{"product_id":"bala-shark-balantiocheilos-melanopterus","title":"Bala Shark - Balantiocheilos Melanopterus","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"51\" data-end=\"421\"\u003eThe Bala Shark is a sleek, silver-bodied freshwater fish known for its torpedo-shaped profile and bold black-edged fins. Despite the name, it’s not a true shark — but its streamlined shape and constant movement give it that classic “shark” look. When kept properly, Bala Sharks are impressive, fast-moving schooling fish that create striking activity in large aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"423\" data-end=\"622\"\u003eThey are considered \u003cstrong data-start=\"443\" data-end=\"463\"\u003emoderate in care\u003c\/strong\u003e, mainly due to their adult size and need for significant swimming space. Juveniles are often sold small, but they grow quickly and require long-term planning.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"624\" data-end=\"627\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"629\" data-end=\"651\"\u003eCare Requirements:\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"652\" data-end=\"1046\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"652\" data-end=\"720\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"654\" data-end=\"720\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"654\" data-end=\"668\"\u003eTank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Minimum 125 gallons (larger preferred for adults)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"721\" data-end=\"753\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"723\" data-end=\"753\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"723\" data-end=\"738\"\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 12–14 inches\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"754\" data-end=\"822\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"756\" data-end=\"822\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"756\" data-end=\"771\"\u003eGroup Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 5+ (true schooling species — do not keep singly)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"823\" data-end=\"852\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"825\" data-end=\"852\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"825\" data-end=\"841\"\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 22–28 °C\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"853\" data-end=\"872\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"855\" data-end=\"872\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"855\" data-end=\"862\"\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6.5–7.5\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"873\" data-end=\"920\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"875\" data-end=\"920\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"875\" data-end=\"894\"\u003eWater Hardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Soft to moderately hard\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"921\" data-end=\"966\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"923\" data-end=\"966\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"923\" data-end=\"939\"\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peaceful but very active\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"967\" data-end=\"1046\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"969\" data-end=\"1046\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"969\" data-end=\"978\"\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Omnivore — high-quality pellets, flakes, frozen foods, vegetables\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"1048\" data-end=\"1051\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1053\" data-end=\"1082\"\u003eBehavior \u0026amp; Compatibility:\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1083\" data-end=\"1234\"\u003eBala Sharks are \u003cstrong data-start=\"1099\" data-end=\"1126\"\u003epeaceful schooling fish\u003c\/strong\u003e but can unintentionally intimidate smaller or timid species due to their size and speed. They do best with:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"1235\" data-end=\"1316\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1235\" data-end=\"1252\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1237\" data-end=\"1252\"\u003eLarger tetras\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1253\" data-end=\"1262\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1255\" data-end=\"1262\"\u003eBarbs\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1263\" data-end=\"1275\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1265\" data-end=\"1275\"\u003eGouramis\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1276\" data-end=\"1297\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1278\" data-end=\"1297\"\u003ePeaceful cichlids\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1298\" data-end=\"1316\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1300\" data-end=\"1316\"\u003eLarger catfish\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1318\" data-end=\"1503\"\u003eAvoid housing them with very small fish that could be swallowed as they mature. Because they are powerful swimmers, a \u003cstrong data-start=\"1436\" data-end=\"1470\"\u003etight-fitting lid is essential\u003c\/strong\u003e — Bala Sharks are known jumpers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"1505\" data-end=\"1508\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1510\" data-end=\"1525\"\u003eTank Setup:\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1526\" data-end=\"1724\"\u003eProvide long tanks with open swimming space along with driftwood or plants around the perimeter. Strong filtration and regular maintenance are important, as they are sensitive to poor water quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1726\" data-end=\"1896\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003e\u003cem data-start=\"1726\" data-end=\"1896\" data-is-last-node=\"\"\u003eA fast-moving, silver schooling fish that becomes a dramatic centerpiece in large aquariums — ideal for hobbyists with the space to support their impressive adult size.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Poseidon Aquatics And Plants","offers":[{"title":"2\"","offer_id":47950822834398,"sku":null,"price":12.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0645\/4768\/4574\/files\/IMG_7278.heic?v=1774148374","url":"https:\/\/poseidonaquaticsandplants.com\/products\/bala-shark-balantiocheilos-melanopterus","provider":"Poseidon Aquatics And Plants","version":"1.0","type":"link"}