Pictures And Profiles
Bala Shark
Balantiocheilus melanopterus Species
Is this fish a good tank mate for your Oscars? I did a search on the internet and found several people that have placed them together and claimed to have no problems. The water and temperature parameters should also pose no problems. Since bala sharks are hardy fishes and pretty fast swimmers (by no means an easy catch from the Oscar's point of view) they should be able to live together happily ever after. Personally, I have never mixed these two species together but for those of you who want give it a try here is some general information about these fellows:
The Bala Shark is a sleek, beautiful fish that resembles a mini shark. They usually grow up to 13 inches. Balas Sharks are quite shy and will retreat from view when people approach the aquarium, if your aquarium size allows it try to keep at least 3 they do better in small groups.
Do not be surprised if you hear strange noises at night coming from your tank, apparently they like to chat at night. They will eat almost anything you feed them. They prefer live foods, such as bloodworms, glass worms, plankton and brine shrimp. They will eat flake foods, too.
Vegetation should also be provided to give them a complete diet, their favorite foods are worms, brine shrimp, mosquito larvae, and in combination with flake food. Bala Sharks are rarely bred in captivity. They are usually imported directly from South Asia. Females tend to be plumper during breeding season than males, but otherwise they are difficult to sex visually.
Compatibility: Barbs, Danios, Gouramis, Rainbowfish, similar sized New World Cichlids, Loaches, Plecos, and similar sized Scavenger Catfish.