Bala Shark: Tank Size, Tank Mates and How Many to Keep

Bala sharks are silver fish sold small that grow over a foot long. They are peaceful, but they need a group and a huge tank.

Adult size
13.8 in35 cm
Smallest tank
151 gallons570 liters
How many
5 or more
Temperature
72–82 °F22–28 °C
pH
6–8
Temperament
Peaceful
Swims
In the middle
Heater needed
Yes

What size tank do bala sharks need?

At least 150 gallons (570 liters). That is bigger than any standard home aquarium on our chart, so this is a fish for a custom tank or a pond. We give the size for an adult fish in a proper group, because the small fish in the shop will grow. Scientific name: Balantiocheilos melanopterus.

How many bala sharks in each tank size?

This is how many each standard tank carries comfortably if bala sharks are the only fish in it. Share the tank with other species and the number goes down.

Keep one bala shark per tank, whatever the size. None of the common tank sizes up to 125 gallons is big enough for an adult.

Check bala sharks against your own tank and other fish

Good to know

  • Sold small, grows to 35 cm and needs a group: only for very large tanks.
  • Keep at least 5. Alone or in twos and threes, bala sharks hide, stop eating well, or pick on each other.
  • This is a jumper. Use a lid with no gaps.

Tank mates for bala sharks

These animals like the same water, are a safe size, and have a temper that fits. It is a match on paper: always watch new tankmates for the first week.

Poor matches

  • Betta: Bala shark (about 14 in) can eat betta (about 2.6 in).
  • Fancy goldfish: Goldfish do best with other fancy goldfish.
  • Oscar: Oscar is aggressive and will bully or kill peaceful fish such as bala shark.

Questions and answers

What size tank do bala sharks need?

At least 150 gallons (570 liters). That is bigger than any standard home aquarium on our chart, so this is a fish for a custom tank or a pond.

How many bala sharks should be kept together?

At least 5. Bala sharks are social animals and only behave naturally in a group. More is better if the tank has room.

Can bala sharks live in a 10 gallon tank?

No. Bala shark needs at least 150 gallons (570 liters), and grows to 14 in (35 cm), far too long for a 20 inch tank.

What temperature do bala sharks need?

72–82 °F (22–28 °C), with a pH of 6–8. In most homes that means a heater.

Can bala sharks live with a betta?

It is not a good match. Bala shark (about 14 in) can eat betta (about 2.6 in).

More fish

Adult size, tank size and water ranges follow the mainstream care consensus (Seriously Fish species profiles and FishBase maximum lengths). Where sources differ we use the more cautious figure. Stocking numbers come from our stocking calculator.