#1 I have two Bala sharks. Conversely, its more widely believed that these fish twitch for particular reasons. Here are some reasons why your fish might be stressed. What's more, Bala Sharks are sensitive to pH imbalance, and ignoring the expected range is one of the easiest ways to shorten their lifespan. Fish Swimming In Circles? Keep Reading: Why Do Bala Sharks Have White Spots? Feed the fry ciliates, then switch to nauplii of artemia or cyclops once the fry are four days old.Keep the fry in a separate tank until the fish reach six months old or four inches long.Should You Get a Bala Shark for Your Aquarium?Bala sharks are unique-looking fish that provide plenty of entertainment in a home aquarium.You should get a bala shark if you have plenty of space for at least five of these active shoaling fish. The longer the tank, the more space this middle-dwelling fish has to explore.Advertisementsif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'fishkeepingworld_com-leader-1','ezslot_8',156,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishkeepingworld_com-leader-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'fishkeepingworld_com-leader-1','ezslot_9',156,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishkeepingworld_com-leader-1-0_1');.leader-1-multi-156{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}Bala sharks dont swim along the bottom of the tank or dig in the substrate, so theres no need to use a specific type of substrate. Bala Shark (Silver Shark) Size, Tank, Food, Lifespan & More One important thing to be aware of in terms of a bala sharks nervous behavior is they are jumpers. These foods form the basis of a healthy diet, so you should look for one thats formulated specifically for omnivores. Remove all fish from the tank, including the parents, to prevent the adults from eating the fry. Appetite is good, behavior is normal, the other younger bala is now sticking close by to help fend off the loach. A good filter is vital in maintaining ideal tank conditions for your bala sharks. This can stress out smaller fish that tend to move less. In addition to a good filter, aquarists can add air pumps, air stones, and/or powerheads to create the desired water motion. Most fish experts recommend that about 25 to 35 percent of the tank water be renewed each week to keep them healthy, comfortable and happy in their environment. Assuming that youve committed to raising bala sharks, you want to make sure that your tank is set up properly. To treat dropsy, add teaspoon of Epsom salt to every five gallons of water in the tank, and speak to your veterinarian about antibacterial medication for the disease. Inspired by my Dad, I got interested in fishkeeping when I was a kid. Fish owners should also be aware that fish kept in captivity will not typically reproduce or breed. Clown Loaches are one of the most popular freshwater fish in the aquarium scene. The most popular signs of stress are lack of activity and lost appetite. Monitoring this helps to ensure that they are getting the right food portions. Set up a heater. Bala sharks grow quickly, and replacing several smaller tanks is extremely tedious. Although bala sharks are prone to stress, you can do several things to make them feel better. Perform a 50% water change and add antibacterial solutions to the water. In this article, well look at everything there is to know about bala sharks. 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. Symptoms: White, wriggling parasites that can be seen attached to the outer skin of the fish. It's a good idea to check your other fish for signs of sickness, and check that your plants aren't rotting in the water. Just be sure you give them the best home possible so that, if their twitching is a sign of stress, it stops and they get back to living a swimmingly fulfilling life. Bala sharks also arent the only types of fish that twitch. As diurnal fish, they are more active in the day than the night. If your bala shark is unwell, it could also cause them to stress out which may activate their twitching tendencies. Being able to consistently keep the pH right in the middle of this range (somewhere just above 7) will give you a safe window of flux in the event that any out of the ordinary water changes happen in your tank. Byron. The average lifespan of a bala shark is between eight and ten years. This one causes white spots to appear on the Bala Sharks skin. Heres a quick overview on how to do so. Youd need a bigger heater, filter, and pump, all of which require energy to run. Most experts agree that Bala Shark care is relatively easy if the fish owner has some basic knowledge of fish care. And there you have it! Complete Guide to Feeding Your Pet GoldfishNovember 1, 2018 RobertFreshwater FishThe Ultimate Roseline Shark Care GuideApril 24, 2021 Robert. The fishs ventral fins are small and colored black or gray. Native to Southeast Asia, the Bala Shark has been affectionately called The Gentle Giant due to its larger size and easygoing temperament. How much space should you allocate to these active fish? The process of being bagged up, taken home, and added to an aquarium they arent used to is a lot of rapid change for a bala shark. A bala sharks twitches are a series of rapid movements that are extremely quick. A good, nutritious diet is important to every fish, and Bala sharks are no different. Choosing a small tank for your bala shark can stress them as they grow bigger and compete for food. After this happens, it is usually recommended that the tanks air/water filtration system be switched to a single sponge type filter that is placed internally to keep the small fry from being sucked in. Thanks for any help. Is My Bala Shark Male or Female? Some fish experts like to provide a more diversified diet for their Bala Sharks to mimic their natural environment food sources as closely as possible. Caring for bala sharks is easy as long as you provide stable water conditions and enough space for these active swimmers to explore. However, captive Bala sharks will be just as happy with any of the previously mentioned live proteins. Due to their large body size, its easy to assume that Bala sharks need lots and lots of food the more, the merrier. This should be a small amount that takes the fish roughly 2 to 3 minutes to eat. However, it can be as low as 6.0 and up to 8.0. On Avid Aquarist, Jeff shares everything hes learned about helping aquatic life survive and thrive in a home aquarium. Bala Sharks are prone to external parasites, which are parasites that attach themselves directly to the body of the fish or its gills for nutrition. Fishkeeping World is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and any other affiliated sites. Thus, these twitches could simply help them move throughout the water faster than if they were just using their tails. Pay close attention to signs of illness, and take steps to correct any water issues. We may earn a small commission through products purchased using links on this page. This includes low pH caused by the high concentration of ammonia in the water. Bala Shark Care: Care Guide, Breeding, Tank Size and Disease I took it back and got 10 Red Minor Tetras instead, don't know much about them but I enjoy watching schools! If this is seen, the fish often has a parasitic or bacterial infection and should be treated. 2020 - 2023 eFishkeeping. Dont add non-fish species like shrimps and crabs to a bala shark tank, because they are known to eat crustaceans. I dosed the water and am planning on dosing again tomorrow. As such, some assume that twitching is a sign of nervousness. That said, their easy-going feeding habits doesnt mean you should feed them anything and everything. What are good tank mates for Bala Sharks? Here are some signs that your bala sharks might be stressed. Come join the discussion about species,breeding, health, behavior, aquariums, adopting, care, classifieds, and more! Many people believe that getting pet fish is an excellent decision for a novice pet owner. The typical cost of a bala shark is $7 . Ideally, youd to it the other way around. Just be sure to do your research before feeding them any unfamiliar foods and this applies to veggies. Even though bala sharks are typically docile fish, they do have a propensity to get startled easily. But I'm betting since this doesn't look like flashing that he's done some brain damage or something. Frankly speaking, Bala sharks are a joy to feed. Bala sharks are peaceful fish that can be housed with other medium-to-large, peaceful fish. Hi! Bala Shark - Who Gives A Fish Finally, if you want to add a bit of color and texture to your aquarium, consider adding plastic plants, artificial rocks, and other decorations. A vet may also prescribe antibiotics if its caused by bacteria, but in many cases, saving the fish is quite hard. If something in your aquarium is causing this, remove it and either isolate it (if its another fish) or take your bala shark to a vet for further analysis. In Bala Sharks, cloudy eyes are not a disease but rather a symptom of many conditions and diseases. The safe range for this is somewhere between 6.5 and 8 pH. Bala sharks are interesting freshwater fish as they grow to a big size in a tank, making them the gentle giants of your aquarium. Ive also kept tetras without issue, however most tetras need to shoal, so make sure your tank has enough room for a large group of tetras plus growing Bala Sharks. While some bala shark owners have noticed twitching in tandem with stressors or illness, its not indicative of correlation; it may just be a coincidence. Bala sharks can grow to be about 12 inches long. The dominant shark will constantly pick on the weakest, causing stress and leading to susceptability to infections and disease (as mentioned above). Bala sharks prefer fast-flowing waters, and swim in the midwater regions of their habitat.Otocinclus: Oto Catfish Care Guide Please enable JavaScriptOtocinclus: Oto Catfish Care Guide & Species ProfileAdult Size & LifespanBala sharks grow up to 14 inches long. When buying a bala shark, make sure the fish has been bred in captivity, to protect the species wild populations. These can provide visual interest and places for your bala shark to hide and explore. After the female has laid eggs along the bottom of the tank, the male will fertilize the eggs with milt. If you have just 1 bala shark, its not really surprising it gets stressed, and stress can lead to other ill health issues. In general, you should opt for tropical fish species that grow to at least 4 inches in length. Luckily, with early action, dietary improvement, and proper treatment, you can help your fish live a full life! Keep the bottom of the tank clear or add a breeding net to catch the eggs. This can happen due to medical conditions, such as neurological infections that attack their central nervous systems. These gentle giants lend a certain peacefulness to any freshwater aquarium, and we are certain you will enjoy their presence. You may need to contact the manufacturers directly to get an exact GPH rating, especially as many filters will not be able to handle this large of a tank. If you're concerned about your fish's health, it's important to take them to a qualified vet or fish store for diagnosis and treatment. After all, these fish will be kept in 150-gallon tanks. Bala Shark Tank Size and Specifications . It is also difficult to distinguish between males and females, as the differences can be quite subtle. Top 5 Reasons You Must Know! In their native habitats, they are accustomed to mosquito larvae, which is a widely available protein source in the rivers of Southeast Asia. However, Bala Sharks are a peaceful species that is extremely popular in the aquarium trade due partly to their unique appearance and calm demeanor. They also flash against the gravel and other solid objects in the aquarium. The most common Bala Shark external parasites are anchor worms, fish lice, and flukes. Aggressive and non-compatible tank mates can make bala sharks stressed. Attempting to definitively answer the question, why do bala sharks twitch, is difficult. You can leave the room light on. Just be sure to provide enough space, feed them a good, nutritious diet, and take good care of their tanks! If this fish is on its own, that will cause additional stress. Ich Or Stress On My Bala | My Aquarium Club Treatment usually involves sprinkling antibiotics into the water, but it doesnt always work out, and some Bala Sharks will simply die from the injuries. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Although they might seem interesting, poor handling, like squeezing the fish's body or touching the eyes or the gills, can cause stress. Remember the weight of the water will add up quickly, so make sure the surface is strong enough to support the weight. Disclaimer: The content on this website is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. The fish is called a bala shark because of its long, pointed dorsal fin, which resembles a sharks fin. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. (3 Ways to Tell). Bala sharks dont swim along the bottom of the tank or dig in the substrate, so theres no need to use a specific type of substrate. Bala Sharks can be somewhat vulnerable if their tank water becomes dirty or when the tank water level lowers.
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