BALA SHARK Care Requirements 101

Hey everyone! Today we're talking about one of my favorite monster fish, Bala Sharks! These fish are so fun to keep, however they're not for most hobbyists. Unfortunately the vast majority of people who do keep these fish do not do it correctly, and the fish suffers for it. So today we're going to examine what is needed to properly keep a species like this, and we're gonna see some cool fish along the way. Enjoy!
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[@planbee1979]

Such a great looking fish at this size in this tank man they look great

[@ShamuAquatics]

I had 3 big 10 inch ones in my 135 but I got rid of them since they took up so much space and hogged most of the food. They weren’t aggressive (only chased each other) but they’d unintentionally run other fish over all the time. Many say a minimum tank size for them is a 6 foot tank but even just 3 of them made my 135 look crowded. I now just stick with the denison barbs (aka roseline sharks) which are prettier and have almost the exact same personalities but don’t get nearly as big.

[@Riffwaters]

Yea Denison Barbs are great. I just wish they got bigger. :)

[@ShamuAquatics]

@@Riffwaters same here, but maybe 8 inches or so, not 12 inches lmao. The biggest one I got is 5 inches but hopefully they will all reach the full 6 inch mark

[@jaez2569]

Very helpful video. The store sold us SIX!!!!! before I did my research and I was livid! We have an 11 foot 500 gallon tank but still, they should’ve informed us. We would’ve left with 3. So now I have to decide if I can keep them all or give 3 back. Smh. Thanks for the video. Wish I saw this before I bought them. I want no part of being cruel to these creatures. Thank you!

[@ianmilillo8491]

You have awesome aquariums and I enjoy watching your videos.

[@Riffwaters]

Wow thank you! I appreciate you watchin them.

[@SYHOZHO]

I have 2 of them. Been familiar with them for a long time I have 2 angels, 2 figure 8 puffers, 2 peacock eels, 2 rainbow and albino sharks, 2 betas, 3 upside cats, 2 clown plecos and one rare mega clown pleco, 4 shrimps, 10 snails, 7 live planets, and I have 150 gallon tank they are all small other than the angel fish who are about 5inchs. The balas are pretty small 3-4inches just got them a few months ago. My catfish are bigger than the balas rn. We will be upgrading 200 gallons here soon once the balas have grown another inch or two. It’s recommended like this PERIOD! I walked into petco and tested the fish guy in the back said I have a 29 gallon tank and need balas they said it’ll be perfect for that he straight up lied and said they don’t get bigger than 6” I asked for the manager and called the dude out for being a liar and told the manager that he needs to be retrained and to never be allowed back in the fish department or just fire his ass. But it’s petsmart they don’t care. Just sad. But a reality. You need at least 50 gallons for 2 and then in a few months you’ll be upgrading to 100 + gallons. But rule of thumb is 1inch per gallon so 50 gallons can have 20-30 fish but they must be small. Just remember that it’s a lot of work but so much fun!

[@joshualandry3160]

I have to admit, a few years ago I was going to buy a beta and almost impulse bought a bala shark instead with the intention of "figuring it out later." I'm really glad I didn't. I wouldn't have been able to care for it as it grew.

[@Riffwaters]

Good for you! I hate to discourage people from keeping fish, but these really do need huge tanks. If you ever do get a big enough tank, then I highly recommend this fish. :)

[@justinotv7879]

If I have a 55 gallon with only 3 pleco, can I have 3 or 2 bala shark in their?

[@waynejames1690]

Great video.

[@resniklch]

Well done. Important points first 👍

[@Riffwaters]

Thank you. I try!

[@jarzo1560]

AWSOME VID! I heard some others say that balas could be kept in ponds?

[@Riffwaters]

Hey thanks! As far as Balas in ponds, it'd have to be a pretty warm climate I think. Their natural habitat is 72 - 86 daytime temps all year round.

[@dhammaboy1203]

Beautiful aquarium! Thanks for the info. I had been thinking about some for the 180g I'm getting but sounds like its' still too small. I'll stick to SA Cichlids!

[@Riffwaters]

Hey thanks! SA Cichlids are awesome too. Have fun with whichever cichlid you choose.

[@jaxxonfishroom]

Great video

[@Riffwaters]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@jaxxonfishroom]

@@Riffwaters welcome anytime

[@davidolsen3209]

Good video thanks for the info

[@jaxxonfishroom]

Agreed

[@Riffwaters]

Thanks! Appreciate the feedback.

[@lagarto7023]

I'm that guy that just picked up 2 bala sharks from a local pet shop 😂 Thanks for the video it was very informative. I've always wanted a pair of balas, I think they're beautiful fish. They're your basic pet store 1-2" now and I have them in a 55 gallon with 2 medium angels, 2 pleco and my wife's vanilla lobster. I wasn't sure how they'd do.. after the lobster saw them and didn't care... I think we'll be ok there 😂 Is there anything you can recommend to a guy that wants to grow these 2 balas to a size where I'm FORCED to tell the wife I need am 8'x2'x2' tank😂😂 please help a brother out!! Thanks again

[@iamOTHER44]

I wanted this fish to be a centerpiece fish in my tank. Is that possible or is having a school of them absolutely necessary?

[@Riffwaters]

It's possible for sure; just not ideal. I've seen these fish get pretty skittish, which can be a problem given their size and speed. Having more of them together helps ease their nerves.

[@iamOTHER44]

@@Riffwaters Thanks, I really like this fish. Will it feel comfortable with larger barbs in an aquarium like roseline or filament barbs? I don’t think I have a large enough tank for a school of them

[@MattKeepsFish]

Unfortunate how other KZbinrs are saying they can go in smaller tanks and be without a school 🤦‍♂️

[@mandiotto3826]

OMG just took in two babys🤦

[@EvilA127]

In my opinion they are sharks

[@KenVie2000]

Thanks for stressing the importance of proper tank size. It needs to be taken more seriously by pet stores.

[@Riffwaters]

Totally agree!