Bala Shark

Balantiocheilos melanopterus

Synonyms Silver shark · Tricolor shark

Bala Shark (Balantiocheilos melanopterus) is a peaceful freshwater fish that reaches about 35 cm (13.8 in) and swims in open water. It wants 68–82°F (20–28°C) and pH 6–8, is kept in groups of 5 or more, and needs a tank of at least 864 L (228 gal).

At a glance

Type	Fish
Adult size	35 cm (13.8 in)
Minimum tank	864 L (228 gal)
Group size	5 or more
Temperature	68–82°F (20–28°C)
pH	6–8
Temperament	Peaceful
Lifespan	8–10 years
Eats shrimp	Yes

Before it goes in

Bala Shark needs at least 864 L (228 gal).
Keep 5 or more. Below that it hides, colours down and is far more likely to be picked on.
It eats small fish and shrimp — anything under about 11.7 cm (4.6 in). In this library that means Cherry Shrimp, Rummy Nose Tetra and Crystal Red Shrimp.
It holds at 68–82°F (20–28°C). That shares a window with Betta and Cherry Shrimp.
It jumps. An open-top tank needs a lid or a low water line.
It eats soft-leaved plants. Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis' and Bacopa caroliniana will not last with it; tough-leaved Anubias nana 'Petite' and Marimo Moss Ball will.
Sources say not to put it in a newly set-up tank — give the tank a few months first.

What tank size does it need?

At least 864 L (228 gal).

How many should I keep?

5 or more. Fewer than that and it spends its time hiding instead of out in the open.

Will it eat shrimp?

Yes. Shrimp are food to it, so pick one or the other.

What water does it want?

68–82°F (20–28°C), pH 6–8.

How long does it live?

8–10 years in a tank that suits it. That is how long you are signing up for.

Can it go in a new tank?

No. Sources say not to add it to a newly set-up tank — it wants a tank that has been running for months.

Good tank mates

Tank mates from this library that share its temperature window, are peaceful and eat neither it nor its young: Goldfish, Bristlenose Pleco, Celestial Pearl Danio, Molly and Otocinclus.
Plants that hold up with it: Anubias nana 'Petite', Marimo Moss Ball, Subwassertang and Anubias barteri.

Often compared with

	Bala Shark	Rainbow Shark	Red Tail Shark
Adult size	35 cm	15 cm	12.5 cm
Min tank	864 L	243 L	243 L
Group	5+	1+	1+
Temperature	68–82°F (20–28°C)	68–79°F (20–26°C)	68–79°F (20–26°C)
Eats shrimp	Yes	Yes	Yes

More livestock

Plan a tank with Bala Shark →

Sources (5) · checked Sep 2026