. Bala Shark Breeding Guide (Everything You Need to Know), The Best Bala Shark Tank Size for Optimal Health. The fry should hatch within three days. Features like automatic shut-offs can also be helpful. Bala sharks have sensitive eyes that see better in tannin-rich waters. These infections can happen due to many reasons, such as: Some bacterial infections can cause obvious symptoms in your Bala Sharks. Thanks for any help. Being able to maintain a small ecosystem and observe the behaviors and interactions in the underwater world peaked his interest early on and has kept him hooked until this day. As you can see, most Bala Shark diseases are caused by poor water quality, whether due to contamination or keeping the fish in unfavorable conditions. My rainbow shark and bala shark are swimming at the top of the tank gasping. There isnt necessarily a scientific consensus for exactly why bala sharks twitch, however, one theory is that bala sharks twitch as part of their navigation through the water. Fish with dropsy appear bloated and have protruding eyes, scales that stick out from the body, loss of appetite, lethargy, and rapid breathing. Reduced immunity due to other diseases or poor nutrition. Now it looks like 2 of them have paired up. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. (3 Ways to Tell). Bala Shark Has White Spots? (Reasons, Treatment, Prevention) Using a testing kit, you can monitor and adjust the water parameters to make them more suitable for your bala sharks. The new Bala Sharks can grow at different speeds. They can actually get along with a plethora of other types of fish. A well-formulated dry fish food. It is recommended that aquarium owners place hiding spots for Bala Sharks to rest in when tired of swimming. Of course, there are also fish species you should steer clear of. Heres a quick overview on how to do so. A little more research has indicated that bala sharks, if kept in a group of 2-3 will establish a dominance structure. Place a group of five bala sharks in a separate 65-gallon breeding tank with a temperature of 77F and a strong filter. In some cases, fish can jump out of the tank. To breed your Bala Sharks, it is recommended that you determine the sex of the fish if possible. It's a good idea to check your other fish for signs of sickness, and check that your plants aren't rotting in the water. The two often come hand-in-hand, as the increased water flow helps to circulate oxygen throughout the aquarium. These foods form the basis of a healthy diet, so you should look for one thats formulated specifically for omnivores. Did you find this care guide helpful? They are rubbing themselves against the gravel and rocks. How should you size the filter? These fish can grow to be large, and they like being able to swim. In the pet store, Bala sharks are sold when they are very young and only measure one or two inches. Hi, I keep Guppies with my Bala Sharks. Hello, and thanks for visiting Avid Aquarist! Open to fish, plants and reptiles living in freshwater or saltwater environments. from getting diseases is to keep the water as clean as possible and provide an environment where they do not experience stress, anxiety, or distress. Bala Shark (Silver Shark) Size, Tank, Food, Lifespan & More Then, treat with over-the-counter medication. 2020 - 2023 eFishkeeping. Why Are My Bala Sharks Dying? {How You Can Help Save Them} 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. They can jump quite high, and are known to escape aquariums by doing so. I'm not exactly sure what this could be but I'd tag it as a neurological sign. I mostly have gold fish. You can buy them from the following reputable online stores:LiveAquariaImperial TropicalsAppearance & BehaviorBala sharks have long, silver bodies with bold, pointed fins. You should keep at least five or six balas in the same tank. They are merely named as such due to their uncanny resemblance to their namesake. Hi I have a Bala shark thats around 12 inches I started of with 4 but I gave away 2 of them after about 3 months as they were getting picked on and eventually another so Im only left with the one but a friend has asked if I can re home his mollies in my tank Im not sure with the Bala and a fully grown pleco any advice please? Within 24 hours, small larvae can begin to be visible. I took it back and got 10 Red Minor Tetras instead, don't know much about them but I enjoy watching schools! However, if you see this happening, you must investigate the reason, as Bala Sharks dont do it on purpose. Ive also kept tetras without issue, however most tetras need to shoal, so make sure your tank has enough room for a large group of tetras plus growing Bala Sharks. Additionally, youll want a filter that can handle a large volume of water and has a good filtration capacity. Make sure that every new arrival has been properly quarantined for at least two weeks. Keep the fry in a separate tank until the fish reach six months old or four inches long. You can also add other decorations like driftwood, rocks, and caves. There are plenty of methods to cure fungal infections in fish, but the procedure is usually similar to curing bacterial infections. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Its a good idea to check your other fish for signs of sickness, and check that your plants arent rotting in the water. Being able to maintain a small ecosystem and observe the behaviors and interactions in the underwater world peaked his interest early on and has kept him hooked until this day. Make sure to opt for a heater thats rated for the size of your bala fish tank 150 gallons, per our minimum tank size recommendation. Unless there are other signs that your bala shark may be sick, theres no reason to worry at the first sign of twitching. When buying a bala shark, make sure the fish has been bred in captivity, to protect the species wild populations.The typical cost of a bala shark is $7 to $10. 354 354. Twitching can also help deter any predators from coming near them. Males are typically a bit larger in size. So, lets dive in. Most experts agree that Bala Shark care is relatively easy if the fish owner has some basic knowledge of fish care. The fry can be fed with ciliates at first. Poor water conditions are the main reason why bala sharks suffer from stress. Do Bala Sharks Twitch As A Defense Mechanism? In addition to their dry food, Bala sharks need live protein. Chief among these requirements is strong water flow, coupled with good oxygenation. Typically, we like to recommend a minimum tank size of 150 gallons. It also means that the care level is quite manageable. ), Fish Hiding Behind The Filter? Dropsy is a common disease that many fish species may suffer from, including Bala Sharks. Availability. The bala shark is a freshwater species of the Cyprinidae family. Flukes is the term used to describe various types of external fish parasites. Just keep it on for a third of the day (or eight hours) and you will have very happy fish! To spur spawning, some fish breeders slowly increase the tank water temperature from 77 degrees up to 82 degrees. Complete Guide to Feeding Your Pet GoldfishNovember 1, 2018 RobertFreshwater FishThe Ultimate Roseline Shark Care GuideApril 24, 2021 Robert. To treat ich, you must isolate the infected fish in a separate tank. The typical cost of a bala shark is $7 . This fishs laid back and calmer temperament makes it an ideal tank mate with many other species of fish. Great tank mates for bala sharks include: In the wild, the bala sharks diet consists of insects, small crustaceans, plant matter, algae, and larvae. All information, content, materials on this site, or obtained from a website to which the site is linked are provided to you as is without warranty of any kind either express or implied. Partly due to their potential for growing quite large, they might be prone to hogging the food when it comes to food. Though I'm not positive, maybe someone will have a better diagnosis. Do your research before making any purchases! One important thing to be aware of in terms of a bala sharks nervous behavior is they are jumpers. As it gets large, 14-16+ inches, that means at the very least a 6-foot tank but better in 7-8 feet. [Top 5 Causes And Solutions]. However, a dark-colored pebbly substrate, around an inch thick, is closest to the substrate found in the fishs wild habitat. All Possible Causes, Dropsy In Fish: Your Guide To Symptoms & Treatment. I decided that since it is a schooling fish that can get to a foot long, and my biggest tank is only 4 feet long that it would be best not to go that route. There are some larger fish species that tend to be predators (like cichlids). 1. Bala sharks hail from the fast-flowing rivers of Southeast Asia. Youll be rewarded with a healthy, happy aquarium filled with beautiful bala sharks! 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. Bala sharks are social fish and need to be in large numbers, so therefore a big tank in needed. Bala sharks prefer fast-flowing waters, and swim in the midwater regions of their habitat. On Avid Aquarist, Jeff shares everything hes learned about helping aquatic life survive and thrive in a home aquarium. Since these fish are rare in their natural abodes, most of these fish are bought from fish farms. For aesthetic purposes, you can go with a full-spectrum LED light that replicates the natural day and night cycle of their natural habitat. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. The most common Bala Shark external parasites are anchor worms, fish lice, and flukes. In most cases, Bala Sharks will play dead when they go into shock, which is somewhat similar to humans fainting. Distressed Bala sharks also have As the fish stops eating, its immunity gets compromised and its growth is stunned. White Spots on Bala Sharks | Aquarium Forum Consider adding shrimp or other higher protein-laden food. Overall, you should be feeding yours 3 times a day. Although not considered an aggressive fish species, Bala Sharks can eat smaller fish, especially those that are smooth and sleek, as they get bigger. Today, Bala Sharks are considered an endangered species of fish and are thought to have become rare or extinct in many of their original freshwater habitats. They also flash against the gravel and other solid objects in the aquarium. After that, youll need to sprinkle aquarium salts and ich treatment into the water. If you have just 1 bala shark, its not really surprising it gets stressed, and stress can lead to other ill health issues. You can leave the room light on. These peaceful shoaling fish are less aggressive and territorial than actual freshwater sharks. It's best to use a 150-gallon tank with a length of at least 5 feet. Bala sharks are known to jump out of the tank, especially when settling into their new environment, so a secure lid on top of the tank is essential. Being able to consistently keep the pH right in the middle of this range (somewhere just above 7) will give you a safe window of flux in the event that any out of the ordinary water changes happen in your tank. These should be avoided or closely monitored to ensure that your Bala Shark is safe with their tankmates. Since these fish prefer plants and other objects to hide in, it is better to place these along the sides of the aquarium to leave enough room for movement elsewhere. Well, a good rule of thumb is to opt for something with a flow rate thats 6 times the size of your tank. WILDER Retired Moderator Retired Moderator Joined I. n terms of lighting, bala sharks dont have any special requirements. After all, these fish will be kept in 150-gallon tanks. 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. Check that the heater, pump, and filter are all working properly. Some may use hardwood and baking soda to adjust the pH naturally, but pH kits are easier and safer. Bala Shark is a kind of shark that lives in the Water should have a hardness of 10 to 13 dGH and a pH of 6.5 to 8. Sick Bala Sharks | Tropical Fish Forums It can be difficult to tell apart the sexes. He is also a proud member of the, Fishkeeping Worlds 4-in-1 Bundle Set eBook. Treat the fish tank with an OTC antiparasitic medication. Some people find an automatic fish feeder useful in maintaining a consistent feeding schedule. Ich is a very common disease thats caused by an aquatic protozoan parasite. As such, some assume that twitching is a sign of nervousness. Excess lights may cause your Bala shark unnecessary stress and cause them to hide frequently. These fish do not need special foods or supplements, and fish owners should simply strive to feed them a balanced diet for continued good health. Monitor your bala sharks and water parameters regularly. With 8 or more Bala Sharks and a suitable . Bala Sharks are a large and interesting freshwater fish that many aquarium owners consider at one point or another. Personally, however, we prefer to go with the large tank right away. Treatment usually involves sprinkling antibiotics into the water, but it doesnt always work out, and some Bala Sharks will simply die from the injuries. Bala Shark 101 Care Guide for Beginners - Avid Aquarist The following reasons may be the answer to why your stressed Bala shark is losing color: . They may be tiny when you first pick them up from the pet store, but will grow rapidly and exponentially with proper care. As the fish stops eating, its immunity is compromised and its growth is stunned. Use a thermometer to measure temperature stability and test kits to check water parameters. Assuming that youve committed to raising bala sharks, you want to make sure that your tank is set up properly. Hello, and thanks for visiting Avid Aquarist! It is important to have good water flow during spawning so that the male fertilizing agent gets spread out farther. These signs vary depending on the individual shark but can include changes in behavior, such as swimming in a different direction or staying close to the water's surface. It might become necessary to move some to other tanks to ensure enough room for growth and movement. Though bala sharks arent commonly found in the ocean anymore, they still have those natural instincts to want to protect themselves. Raise the water temperature to 82o F for three days. And of course, aggressive fish are absolute no-gos. For example, the oxygen levels are extremely low in the water due to broken pumps or bubblers. Remove activated carbon media from the tanks filter while adding treatment to the water, because activated carbon will adsorb the medication. 2023 Tankarium, a Found First Marketing company. You might notice this behavior is a little more constant for a couple of days or so after bringing them home. Pay close attention to signs of illness, and take steps to correct any water issues. With a little bit of care and dedication, your bala sharks should thrive in your tank! Clear Signs of Stress in Bala Sharks - Avid Aquarist Because Bala Sharks can grow to a large size, it is essential to give them plenty of protein in their diet to keep them growing strong. Let the Bala Shark settle in and then add the Gouramis. Fully-grown bala sharks should be housed in a tank of at least 150 gallons, at least 5 feet across. Decades of movie-watching have created a misconception that all sharks are aggressive fish that will nip your fingers off if you put them in your tank. Symptoms: White spots on the body, fins, or eyes, Causes: Poor water quality, stress, or overcrowding. You can easily accomplish this with a solid heater. 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. Female bala sharks have rounder bellies than males.Advertisementsif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'fishkeepingworld_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_2',109,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishkeepingworld_com-medrectangle-4-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'fishkeepingworld_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_3',109,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishkeepingworld_com-medrectangle-4-0_1');.medrectangle-4-multi-109{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 average lifespan of a bala shark is between eight and ten years.AvailabilityBala sharks can be purchased online easily, but the fish are difficult to find in small, local fish stores. Keep Reading: Why Do Bala Sharks Have White Spots? Common Bala Shark Diseases to Watch For - Avid Aquarist Fish that are getting sick from water might exhibit behavior similar to twitching. The fact that these are active shoaling fish also means theyll breathe a lot of life into your fish tanks, which is a glorious perk! Why Do Bala Sharks Twitch? Is This Normal? Aquatic Byte With ich, fish owners might begin to notice that the fish rub up against objects due to the itching. Fill the tank with dechlorinated water, and let the tank cycle for a few weeks. Because bala sharks hail from the tropical climate of Southeast Asia, they require warm temperatures between 72-82F. 4. What do they eat? Like most gentle fish, bala sharks tend to feel more at ease when they are kept in groups or schools. If your bala shark is unwell, it could also cause them to stress out which may activate their twitching tendencies. Making sure that the fish have the right diet suited for their size and breed goes a long way towards ensuring their future health and extending their lifespan. Emergency : Sick Bala Sharks & ID Shark | Freshwater Fish Disease and 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. He is about 4 to 5 inches. Choosing a small tank for your bala shark can stress them as they grow bigger and compete for food. Best Tank: SC Aquariums 150-gallons Starfire Glass Aquarium, Best Heater: AQQA 1200 Watt Submersible Heater. These can provide visual interest and places for your bala shark to hide and explore. Female bala sharks stop growing before the males, so male bala sharks are longer than females. Treat with a formalin or malachite green-based medication. This authoritative reference eBook will not only help you learn how to create a healthy aquatic ecosystem without accidentally killing any of your fish, but itll also give you the momentum you need to build out your underwater empire. Can I get a Bala shark to go in with these. In this article, well look at everything there is to know about bala sharks. (8 Reasons +Top 4 Solutions!). What's more, Bala Sharks are sensitive to pH imbalance, and ignoring the expected range is one of the easiest ways to shorten their lifespan. The male Bala shark tends to grow a little larger than females. Bala sharks do not protect their young, so it is important to remove the parents from the tank. Although they might seem interesting, poor handling, like squeezing the fish's body or touching the eyes or the gills, can cause stress. So far they are doing great with our 2 gouramis, 2 glo sharks, 4 guppies. 6. It is in their nature to explore their surroundings next to a group of their fishy friends, making these schools quite a glorious sight to behold! What are good tank mates for Bala Sharks? Jeff has always enjoyed having pets, but as a child, he was drawn to his familys fish tank. I just brought home a 5" Bala Shark from Petsmart. Thus, these twitches could simply help them move throughout the water faster than if they were just using their tails. After this happens, it is usually recommended that the tanks air/water filtration system be switched to a single sponge type filter that is placed internally to keep the small fry from being sucked in. Twitching is an action seen in many bala sharks, so theres no reason to assume its a bad thing. These affable fish travel in schools when in the wild, and fish owners should purchase several of these Bala Sharks at a time as they like company. Bala Sharks tend to spawn in the morning, and this process can take several hours. Time will tell. The typical cost of a bala shark is $7 to $10. Here are a few things youll need: With a little bit of care and dedication, your bala sharks should thrive in your tank! Tankarium is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. It is generally a good idea to purchase five or six Bala sharks from the pet store and to observe them for signs of mating behavior. A good, nutritious diet is important to every fish, and Bala sharks are no different. Just be sure to keep up with tank maintenance, and you should be all set. All fish are stressed by being netted and moved to a new environment, and many take time to regain their normal behaviours. You should avoid filling the tank with big or aggressive fish that might startle your bala sharks. These gentle giants lend a certain peacefulness to any freshwater aquarium, and we are certain you will enjoy their presence. If you are concerned about them being stressed, check their water conditions to make sure the temperature is right and the quality is clean. I enjoyed the information about our daughters new pets. Please consult a licensed veterinarian in your area for any animal or pet-related medical advice. Fully-grown bala sharks should be housed in a tank of at least 150 gallons, at least 5 feet across. To avoid overfeeding, feed the fish an amount it can eat within about two minutes. Thankfully, there are a variety of fish species that make excellent companions for the bala shark. Copyright 2022 - Fishkeeping World - All Rights Reserved, Robert Woods is the creator of FishKeeping World, a third-generation fish keeper, and a graduate in animal welfare and behavior. Can Twitching Be A Negative Bala Shark Behavior? Thanks, Robert, I have 3 Bala in my tank together with 5 moderate size Angelfish, and 3 Gourami. Luckily, with early action, dietary improvement, and proper treatment, you can help your fish live a full life! Hi! If their twitching is indicative of stress, be sure that your aquarium is an adequate size for your fish. Tankarium is reader-supported. Again, your bala sharks may be large enough to defend themselves, but they shouldnt be put in a stressful situation to begin with. To breed bala sharks, follow these steps: Bala sharks are unique-looking fish that provide plenty of entertainment in a home aquarium.
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