How Many Bala Sharks Should Be In A Tank?

[PaulQ]

I am interested in adding a bala shark to my newish tank but I don't know if I can add just one or do they need to be in groups? I have a 26 gallon tank.

Or... should I even consider this type of fish in my tank?


Not sure if this is the right topic to put this question under but I don't know what type of fish it is to fit it into one of the categories.

Thanks!

 

[the biffster]

i wouldn't consider this fish for this size tank
as the Bala as the potential to grow to a maximum length of 12 inches
i have kept this fish in the past and the can be skittish when
startled

 

[arobinson1984]

Agree with biffster,

when fully grown balas need a minimum of 6ft x 2ft x 2ft tank, and even as juveniles they really need a 5ft tank, so a 26 gal is far too small I'm afraid

They also should be kept in groups of 4+


Andy

 

[the biffster]

Agree with biffster,

when fully grown balas need a minimum of 6ft x 2ft x 2ft tank, and even as juveniles they really need a 5ft tank, so a 26 gal is far too small I'm afraid

They also should be kept in groups of 4+


Andy

cheers Andy once saw one go through the end Payne of a 4x18x18
wasnt nice at all

 

[arobinson1984]

Yeah, it's quite bad how many lfs sell them as little fish and neglect to mention that they quite often hit 16" and are also very active.

I have a friend who keeps balas and has done for years and he has always said he wouldn't put them in any tank smaller than his which is 8ft x 2.5ft x 2ft

Andy

 

[crazychris]

My lfs has some very big fully-grown ones. Awesome they are but noticed they are skittish when you approach the tank. He sells small ones for anyone with a 2ft or bigger tank though.