Silver Shark/bala Shark

[Nick16]

hi, are the predators or can they be kept in a community tank? with what other fish because i take it they will eat neons etc. what size tank it good for them? thanks Nick

 

[PlatinumAngel]

you should have at minimun a 4ft tank because they will grow and grow....I have two in a community tank. I have neons in there with them. Not recomending you do, but mine have been fine with them for a year or so.

 

[shibby]

big tank i would say like 150 gallons since there a big fish and need to be kept in groups. for there size there peaceful but obviously will take oppertunities if the fish can fit into its mouth. also they can be skitish for a large fish.

 

[tenohfive]

Read up on the species index article on silver sharks - they are peaceful but very skittish. And the consensus seems to be 5 or 6 ft as a minimum tank size, with a heavy lid as they're jumpers.

 

[PlatinumAngel]

hmm I was told min 4ft tank.

 

[england]

i have two at around 7-8inches, there not skittish in my tank, think that depends on tank size and fish there kept with, might chow down on neons,maybe if they were juvi n grew up with them,
ive also heard 4ft,,,mine are in a 150us

 

[tenohfive]

I posted up awhile ago, and due to their eventual size the consensus seemed to be 5 foot min, 6 recommended. But I can't speak from personal experience. Given they can get to 13 inches and are an active fish (and prefer 3 or more in a tank) 4 foot sounds a little small on the face of it.

 

[PlatinumAngel]

We're going to get a third I think... Ooh I wish I could have a 150gallon. but alas, not enough room

 

[invader]

Just out of curiosity, does anyone know how these fish handle others? Can they hold their own in a tank with a tankmate that just "likes it's space"? I know they are skittish, but does that apply to tankmates or more to other conditions: tank decor and outside movements?

 

[shelaghfishface]

i have kept balas since i started, i have never had any problems with aggression ..well they are just not known for it, they can run tho!! other than that they are beautiful peacefull fish that love to be in large groups of their own kind,at one point i had one, and he was ok but grumpy so i went and got him 4 pals to play with, and although there was a diffrence in size they all got on from the moment they met, i dunno about holding their own,as i have never had them in a tank with anything they would have to have been tested with.. tho i do suspect they would run and hide rather than face confrontation they are very skittish, i walk past the tank at night and they quickley hide.

shelagh xxx

ps, i would have them in anything over a 4ft.. tho saying that the 2 that i am " fishysitting" for are in a 4ft, idealy it would be bigger and hopefully the new home they go to will be

 

[england]

well mine are with two ocsars nooo probs,,,,,were with jag n he never bothred with them....they playful n quick

 

[invader]

Thanks for the replies you two. I appreciate it... I think they are going to be the schooling fish for my 125.

 

[shelaghfishface]

they are stunning in large groups invader ,you wont go there

 

[invader]

they are stunning in large groups invader ,you wont go there

Yeah, I bet they are! I never really thought anything about them when I was contemplating what to get, but I saw a tankful of 4" extremely healthy ones and they really caught my eye. It was like discovering a fish you've known all along! (If you understand what I'm trying to say)

I'm thinking 4 or 5, sound good? I'm leaning towards 5, but I'm worried about their eventual size.

 

[shelaghfishface]

sorry im tired and i missed a whole word out.. i meant you wont go wrong there