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Bala shark

Freshwater Advanced Peaceful

Bala shark grows to about 13.8 in and needs a tank of at least 185 US gal. Here's how to keep it healthy and what it lives well with.

Quick facts

Water type
Freshwater
Group
Barbs & danios
Difficulty
Advanced
Temperament
Peaceful
Swims
Middle
Adult size
13.8 in
Minimum tank
185 US gal
Min swim length
78.7 in
Group size
5+ together

Water parameters

Temperature
72–82 °F
pH
6.5–8
Hardness
5–12 dGH

Tank & care

Bala shark is a shoaling species — keep a group of at least 5 so they feel secure and show natural behavior. Kept alone or in twos they tend to turn shy, stressed or nippy.

Give it at least 78.7 in of swimming length and hold the water around 72–82 °F. Match any new species to these ranges before adding them.

Plan a tank with this fish

Use the stocking calculator to see how many Bala shark your tank can hold and whether your planned tankmates are compatible — it's anchored to your net water volume and footprint.

Open the stocking calculator Calculate tank volume

Figures are conservative hobby-consensus estimates for planning. Individual fish vary — always research a species and watch how yours behave.

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