How Long Do Bala Sharks Live For?

[zak_bates22]

i have had my bala shark for about 2-3 years now and i think it is fully grown now, how long do they live for and also how do u sex them?

 

[Littlemonkey]

Hi,

I've had mine for about the same, what size are they, mine were juniors when I got them and they are around 6" long at the moment, so along way to go yet. I have found mine are pretty well bomb proof, they have out lived everything else. I have three, two have kept their stream like shape while one is plumper and larger, so assuming this one is female. I will be interested also if any-one has an answer to your question.

 

[Colin_T]

silver or bala sharks can live for 20 years or more. They can reach 12 inches long (sometimes more) and are pretty tough once settled into a tank. Sexing is the same for most barbs and rasboras, with males being smaller and slimmer while females are larger and fatter, (like Littlemonkey said )

 

[Littlemonkey]

Thanks Colin_T. Yes they are tough critters. They do like to jump however, so a tight fitting hood is advisable. It's remarkable how they don't brain themselves. Also they grunt. I love my three, still after all this time I can't think of any suitable names for them.