Bala Sharks And Bubbles

[sic0198]

I have 4 bala sharks, 2 of which are really big, I call 'em Big Boy and Big Girl. My guy shark is noticebly bigger than the lady shark. Anyway I noticed (or should I say heard) a new behavior, the like to get vertical in the water and swim up to the surface of the water and blow air out their mouths, they make a loud bubble sound.

Anyone else's do this?

 

[tetraqueen]

I have 4 bala sharks, 2 of which are really big, I call 'em Big Boy and Big Girl. My guy shark is noticebly bigger than the lady shark. Anyway I noticed (or should I say heard) a new behavior, the like to get vertical in the water and swim up to the surface of the water and blow air out their mouths, they make a loud bubble sound.

Anyone else's do this?

Are they getting enough Oxygen ? They need a lot. I too have four and I am considering they will be soon to big for a home tank.

 

[paul_219]

mine is normal healthy and very active.

 

[PrettyDiscus]

My bala's do that too. Like a clciking sound when they are feeding.

 

[Scott MacAdam]

I used to have Columbians that would do that when they were feeding but I guess that is a different story....

My guess would be that they shoot to the surface for air...? maybe add an air pump to the tank if possible, if they stop doing it, then you know that was your problem!

 

[nath1]

not really giving you any help-just wondered if you have any pics of these bala's as they are my favourite fish and you dont often see good pictures of large bala's?
nath1

 

[ox5477]

Balas can be quite a lovely fish to have. I had 5 at one point and they made a happy little group.

First the air thing: Balas do need alot of oxygen as they are active fish and can dart around your tank. So if they are coming to surface then they are saying that they need better oxygenated water. Use a powerhead or a air pump to agitate the surface more as this will swap CO2 to O2 much more easily and should get rid fo this.

On a side: the clicking: Yes, they do this and I find it quite fascinating. I don't know if they use this as a sound of enjoyment or maybe a type of notice to the others off their group letting them know that food is there. Either way, it is a cool trait they have and I think means that they are happy either way to be eating as we all are

 

[sic0198]

Yeah it's pretty neat. But I get another air pump and see if low oxygen is the problem, which really isn't much of a problem. Balas are pretty playful so I would assume they do this for fun.