Bala Shark

[Ethos]

Ok, so a few months ago my neighbor bought a 2.5G minibow and a bala shark.
Well, recently they figured the 2.5 was too small, so the upgraded to a 10G.
Then they decided the tank was too much work, and they didn't bother cleaning it.

So, well, I was talking to him today, and he was getting ready to flush the bala and sell the tank.
Being the nice person I am, I said I'd take it, then I hesitated, but in the end he gave it to me. And the tank too, for free.
So I spent about 30 mins cleaning/setting up the tank, and introduced the bala.
Mind you, the bala is maybe a little over 3.5 - 4 inches.
I know the bala won't grow full size over night, so I'll just keep the tank water clean and fresh.

But I have a couple of questions:
What do they eat?
Can I house anything with it? I know they're agressive, but maybe a smaller asgressive fish?
Any odd requirements?
Was I ok to take the bala in, or should I have just had it been flushed?

Don't give me the crap lecture about "Its going to need a huge tank" and all that stuff, I've been on here long enough to know all that. And I'm not planning on keeping it either.

But hey, I got a free 10G and gravel out of the deal... No plants, filter, light or heater though.

 

[Ethos]

Bump.
I'm waiting for a reply, I'm waiting to know what to properly feed them..

 

[wuvmybetta]

Of course it's better than being flushed. Goodness sake
For now I wouldn't worry about tankmates. Balas like to be with other balas, of course. I would focus on finding a home for him or saving for a new tank. He should eat any frozen foods you have handy, and small sinking pellets.

 

[Durbkat]

Why don't you put it in your 55g, if its compatible with the other fish in it and it isn't sick.

 

[Ethos]

Because I don't think he is compatable with my cichlids. They're all about the same size, but he seems pretty ancsious to do something.
He hasn't eaten yet, would bloodworms be ok?
The people I got it from, they gave me goldfish flakes, which i assume they'd been feeding him.

 

[CFC]

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=54527

 

[Ethos]

Thanks^
Does anyone know fast the grow? And can they be with cichlids of similar size?

 

[Ethos]

Bump, no one?

 

[WILDER]

They double there size in about 10 months.

 

[andywg]

Mine has gone from 2" to around 7" in 18 months

Where on earth did you read they are aggressive? They are one of the most skittish fish there are and I have never experienced any aggression from my 6...

That 10 gallon is already too small for it, I would be tempted to chance it in the 55 gallon. They really need their swimming space, like a danio.

More important than the tank size for me is the fact they are a shoaling species. Are you likely to get another 5 (ideally, 2 minimum) to go with your bala?

 

[WILDER]

I've just read that they get on with cichlids, they are a very timid fish but like to be kept in groups.

 

[monkeyman]

Well i have 2 balas, about 5" long and i keep them with a jack dempsy, green terror & a tiger tilapia. Rougly all fish are the same size. They are not aggressive with anything, aprt from each other sometimes . I keep mine in a 60 gal and they eat jus about anything. Cichlid pellets, flake, frozen bloodworm or live meal worms. they are doing just fine & ive had them for just over a year. oh yeah - they are pretty skittish alright!

 

[Ethos]

More important than the tank size for me is the fact they are a shoaling species. Are you likely to get another 5 (ideally, 2 minimum) to go with your bala?

Obviously not - I don't even have a 75G on hand for this one! I know I'll have trouble giving away 1 bala, but 5 more?

 

[Ethos]

Bump.

 

[Durbkat]

Well since 3 is the minimum you could have them in why don't you put this one in the 55g and if they get on good for a while then get 2 more and just keep up on vacum cleanings.