Bala Sharks

[drobbins27]

Are Bala Sharks schooling fish or not. I have been told they are, and they arent. I have one who does fine alone, but im wondering if I should get a few more for the 90g....it will be overstocked with tankbusters then tho Not good.

 

[Interfire]

I've read that they are and that might explain why mine always plays with his reflection. I guess I'll have to get him a friend.

 

[drobbins27]

I've read that they are and that might explain why mine always plays with his reflection. I guess I'll have to get him a friend.

haha mine does the same! up and down the walls like a maniac

 

[LoveMyOscar]

...

 

[silver]

I agree. If one is doing okay and doesn't seem stressed to be alone......I'd leave him be!!

I hate seeing a bunch of bala's in smallish tanks. Anything less than 75 - 90 gallons is just a BIG NO NO!



Good Luck Drobbins and I can't wait to see the photos!!!


Silver

 

[Doggfather]

yes, if you have a big enough tank, they will prefer to be kept in group, but if he is doing fine, leave him

good luck with the fish! can't wait to see the oscar

 

[smileandnod]

Having kept Bala's for a number of years, I would say you should add another two.

They are a schooling fish, and do very well with company. They become much less skittish, and a lot calmer when they have company of their own kind.

HOWEVER, one Bala or three Balas, you are gonna have to upgrade that tank someday. Adult fish really need a tank 10 feet long or more. (Even 10 becomes a squeeze).

Not sure about the ramming other fish comment though. Never seen or heard that one before.

Ian.

 

[LoveMyOscar]

...

 

[smasheddragon]

I have 2 bala sharks. They are c5-6" long now as I have had them ages. I have had allsorts of other fish with them and have never had any problems with them being agressive towards others at all. At feeding time I had one that would chase the other off the food and at the time it was bigger but they are now both the same size and don't chase each other at all. They are always together though and follow each other everywhere.

Michelle

 

[CFC]

LMO has some strange ideas. I kept balas for years and grew them to around a foot and i have never seen or heard of a aggressive bala shark. While bala sharks would benefit greatly from a 10 foot tank we do have to be sensible about these things, the average hobbyist neither has the space nor the funds for a 10 foot long aquarium, however i do believe that to keep these fish once they excede the 10" mark you really should have a 180g tank minimum (6x2x2).

 

[Pescado Guy]

I have 5 balas in a 75 gallon aquarium. They are all around 3 inches but one is about 6 inches. I know I will need to get a larger aquarium in the future if I want to house these to adulthood but for now, everything's fine. Do balas eat live plants?

 

[smileandnod]

LMO has some strange ideas. I kept balas for years and grew them to around a foot and i have never seen or heard of a aggressive bala shark. While bala sharks would benefit greatly from a 10 foot tank we do have to be sensible about these things, the average hobbyist neither has the space nor the funds for a 10 foot long aquarium, however i do believe that to keep these fish once they excede the 10" mark you really should have a 180g tank minimum (6x2x2).

My Balas chase one another often, but there is never any harm, especially not to other fish. As

The really sensible option, is that if you can't afford the money or space for them, don't get them. Nobody gets a Great Dane dog and suggests that a small flat is suitable for it. Why should fish be any different.

Yes, they will eat plants, and won't they just. munch munch munch.

When kept in enough space, with plenty of their own company, they are not skittish at all. But space really is the key thing with them.

Ian.

 

[Pescado Guy]

Booya!!

 

[drobbins27]

Wow..and some ppl say they cant get a clear answer on here lol....I might just trade him in I feel cruel keeping him alone

 

[silver]

You know what Drobbins..........

I think that is an EXCELLENT idea!!!

I would do that too if I were you *pats you on back*

With that style of tank I would stick to stouter fish. I know you are going to get an Oscar and they do get a foot long or better and are quite thick and tall as well, but if you get it as a baby then you have quite a lot of time before upgrading him, if need be.

About the Balas.......they are still sharks though!??? I mean, I would think they would have some instinctive shark behavior somewhere in them



Silver