Home

/

Fish species

/

Bala Shark

Bala Shark

Breed InfoHabitatNutritionHealth

Origin

South East Asia

Habitat Size

150 - 400 Liters

Water Type

Fresh Water

Water Temperature

22º-28ºC

Cost in India

₹200 - ₹300

Size

6 - 14 inches (Medium)

Diet

Omnivore

Silver Bala shark with dark fins scales visible swims right in a green blurred aquatic environment
written by image

by Happy Pet TeamUpdated on 2 Dec 2025

The Bala Shark (tricolor shark) is a freshwater fish that looks a bit like a miniature shark — it has a silver, streamlined body and black-edged fins, which makes it stand out. Despite its “shark” name, it is actually from the carp (cyprinid) family. It’s popular in home aquariums because it’s active, eye-catching, and swims in mid-to-top areas of the tank. What makes it unique is that although it may start small and look manageable, it actually grows to a much larger size than many buyers expect.

Origin

  1. The Bala Shark originally comes from Southeast Asia — especially river systems in Thailand, Sumatra, and Borneo.
  2. In the wild, its numbers have declined because of habitat loss and over-fishing for the aquarium trade, making it a species of concern.

Bala Shark Temperament

  1. Peaceful by nature and generally good - it’s often called a “gentle giant”.
  2. But it is very active, needs space to swim, and can become stressed if kept alone or in too small a tank.
  3. It schools (likes being in groups), and when only one or two are present, it may hide a lot or become shy.

Compatibility

  1. Lives well with other large, non-aggressive fish that can keep up with its active swimming style, such as:
  2. Rainbowfish
  3. Tetra
  4. Rasbora
  5. Gourami
  6. Other Bala Sharks
  7. Avoid very small fish (they may be eaten) and very aggressive species that will bully the Bala Shark.

Bala Shark Price in India

  1. In India, the Bala Shark is available for roughly ₹ 90-₹ 150 for juvenile size (~3 inches) in many online retail stores

Characteristics

Temperament

Aggressive

Friendly

Compatibility with other fishes

Not Friendly

Super Friendly

Habitat Size

Small

Large

about image

Bala Shark Habitat Requirements

Initial Setup Cost

₹10,000 - ₹30,000

Water Temperature

22º -28ºC

Water Type

Fresh Water

PH Level

6 - 8

Tank Type

  1. Freshwater only

Bala Shark Aquarium Size

  1. Because they grow big (up to ~30–35 cm / ~12–14 inches) and are active swimmers, a very large tank is needed
  2. Many sources recommend at least ~125 gallons (≈ 500 liters) for adults and especially if keeping a group

Water Conditions

  1. Temperature: 22 °C to 28 °C (≈ 71 °F to 82 °F)
  2. pH level: approx. 6.0 to 8.0
  3. Water hardness: soft to medium; e.g., around 5-12 ° dH

Bala Shark Environment Needs

  1. Provide an open swimming space in the central area of the tank, since they move fast
  2. Plants, driftwood, or rocks placed on the sides/back can serve as shelter to reduce stress
  3. A tight-fitting lid is recommended since Bala Sharks are known to jump when startled
  4. Effective filtration and oxygen travel through the water are recommended in the tank because they prefer water that flows and holds oxygen properly

Essential Equipment

Aquarium tank

Water filter

Heater

Light

Substrate

Decor

Bala Shark Nutritional Guide

Avg Monthly Expenses

₹200 - ₹ 300

Diet Type

  1. Omnivore (they eat both animal-based foods and plant/vegetable matter)

Bala Shark Suitable Foods

  1. High-quality flakes or pellets as staple food
  2. Occasional live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms, and insect larvae
  3. Vegetable matter or algae-based foods can also be offered

Feeding Frequency & Tips

  1. Feed small amounts 1-2 times a day rather than a big meal all at once
  2. Watch how much they eat and remove leftovers so water stays clean
  3. Because they grow large, ensure the diet supports growth and health
about image

Bala Shark Health & Care

Common Health Issues

Fin rot

White spot / ick

Fungal infections

Swim bladder disease

Bacterial infections

Parasites

Signs of good health

Active

Bright coloration

Good apetite

Signs of sickness

Loss of appetite

Lethargic behaviour

Dull coloring

Tattered fins

Swimming abnormally

In addition to taking care of clean water and enough room to swim, here are some early warnings that a Bala Shark may sicken:

White Spot Disease (Ich)

When kept in poor conditions, at low temperatures, or alone, Bala Sharks are susceptible to white spot disease, recognizable by small white spots on the body and fins, rubbing against decorations in the tank, lethargy, and loss of appetite. Treatment consists of slightly raising the temperature of the water, improving the quality of the water (through frequent water changes), and suitable medication if needed. It is best avoided by keeping water clean and stable, and having a school of fish.

Stress & Jumping Injuries

These fish swim and jump actively. They can bang against the aquarium's lid or jump out of an aquarium if spooked. They can injure themselves. This leads to infection or internal damage. These risks can be reduced via the provision of proper hiding areas, minimizing stressors, ensuring proper water flow, and keeping these fish in appropriate numbers. Someone should clean a wounded fish and watch for infection.

Growth-related Problems

When bred inside aquariums too small, they can become stunted, deformed, and live shorter lives. Water of poor quality or imbalanced nutrients can cause the liver or the kidney to fail, the swim bladder to have problems, and even cause weakness in fish. This animal requires a tank of the proper size (see above), good water quality, and a varied, nutritious diet for keeping it. Check for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and pH often.

Bala Shark General Health Tips

  1. Consistent feeding, cleaning, and check-ups can help the animal feel secure within
  2. Adding new tank mates or decorations with care slowly might help keep the fish from becoming startled
  3. A secure lid is preferred to reduce escapes, and the aquarium should be kept away from noise sources and vibrations

Prerequisites for a Fish

Adequate tank space

Cleanliness

Effort & commitment

Enriching Environment

written by image

Written by

Happy Pet Team

Author

Team Happy Pet is a passionate collective of pet experts, enthusiasts, and advocates dedicated to sharing trusted and insightful content.

Our cont 

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Bala Sharks aggressive?

No, Bala Sharks are generally peaceful and do well in community tanks with other similarly sized and temperamentally compatible fish.

Are Bala Sharks suitable for beginners?

Bala Sharks are best suited for aquarists with intermediate experience due to their size and specific care requirements.

What are common health issues for Bala Sharks?

Common health issues for Bala Sharks include fin rot, white spot (ich), swim bladder disease, fungal infections, bacterial infections, and parasites.