more fish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKeeping them in groups reduces stress and encourages natural schooling behavior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow big do Bala Sharks get?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBala Sharks commonly reach 12–14 inches in length as adults.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre Bala Sharks aggressive?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo. Bala Sharks are peaceful community fish despite their shark-like appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan Bala Sharks live alone?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThey can, but they are much happier and less stressed when kept in groups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo Bala Sharks need a large aquarium?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. Adults require at least a 125-gallon aquarium due to their size and activity level.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre Bala Sharks good for beginners?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThey are easy to care for but are best suited for hobbyists who can provide a large aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAvailable at Tropical Treasures Wyo\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShop healthy \u003cstrong\u003eBala Sharks\u003c\/strong\u003e at Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming. These large freshwater schooling fish are perfect for monster fish tanks, large community aquariums, and hobbyists looking for an impressive shark-like centerpiece fish.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tropical Treasures Wyo LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54082646900949,"sku":null,"price":14.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"url":"https:\/\/tropicaltreasureswyo.com\/products\/bala-shark","provider":"Tropical Treasures Wyo LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}