This article will list the signs of stress in bala sharks and what you can do about them. The fish is called a bala shark because of its long, pointed dorsal fin, which resembles a sharks fin. Besides water quality, the lack of vitamin A could also cause visual problems characterized by cloudy eyes and impaired vision. How to Keep a Bala Shark: 12 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow Bad water quality symtoms are darting, loss of scales, looking pale, gasping, laboured breathing, flicking and rubbing, red gills, purple gills, turning upside down, sores, red streaking. The most popular signs of stress are lack of activity and lost appetite. It is recommended that Bala Sharks be given a good quality dry fish food like pellets or flakes as their main food source. The ideal tank conditions for bala sharks are: The essentials for a bala sharks tank are a powerful external filter, natural tank lighting, and a high-quality water heater. A bala sharks twitches are a series of rapid movements that are extremely quick. The tank water temperature is yet another important factor to consider when setting up a Bala shark tank. As it gets large, 14-16+ inches, that means at the very least a 6-foot tank but better in 7-8 feet. These fish are used to warm waters with a pebbly or muddy substrate. These fish are used to warm waters with a pebbly or muddy substrate.Set up your bala sharks tank to replicate the fishs habitat in the wild. Bala Sharks tend to spawn in the morning, and this process can take several hours. This is measured in dGH (degrees of general hardness) and the window youre aiming for is somewhere between 10 and 13. These, Why Your Betta Fish Is Laying At The Bottom Of The Tank, Why Is My Goldfish Turning White? Also, the Bala Shark itself can become prone to stress if there are no places in the tank where they can hide when desired. If your bala shark is new to your aquarium, theyll need time to adapt to their new environment. High-quality dried food, like flakes and pellets, should make up the bulk of the bala sharks diet. Theyre found in tanks, The Dojo Loach (aka Weather Loach or Pond Loach) is one of our all-time favorite freshwater species. Symptoms: White, wriggling parasites that can be seen attached to the outer skin of the fish. Dont get a bala shark if your tank is small or contains large predatory fish.Despite needing a larger tank than most aquarium fish, bala sharks are peaceful and beautiful to look at, making them a fantastic choice for people who have enough tank space to house the species.Related ArticlesFreshwater FishIridescent Shark Care Guide & Species ProfileDecember 14, 2018 RobertFreshwater FishRed Tail Shark Care Guide & Species ProfileJanuary 27, 2022 RobertFreshwater FishThe Clown Loach Care Guide: A Playful Bottom Dweller For Community TanksJuly 13, 2019 RobertFreshwater FishThe Complete Guide to Rosy Red Minnows CareJanuary 26, 2021 RobertFish Care & BreedingWhat Do Goldfish Eat? Bala sharks are timid and easily scared, and spend a lot of time hiding in caves and behind plants. These omnivores enjoy a wide variety of flake foods and live protein, and will be happy with pretty much anything you can find in your local fish stores! Overfishing for the aquarium trade and forest fires in 1975, Otocinclus: Oto Catfish Care Guide & Species Profile, Iridescent Shark Care Guide & Species Profile, Red Tail Shark Care Guide & Species Profile, The Clown Loach Care Guide: A Playful Bottom Dweller For Community Tanks, The Complete Guide to Rosy Red Minnows Care, What Do Goldfish Eat? Do Bala Sharks Twitch As A Defense Mechanism? Poor water conditions are the main reason why bala sharks suffer from stress. This could lead to further digestive problems that can make the fish more vulnerable to the common fish diseases and ailments usually seen. The longer the tank, the more space this middle-dwelling fish has to explore. In addition to a good filter, aquarists can add air pumps, air stones, and/or powerheads to create the desired water motion. The safe range for this is somewhere between 6.5 and 8 pH. Can they get along with other fish species? She has been helping her father with his freshwater tanks since she was a toddler, and has fallen in love with the hobby ever since. Many people assume that the Bala Shark is best left to experienced fishkeepers. I took it back and got 10 Red Minor Tetras instead, don't know much about them but I enjoy watching schools! These gentle giants lend a certain peacefulness to any freshwater aquarium, and we are certain you will enjoy their presence. As a shoaling fish, the bala shark feels most comfortable when housed with at least four other fish of its kind. The bala shark isnt a real freshwater shark. This beautiful freshwater fish would make a wonderful addition to your freshwater aquarium if you have a bit of experience raising fish. But if you like watching bala sharks, you might notice a few things that show that your fish arent OK. How many sharks do you have and how big is the tank? This fish is well known for its congenial manner, and they tend to do well living with many other different fish species. The male will then fertilize the eggs by releasing his milt over the eggs. When in their natural habitat, Bala Sharks are omnivores that eat insects, larvae, algae, plant portions, and small crustaceans. Let the Bala Shark settle in and then add the Gouramis. Youll be rewarded with a healthy, happy aquarium filled with beautiful bala sharks! Sometimes, Bala Sharks may charge into the glass walls due to their active and fast swimming. How should you size the filter? Many people believe that getting pet fish is an excellent decision for a novice pet owner. Provide a similarly varied diet in captivity with a combination of live and dried foods. They can actually get along with a plethora of other types of fish. Some may use hardwood and baking soda to adjust the pH naturally, but pH kits are easier and safer. This can happen due to medical conditions, such as neurological infections that attack their central nervous systems. There are some species of smaller fish that should be avoided as tank mates as well. However, a few plants, like anubias, can make them feel more at home in captivity and provide a hiding place for tired or nervous fish. Inspired by my Dad, I got interested in fishkeeping when I was a kid. In todays guide, well take a closer look at Bala Shark diseases, their causes, and how to manage them. Keep the bottom of the tank clear or add a breeding net to catch the eggs. 150 gallons may seem like a huge space and financial commitment, and it is. On Avid Aquarist, Jeff shares everything hes learned about helping aquatic life survive and thrive in a home aquarium. When alone, they are more likely to act a bit more aggressive. Make sure the decorations are securely placed and wont topple over if your bala shark bumps into them. Home Aquatic Problems & Solutions Common Bala Shark Diseases to Watch For. After all, these fish will be kept in 150-gallon tanks. In their native habitats, Bala Sharks are also known by other names that include Tricolor Shark, Silver Bala, Silver Shark and Tri Color Minnows due to their unique colors and markings. There isnt necessarily a scientific consensus for exactly why bala sharks twitch, however, one theory is that bala sharks twitch as part of their navigation through the water. Bala Sharks are a large and interesting freshwater fish that many aquarium owners consider at one point or another. However, if you see this happening, you must investigate the reason, as Bala Sharks dont do it on purpose. It is also difficult to distinguish between males and females, as the differences can be quite subtle. Furthermore, you need to keep your water clean by removing old water and replacing it occasionally. How to tell if a Bala shark is dying? All of these levels can be easily monitored with a thermometer and a basic water testing kit. Look for nutritious foods that provide the vitamins, minerals, and proteins needed for these fish to grow to their full potential.Diversify feeding by adding live, high-protein foods like bloodworms and shrimp to the tank, and regularly feed the fish plankton, diced fruits, greens, and vegetables to fortify the fishs health.Bala sharks should be fed up to three times per day. In addition to their dry food, Bala sharks need live protein. These white spots irritate the fish skin, so itll swim erratically and rub itself against objects and tank walls. Pay attention to any changes in the balas environment, like a changed diet. As you can see, most Bala Shark diseases are caused by poor water quality, whether due to contamination or keeping the fish in unfavorable conditions. If your bala shark is constantly twitching, and it seems to be nonstop, be sure to check for other signs that something might not be right with them. Some external infections may also cause scale loss, but its usually accompanied by other alarming symptoms like bleeding and deformation. The actual aquarium used when the spawning process happens needs to be at least 65 gallons, and the temperature should be kept at 77 degrees for the ideal breeding environment. Theyre not totally wrong since living in a confined space gives you more control over the fishs habitat to keep them healthy and happy. Just be sure to keep up with tank maintenance, and you should be all set. ), Bala Shark Has White Spots? Some stress-inducing conditions include: Suddenly changing the water temperature or pH Transfering your Bala shark to a new tank with different water conditions Adding aggressive fish species to the tank Ideally, youd to it the other way around. Make sure these are working properly. It is necessary to prep a Bala Shark before they are of age to breed. External parasites can be seen attached to the body or gills of the fish, and are introduced to the tank through new fish, live foods, or plants. Twitching is an action seen in many bala sharks, so theres no reason to assume its a bad thing. This can stress out smaller fish that tend to move less. Its body is lighter gray at the top than at the bottom.Advertisementsif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'fishkeepingworld_com-banner-1','ezslot_4',145,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishkeepingworld_com-banner-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'fishkeepingworld_com-banner-1','ezslot_5',145,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishkeepingworld_com-banner-1-0_1');.banner-1-multi-145{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:50px;padding-bottom:10px!important;padding-top:10px!important;text-align:center!important}The bala sharks small, closely-packed scales are iridescent, meaning that they reflect light as the fish moves, creating a shimmering appearance.Typical BehaviorThe bala shark is a peaceful fish that gets along well with other peaceful species in a community tank. Female bala sharks have rounder bellies than males. Your email address will not be published. Males are typically a bit larger in size. When buying a bala shark, make sure the fish has been bred in captivity, to protect the species wild populations. Byron. Some food types can make the balas sick and stressed. In the pet store, Bala sharks are sold when they are very young and only measure one or two inches. Use veterinarian-approved medications or insecticides to kill parasites. Dont add non-fish species like shrimps and crabs to a bala shark tank, because they are known to eat crustaceans. Breeding bala sharks is moderately difficult and best attempted by aquarists with fish-breeding experience. Attempting to definitively answer the question, why do bala sharks twitch, is difficult. Bala Shark Fins Fraying, Gray Scales | Freshwater Fish Disease and Bala Shark Habitat and Tank Conditions Tank size. Bala sharks grow up to 14 inches long. He is also a proud member of the, Fishkeeping Worlds 4-in-1 Bundle Set eBook. Luckily, Lymphocystis isnt a fatal disease. 4. Bala Shark is a kind of shark that lives in the Water should have a hardness of 10 to 13 dGH and a pH of 6.5 to 8. Making this a habit will help you provide better care for your Bala Sharks, and prevent you from having to deal with unwanted surprises. It can be assumed that since other fish do it, its just one of those many quirks that make fish such fascinating animals. I have a stressed bala shark, 6 or 7 years old.Seems to have been getting picked on by a little polka dot loach and now is displaying signs of stress: fins fraying, patches of scales turning a light gray and slightly raised. Though I'm not positive, maybe someone will have a better diagnosis. The Basics of Breeding Bala Sharks - RateMyFishTank.com Most fish breeders recommend that at least 5 Bala Sharks be kept together during the breeding process to ensure that there is both male and female fish in the holding tank. You should also invest in a filter and a powerful pump to clean the aquarium more often. Usually, these fish thrive under a stable temperature of 77F. The fish ram themselves into the tanks walls. Because bala sharks hail from the tropical climate of Southeast Asia, they require warm temperatures between 72-82F. Remember to remove the carbon filter during treatment because itll absorb the medication, rendering it useless. When in captivity, the Bala Sharks only becomes able to reproduce when they are at least 3 years of age and at least 5 inches, or 13 cm, long. Bala Shark 101 Care Guide for Beginners - Avid Aquarist All-in-all, this is a pretty easy-going fish. Bala Sharks are a rewarding and unique fish to keep in your aquarium. It may just be one of those behaviors that they adopted that has no purpose. Bala Shark Lifespan and How to Maximize It - Avid Aquarist When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. This one causes irregular wart-like growth scattered across the fishs body. However, this is not absolutely necessary, and many fish owners simply leave the bottom floor area clear for better viewing. For instance, include a few plants to help keep the water clean, such as live plants like Java ferns, Anubias, or Vallisneria. In that case, its usually accompanied by other erratic behaviors like excessive twitching, rolling, pitching, etc. To breed bala sharks, follow these steps: Bala sharks are unique-looking fish that provide plenty of entertainment in a home aquarium. The water hardness is the last key piece of the puzzle when it comes to water levels. This should subside as they navigate their surroundings. Bala sharks also arent the only types of fish that twitch. T the biffster Moved On Joined May 10, 2010 Messages 2,835 In the case of Ich, there are several kinds of . Despite their size, theyre a peaceful fish that gets along very well with other species. They also flash against the gravel and other solid objects in the aquarium. Bala sharks can grow to be about 12 inches long. As weve previously mentioned, getting a filter that generates a pretty strong water flow is important, as these fish need a lot of water movement to be healthy. Disclosure: Our website is reader-supported. Despite their delicate appearance, Bala sharks are capable of displaying signs of stress. House bala sharks in a freshwater tank and feed them an omnivorous diet.Habitat and Tank RequirementsThe bala sharks natural habitat is lakes and fast-flowing rivers and streams in Southeast Asia. Although not considered an aggressive fish species, Bala Sharks can eat smaller fish, especially those that are smooth and sleek, as they get bigger. There are special nets that can be placed at the very bottom of the aquarium that makes it easier to spot signs of spawning. If your bala shark is unwell, it could also cause them to stress out which may activate their twitching tendencies. Constant twitching accompanied by frantic swimming or a change in appearance could be a bad sign. Twitching can also help deter any predators from coming near them. Bala Shark Care: Care Guide, Breeding, Tank Size and Disease Today, Bala Sharks are considered an endangered species of fish and are thought to have become rare or extinct in many of their original freshwater habitats. If you want to get in touch we encourage you to do so via our contact page. Twitching due to stress may be one of the only ways they know how to tell you they arent happy. In awhile, 30 to 50 percent of the water should be renewed carefully. It makes it easier to feed your bala sharks moderately sized meals at regular intervals throughout the day, instead of all at once, which can lead to overfeeding. 40 gallon with 13 hermit crabs- 11 PPs, 1 E, 1 Straw. This species is not a true shark, but is commonly so called because of its torpedo -shaped body and large fins. One that seems to have developed a bright red area at the base of it's dorsal fin. JavaScript is disabled. After the eggs have been fertilized, the parents leave the eggs alone. (8 Reasons +Top 4 Solutions!). Bala Sharks may show signs of stress in various situations, such as: Any of these aspects can increase the risk of the previously mentioned diseases, which is why you should maintain a proper environment for your fish in the tank at all times. To spur spawning, some fish breeders slowly increase the tank water temperature from 77 degrees up to 82 degrees. Make sure to opt for a heater thats rated for the size of your bala fish tank 150 gallons, per our minimum tank size recommendation. Sep 25, 2011. 6. This is why having a lid on your tank is a smart idea. Fish owners should also be aware that these relatively frisky fish tend to move around and swim for hours. Hi William, I wouldnt advise adding Bala Sharks to an existing tank. Home Aquatic Problems & Solutions Clear Signs of Stress in Bala Sharks. Despite how big these fish are and how fast they can swim, they arent faster than some of their potential hunters. . Theyre colored yellow, black and gray, and they can grow up to 12 inches, or 25-30 cm, in length making them relatively large for an aquarium fish. You should also be sure your aquarium is big enough for your bala shark to swim around without feeling too cramped.
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