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Bala Shark
Bala Shark
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
by Happy Pet TeamUpdated on 2 Dec 2025
Bala Shark Fish Guide
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.
Characteristics
Temperament
Aggressive
Friendly
Compatibility with other fishes
Not Friendly
Super Friendly
Habitat Size
Small
Large
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
Essential Equipment
Aquarium tank
Water filter
Heater
Light
Substrate
Decor
Bala Shark Nutritional Guide
Avg Monthly Expenses
₹200 - ₹ 300
Diet Type
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:
Prerequisites for a Fish
Adequate tank space
Cleanliness
Effort & commitment
Enriching Environment
Written by
Happy Pet TeamAuthor
Team Happy Pet is a passionate collective of pet experts, enthusiasts, and advocates dedicated to sharing trusted and insightful content.
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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.