Theres no simple answer, but there are a lot of assumptions made about this behavioral tendency. Although bala sharks are big fish, theyre docile and peaceful. Males are typically a bit larger in size. 1. In this article, well look at everything there is to know about bala sharks. You should also be sure your aquarium is big enough for your bala shark to swim around without feeling too cramped. Keep Reading: Why Do Bala Sharks Have White Spots? My name is Jeff, and my goal with this site is to share everything I've learned over the years about caring for aquatic life. This means that the fish should be kept separated in another tank before they reach puberty. (7 Things You Should Know! Silver sharks do best when their water temperature is at 77F. Bala sharks grow quickly, and replacing several smaller tanks is extremely tedious. All you need to provide them with sufficient lighting is a basic freshwater lamp that shouldnt cost you much money at all. Otherwise, these fish share no other traits or behaviors with sharks found in saltwater oceans. Bala Sharks can be somewhat vulnerable if their tank water becomes dirty or when the tank water level lowers. Although they might seem interesting, poor handling, like squeezing the fishs body or touching the eyes or the gills, can cause stress. . The most popular signs of stress are lack of activity and lost appetite. With a little bit of care and dedication, your bala sharks should thrive in your tank! Within 24 hours, small larvae can begin to be visible. Bala sharks should be fed up to three times per day. Frankly speaking, Bala sharks are a joy to feed. However, it is still possible to breed them in home aquariums. Algae Eaters: How Many To Have In A Fish Tank? A well-formulated dry fish food. Dropsy is a common disease that many fish species may suffer from, including Bala Sharks. And there you have it! You might notice this behavior is a little more constant for a couple of days or so after bringing them home. Perform a water change and treat with an antibiotic or antibacterial medication. Its definitely possible, but its not known for sure. External parasites can be seen attached to the body or gills of the fish, and are introduced to the tank through new fish, live foods, or plants.Use veterinarian-approved medications or insecticides to kill parasites. They also flash against the gravel and other solid objects in the aquarium. Theyre such active fish that theres a good chance they will jump from time to time. This one causes irregular wart-like growth scattered across the fishs body. Fish owners should also be aware that these relatively frisky fish tend to move around and swim for hours. Again, you should strive to replicate these conditions either with a good heater or by ensuring that your tanks surroundings are not too cold. Does anyon know who would take him for me and give him more room to enjoy? Thanks, Robert, I have 3 Bala in my tank together with 5 moderate size Angelfish, and 3 Gourami. Manage Settings In the case of Ich, there are several kinds of . 30 Gallon Tank = 1 lonely and stressed Bala shark 55 Gallon Tanks = 2 Bala sharks that could get aggressive with each other for territory 100-150 gallon Tanks = 3-6 Bala sharks . In addition to their dry food, Bala sharks need live protein. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Pay close attention to signs of illness, and take steps to correct any water issues. Distressed Bala sharks also have As the fish stops eating, its immunity gets compromised and its growth is stunned. Pay close attention to signs of illness, and take steps to correct any water issues. Of course, you can always opt to use a smaller tank at first, then size up as your bala shark gets larger. She has been helping her father with his freshwater tanks since she was a toddler, and has fallen in love with the hobby ever since. If your bala shark is unwell, it could also cause them to stress out which may activate their twitching tendencies. Its body is lighter gray at the top than at the bottom.Advertisementsif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'fishkeepingworld_com-banner-1','ezslot_4',145,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishkeepingworld_com-banner-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'fishkeepingworld_com-banner-1','ezslot_5',145,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishkeepingworld_com-banner-1-0_1');.banner-1-multi-145{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:50px;padding-bottom:10px!important;padding-top:10px!important;text-align:center!important}The bala sharks small, closely-packed scales are iridescent, meaning that they reflect light as the fish moves, creating a shimmering appearance.Typical BehaviorThe bala shark is a peaceful fish that gets along well with other peaceful species in a community tank. Your Bala shark could be under stress and it may lead to color loss. These should be avoided or closely monitored to ensure that your Bala Shark is safe with their tankmates. Reduced immunity due to other diseases or poor nutrition. Finally, if you want to add a bit of color and texture to your aquarium, consider adding plastic plants, artificial rocks, and other decorations. Since the fish stops eating, its growth is stunned and its immunity is compromised. What does this mean for you? White Spots on Bala Sharks | Aquarium Forum Add one teaspoon of salt per one gallon of water in the tank. Unless you live in a tropical climate, you will need an aquarium heater to maintain these temperatures. Think carefully before choosing tank mates for your bala sharks, as they might stress them and make them uncomfortable. As a shoaling fish, the bala shark feels most comfortable when housed with at least four other fish of its kind.Bala sharks are fast, active swimmers that dart around the middle of the tank. The two often come hand-in-hand, as the increased water flow helps to circulate oxygen throughout the aquarium. All-in-all, this is a pretty easy-going fish. Bala sharks are pretty hardy and can live up to 10 years in captivity. One more comment/question would a Bala shark be okay living with an Oscar fish? The typical cost of a bala shark is $7 . Most experts agree that Bala Shark care is relatively easy if the fish owner has some basic knowledge of fish care. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Can they get along with other fish species? These twitches, being somewhat mysterious, could be an indicator of normal behavior or potential stressors that you need to watch out for. Shy and slow-moving fish can be good companions for them. Dont get a bala shark if your tank is small or contains large predatory fish. A perpetual nomad, Wanda does her best to integrate fish-keeping with her lifestyle, and has taken care of fish in three different continents. 7. If you're concerned about your fish's health, it's important to take them to a qualified vet or fish store for diagnosis and treatment. Can Twitching Be A Negative Bala Shark Behavior? Caring for bala sharks is easy as long as you provide stable water conditions and enough space for these active swimmers to explore. You should also invest in a filter and a powerful pump to clean the aquarium more often. Make sure that every new arrival has been properly quarantined for at least two weeks. Keep the bottom of the tank clear or add a breeding net to catch the eggs. Bala Shark Lifespan and How to Maximize It - Avid Aquarist Therefore, these active swimmers are most at home in freshwater tanks that replicate these water conditions. External parasites can be seen attached to the body or gills of the fish, and are introduced to the tank through new fish, live foods, or plants. Heres a quick overview on how to do so. The ideal pH range for Bala Sharks is between 6.5 and 7.8. Once the tank is cycled and water parameters have stabilized, you can add your bala sharks to the tank. This condition causes water buildup inside the fishs body cavities, which results in belly swelling. This could lead to further digestive problems that can make the fish more vulnerable to the common fish diseases and ailments usually seen. Currently, I have 3 fish tanks at our home, where I enjoy this hobby with my Mom, Dad, and Younger Sister. What is the most important component of a healthy diet? 6. Ensure you maintain the right temperature, hardness, and pH within the best range for balas. Smart Bala Shark care should include monitoring them for signs of common fish ailments like dropsy that causes them to swell, and ich which results in white spots on their scales. You should notice the females becoming rounder than normal, indicating the development of eggs.Interested males and females will spawn early in the morning, lasting for a couple of hours.After the female has laid eggs along the bottom of the tank, the male will fertilize the eggs with milt.Remove all fish from the tank, including the parents, to prevent the adults from eating the fry. The most popular viral infection in Bala Sharks is Lymphocystis. This can happen due to medical conditions, such as neurological infections that attack their central nervous systems. They make an excellent addition to an aquarium due in part to their mild-temperament as well as their beauty and grace. Choosing a small tank for your bala shark can stress them as they grow bigger and compete for food. These fish need higher quality food, as they can get malnourished if fed poor quality foods. There are special nets that can be placed at the very bottom of the aquarium that makes it easier to spot signs of spawning. In the pet store, Bala sharks are sold when they are very young and only measure one or two inches. These gentle giants lend a certain peacefulness to any freshwater aquarium, and we are certain you will enjoy their presence. Bala sharks are some of the most difficult fish to breed, as they take a while to reach sexual maturity. I also have some platys. (50 gallon tank). The typical cost of a bala shark is $7 to $10. The most common suggested range is between a 120 and 150 gallon tank, which is a rather large aquarium. It is important to have good water flow during spawning so that the male fertilizing agent gets spread out farther. As diurnal fish, they are more active in the day than the night. This one is a protozoan infection caused by Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, hence the name. It is recommended that aquarium owners place hiding spots for Bala Sharks to rest in when tired of swimming. Lets get one thing straight Bala sharks are big fish. After that, youll need to sprinkle aquarium salts and ich treatment into the water. If everything is good and white spots are only affecting one Bala Shark, then setup a quarantine tank.
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