The video was taken at the freshwater aquarium, Sea World, San Diego, USA.
General: The Bala shark, Balantiocheilos melanopterus, is not a real shark this is also known as the tricolor shark, silver shark, or shark minnow, and silver bala is a cyprinid and type of minnow freshwater fish species. The nickname “shark” has been given to this bony fish because of their torpedo shaped bodies and long fins; “bala” is an abbreviation of the scientific name. Bala shark can grow up to 33-40 cm with larger males than females of the same age. Therefore, young bala sharks could be kept in most aquariums; otherwise, larger aquariums will be required. The life span of bala shark ranges from 8-10 years.
This species performs best in small groups of 3 or more. They are considered peaceful especially when they are schooling with other bala sharks. However, they may turn slightly aggressive, nervous and/or stressed if kept alone or in a small tank. Bala sharks are very energetic fish and are known to jump which means a tight fitting lid is highly recommended.
Appearance: These fish have a shiny silver body and with yellow and black dorsal and caudal fins. They have big eyes to find and catch their prey. Their mouth is somewhat downfacing and without barbles.
Distribution and habitats: Wild Bala shark is found in Asia; in the Mekong and Chao Phraya River basins, around the Malay Peninsula, Borneo and Sumatra. They are found in midwater depths of large and medium-sized rivers, streams and lakes. The existence of aquatic plants is of particular importance for providing shelters and hiding spots to bala shark.
Feeding habits: Being omnivores, Bala shark feeds in nature on phytoplankton, but mostly on rotifers, insects, insect larvae and tiny crustaceans. Full-grown Bala shark has been known to eat very small fish such as neon tetras and guppies. It may worth mentioning that the proper diet will intensify the colors in the fins.
In aquariums, bala shark will accept variety of food including flake foods, freeze-dried bloodworms and tubifex, as well as plant-based foods. It is a scavenger and will search for food on the bottom of the tank.
Reproduction: Bala sharks are egg scatters and uses external fertilization. In nature, it is known that sexually mature Bala sharks of 10-15 cm long migrate to special breeding ground to be engaged in mass spawning whereas water current is necessary to appropriately spread the sperm of males. Professional efforts have been successful in breeding “Bala sharks” in aquariums whereas hormones have been used to induce the spawning. Bala sharks do not guard their eggs or fry.
Threats: The deforestation of river and stream habitats of Bala shark along with the over collection as demanded by the aquarium trade led to the scarcity or even extinction of the species in many river basins of its native range and consequently listing the species by the IUCN Red List as an endangered. The problem becomes even more obvious when considering their short life.
Conservation: The successful breeding of Bala sharks in captivity is considered a key measure towards the conservation of the species. It is claimed that most of the Bala sharks in pet stores or exported especially from Indonesia and Thailand are captive bred.
References: Aquatic Community,Liveaquaria.com, Aqua Ultraviolet, PETCO, Fish Channel, Wikipedia
