Reassure Me

[quaver]

I have 2 bala sharks. Looked in the tank this morning and they both have a few random scales missing. Been in a scrap by the looks of it. Please reassure me that these scales will grow back and all is okay. I have had these sharks forever and really fond of them

Holly

 

[WILDER]

Size of tank in gallons or litres.
How many fish and which type.
Water stats in ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and ph.

Scaless loss can be due to parasites, fighting, knocking them off on ornaments in the tank.
Anys signs of flicking and rubbing.
Have you seen the bala sharks fighting.

Bala sharks to better in larger groups.

 

[quaver]

Tank size: 400 litres
pH: 7.6
ammonia: 0
nitrite: 0
nitrate: 10
tank temp: 76F

Tankmates: Pair of convicts, 2x geophagus sp.

I would say there are 8-10 scales missing on each fish

 

[quaver]

~bump~

 

[calandra]

The thing I'm most concerned about is that both sharks have scales missing. I would say this is fighting or competing for food, but as Wilder says, some parasites can cause scale loss. I would observe them for a few days and see if it doesn't get worse

Cal

 

[WILDER]

Have you seen the bala sharks fighting.
Any signs of flicking and rubbing against objects in the tank.

 

[quaver]

no, i haven't seen them flicking or rubbing

 

[WILDER]

Ok that good then it not parasites.
Keep an eye on the fish for fighting.
Also check that you have no sharp edges on the ornaments in the tank.
If you are not overstocked I would suggest buying some more bala sharks.

 

[quaver]

Thanks Wilder, problem is my LFS only sells juvenille Bala's, would they be okay with more adult Bala's

 

[WILDER]

Never kept bala sharks to be honest all I know is that they do better in larger groups.
I would post in the tropical discussion and ask there if young bala sharks are ok with mature bala's.
Good luck.

 

[calandra]

Yeah, smaller Bala sharks are okay to keep with bigger ones.

Cal

 

[WILDER]

Can you let the board know how they get on.
Good luck.