Sharks, and tetras???

[Fish_Dude619]

I got a 55G tank, and I just wanted to know if I could mix some tetras like 5 Neons, 5 Lemons, 5 Bloodfins maybe some other ones depends what my LFS has with 1 bala shark and 1 pleco?

Thanks....

 

[marks69]

i was told today when i got my bala's that their peaceful.and what i've read agrees.but you have to watch the size, the shark gets a little big, same as the pleco.

 

[ryan]

Balas are large shoaling fish that should be kept in a group of three or more. Since they can grow over a foot long and need plenty of swimming room IMO they need at least 180 gallons.

 

[Doggfather]

yes, balas do get quite large, and do like to be kept in shoals

quite unfortunate for such a nice fish

 

[Ricey]

balas are peaceful.
they should get on just fine with tetras.

 

[Nina7777]

I have 2 bala sharks with one red eye tetra and they don't pay him any attention. But wwith a fish as small as the neon I would be worried. The Bala's are very skittish and will jump and try to flee, in the process if smaller fish are around they will most defiantely get knocked into and either get knocked out or killed. So I would stick to a bit larger tetra.

Oh and be prepared to either buy a larger tank or trade in your bala's when they get too large.

 

[Fish_Dude619]

Yeah I was thinking about that. When they get bigger i'm going to trade them in. Then i'll get the neons....

 

[Nina7777]

Good choice! the fish stores around here will give me 25.00 each for my balas at the size that they are at, but i'm a softy so i opted to get a bigger tank in a few months!