Lost majority of Bala Shark school to power outage

[FluffehWolf]

Recently we had a power outage and I lost 4 out of my 6 bala sharks. I immediately went to our local pet stores in search of them and was only able to find 1 very small bala. Because of the quarantine order I don’t think they will be restocking fish anytime soon. These guys seem to be getting along so far. They aren’t showing any signs of stress but I know that without their proper school they aren’t going to be happy fish - It definitely could lead to their deaths as well. Should I order new fish from the internet? I’ve never had fish mailed to me before and I don’t know any reliable websites online. Thoughts my friends? Thank you so much.

 

[Colin_T]

They won't die from being alone or in a pair.

Don't get silver/ bala sharks via mail. They stress a lot and the less time they spend in the bag, the better. Just wait until the shop gets more in and buy a group then. The ones you already have will be fine.

 

[FluffehWolf]

Our governor extended the shut down until around august A lot of other members have seriously recommended before that I needed a full proper school otherwise huge problems arise. Schooling fish emit a horrible stress hormone when they don’t have their proper school. The stores also don’t sell them at a larger size so I worry by the time I acquire them my other fish might be large enough to eat or overly assert dominance on them.

 

[Byron]

This is a tricky situation. For the moment, I would leave the two, but keep an eye on them.

This is a shoaling species with a pronounced social structure within the group, and must be maintained in groups of at least five fish. Fewer will result in aggression to the point of death of subordinate fish, and/or aggression toward other species in the tank [This from my online profile].

Adding new fish to the group might or might not cause issues. It primarily depends upon the two fish left, their gender especially, and their place in the former social structure. Certainly do not add just one, that is almost guaranteed to be problematic. A group of 4-5 when you can get them might work out. There will be four or five "new" fish entering the domain of the two, and again depending upon their individuality it may be just fine.

 

[FluffehWolf]

I added the little one unfortunately already a few days ago. I haven’t seen any signs of aggression so far and they all eat peacefully which is a relief for the moment. Like you stated about the schooling - I’m aware of the critical need of a proper school for these fish and that’s why I posted here. Hopefully no future problems arise until I’m able to acquire more. I’m worried that by the time I purchase more the current ones I have might be to large and eat them or overly assert dominance/aggression.

 

[Byron]

I added the little one unfortunately already a few days ago. I haven’t seen any signs of aggression so far and they all eat peacefully which is a relief for the moment. Like you stated about the schooling - I’m aware of the critical need of a proper school for these fish and that’s why I posted here. Hopefully no future problems arise until I’m able to acquire more. I’m worried that by the time I purchase more the current ones I have might be to large and eat them or overly assert dominance/aggression.

Impossible to say. While we can understand what a species requires, we are dealing with wild creatures and no species always follows the text book. If you have for example two females left, you might not have any issues, now or later with new fish. Or any similar aspect, the "norm" is the prevailing normal for a species with individual exceptions always possible. And of course, problems like the present can affect fish and increase/decrease the expected norm.

 

[FluffehWolf]

I’m assuming one is a female? It’s hard for me to sex them - or capture a good picture they are so active and begging for food right now.! They usually eat off the bottom but they love blood worm treats from the top as well. For now I will observe them more closely as a safety measure until I’m able to acquire more from the store.

 

[Retired Viking]

Sorry about your loss, there is a lot of pressure to open up business so I think many governors will rethink their policies. Especially with countries like Sweden being open the whole time and only doing social distancing and not having a problem.

 

[FishGuest5123]

Sorry about your loss, there is a lot of pressure to open up business so I think many governors will rethink their policies. Especially with countries like Sweden being open the whole time and only doing social distancing and not having a problem.

Isn’t Sweden amazing? By the way, I have most of my fish shipped.

 

[FluffehWolf]

Thank you! Trying my hardest to stay positive during this time You & Bryon originally commented on my previous post back in December about my bala sharks! (It was a glo fish question/thread but I definitely needed all the information you guys gave me about the balas) I appreciate all the advice given at that time and now.

 

[Byron]

View attachment 102692
I’m assuming one is a female? It’s hard for me to sex them - or capture a good picture they are so active and begging for food right now.! They usually eat off the bottom but they love blood worm treats from the top as well. For now I will observe them more closely as a safety measure until I’m able to acquire more from the store.

The only data I have ever found on discerning gender with this species (Balantiocheilos melanopterus) is that the female is rounder than the male.

 

[PheonixKingZ]

Isn’t Sweden amazing? By the way, I have most of my fish shipped.

I have actually been wondering about that...

Is it actually safe to buy fish online? I never have because I always assumed that they would be dead by the time they hit my door step.

@FluffehWolf, I’m sorry for your loss...

 

[Retired Viking]

I have bought plants and shrimp on line and had a good experiece but have not tried fish. I guess it is because I like to see the fish before I buy them and be able to pick out the ones I like.

 

[PheonixKingZ]

I agree. I like to see which ones are the most active and healthy.