Thankfully, there are a variety of fish species that make excellent companions for the bala shark. Of course, you can always opt to use a smaller tank at first, then size up as your bala shark gets larger. Here are some reasons why your fish might be stressed. The bala sharks natural habitat is lakes and fast-flowing rivers and streams in Southeast Asia. So, lets dive in. 4. Your Bala shark could be under stress and it may lead to color loss. In reality, they belong to a family of fishes known as carps and minnows. Silver sharks do best when their water temperature is at 77F. So, before you get a bala shark, please take these factors into consideration otherwise, you may be in for a nasty awakening. Bala Sharks are prone to external parasites, which are parasites that attach themselves directly to the body of the fish or its gills for nutrition. And there you have it! Overcrowding can decrease the chances of successful breeding. Fill the tank with dechlorinated water, and let the tank cycle for a few weeks. I had no idea that he would get this big. Theyll be perfectly content with a pH between 6.0 and 8.0 that essentially means you can do anything from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline. [Top 8 Fish That Do! After a few more hours, the unfertilized whitish spawn material can be safely removed. Additionally, these fish should be closely watched as they grow to ensure continued compatibility with smaller fish. That said, their easy-going feeding habits doesnt mean you should feed them anything and everything. I'm not exactly sure what this could be but I'd tag it as a neurological sign. Thus, these twitches could simply help them move throughout the water faster than if they were just using their tails. This article will list the signs of stress in bala sharks and what you can do about them. It is recommended that Bala Sharks be given a good quality dry fish food like pellets or flakes as their main food source. They are peaceful fish with laid-back personalities. Bala sharks can be purchased online easily, but the fish are difficult to find in small, local fish stores. Theres no simple answer, but there are a lot of assumptions made about this behavioral tendency. An appropriate temperature range is 72 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (22.2 to 26.7 degrees Celsius). What's more, Bala Sharks are sensitive to pH imbalance, and ignoring the expected range is one of the easiest ways to shorten their lifespan. These include neon tetra, guppies, harlequin rasbora and other smaller fish types. Diversify feeding by adding live, high-protein foods like bloodworms and shrimp to the tank, and regularly feed the fish plankton, diced fruits, greens, and vegetables to fortify the fishs health. It makes it easier to feed your bala sharks moderately sized meals at regular intervals throughout the day, instead of all at once, which can lead to overfeeding. Chief among these requirements is strong water flow, coupled with good oxygenation. Bala sharks should be fed up to three times per day. If you are concerned about them being stressed, check their water conditions to make sure the temperature is right and the quality is clean. Theres also no need to fill bala sharks tanks with rocks or plants. She loves how it provides a nice break from the hustle and bustle of life. Males are typically a bit larger in size. Bala sharks are fast, active swimmers that dart around the middle of the tank. Although they might seem interesting, poor handling, like squeezing the fishs body or touching the eyes or the gills, can cause stress. Here are some signs that your bala sharks might be stressed. Symptoms: Fins become ragged and may have holes, Causes: External injuries, stress, poor water quality. Despite their size, theyre a peaceful fish that gets along very well with other species. To treat ich, you must isolate the infected fish in a separate tank. They are rubbing themselves against the gravel and rocks. Aggressive and non-compatible tank mates can make bala sharks stressed. Please share it with someone who might appreciate it! Now it looks like 2 of them have paired up. My name is Jeff, and my goal with this site is to share everything I've learned over the years about caring for aquatic life. They can jump quite high, and are known to escape aquariums by doing so. This should subside as they navigate their surroundings. This fishs laid back and calmer temperament makes it an ideal tank mate with many other species of fish. To avoid overfeeding, feed the fish an amount it can eat within about two minutes. Sep 25, 2011. Bala sharks have gray or silver bodies with long, pointed yellow or gray fins edged with black. Best Substrate For Planted Tank The Key To Awesome Aquascape, Best Low And Medium Light Aquarium Plants, Dwarf Hairgrass: Planting, Carpeting, And Care. Sometimes, Bala Sharks may charge into the glass walls due to their active and fast swimming. Frankly speaking, Bala sharks are a joy to feed. Hi! Fish with dropsy appear bloated and have protruding eyes, scales that stick out from the body, loss of appetite, lethargy, and rapid breathing.Advertisementsif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'fishkeepingworld_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_12',116,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishkeepingworld_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'fishkeepingworld_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_13',116,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishkeepingworld_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0_1');.large-mobile-banner-2-multi-116{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:50px;padding-bottom:10px!important;padding-top:10px!important;text-align:center!important}To treat dropsy, add teaspoon of Epsom salt to every five gallons of water in the tank, and speak to your veterinarian about antibacterial medication for the diseaseExternal parasitesBala sharks can be affected by several external parasites, including anchor worms, fish lice, and flukes. Fish Fasting 101: Everything You Need to Know! Great tank mates for bala sharks include: In the wild, the bala sharks diet consists of insects, small crustaceans, plant matter, algae, and larvae. When in captivity, the Bala Sharks only becomes able to reproduce when they are at least 3 years of age and at least 5 inches, or 13 cm, long. Can I get a Bala shark to go in with these. All fish are stressed by being netted and moved to a new environment, and many take time to regain their normal behaviours. Treat these fish with respect and provide them with clean, well-maintained tanks this will bring out the best in their personalities! You can leave the room light on. The fact that these are active shoaling fish also means theyll breathe a lot of life into your fish tanks, which is a glorious perk! In this guide, we explore the ins and outs of Bala Shark care and everything you should know if youre thinking about adding them to your aquarium setup. No additional supplements are required as long as the fish has a balanced, diverse diet.BreedingBreeding bala sharks is moderately difficult and best attempted by aquarists with fish-breeding experience. Moreover, they dont usually attack other fish, but they will display a lot of movement, racing inside the tank from one side to another. You might also have to ask the vet for an antibiotic to make your sick fish feel better. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. [7] 5. Bala sharks also arent the only types of fish that twitch. Here's How To Setup The Air Pump, Air Stone, & Sponge Filter For Aquarium. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Did you find this care guide helpful? At first we thought it was sand or gravel . Unless there are other signs that your bala shark may be sick, theres no reason to worry at the first sign of twitching. These fish are used to warm waters with a pebbly or muddy substrate.Set up your bala sharks tank to replicate the fishs habitat in the wild. Algae Eaters: How Many To Have In A Fish Tank? Make sure that the water parameters are stable and pristine. Snails are also not a good choice for Bala Sharks. The following reasons may be the answer to why your stressed Bala shark is losing color: . Home Aquatic Problems & Solutions Clear Signs of Stress in Bala Sharks. So far they are doing great with our 2 gouramis, 2 glo sharks, 4 guppies. Bala Sharks are very active fish species that enjoy darting around the fish tank at high speed. In general, you should opt for tropical fish species that grow to at least 4 inches in length. I decided that since it is a schooling fish that can get to a foot long, and my biggest tank is only 4 feet long that it would be best not to go that route. With a little bit of care and dedication, your bala sharks should thrive in your tank! 2. They lock their fins to the side and stop moving them. Provide a similarly varied diet in captivity with a combination of live and dried foods.Advertisementsif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'fishkeepingworld_com-leader-2','ezslot_14',136,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishkeepingworld_com-leader-2-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'fishkeepingworld_com-leader-2','ezslot_15',136,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishkeepingworld_com-leader-2-0_1');.leader-2-multi-136{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:50px;padding-bottom:10px!important;padding-top:10px!important;text-align:center!important}High-quality dried food, like flakes and pellets, should make up the bulk of the bala sharks diet. Bala sharks are popular with aquarists due to their shark-like body shapes and striking fin patterns. The most popular signs of stress are lack of activity and lost appetite. Bala sharks are an endangered species that are rarely found in the wild. By the time youre finished reading, youll know a ton about them and be able to decide if theyre a good fit for you. Also, the Bala Shark itself can become prone to stress if there are . They are peaceful fish with laid-back personalities.Colors, Patterns, Fins, and Sex DifferencesThe bala shark isnt a real freshwater shark. It is generally a good idea to purchase five or six Bala sharks from the pet store and to observe them for signs of mating behavior. Jeff has always enjoyed having pets, but as a child, he was drawn to his familys fish tank. After the female has laid eggs along the bottom of the tank, the male will fertilize the eggs with milt. Bala Sharks are usually healthy and hardy fish, but theyre not completely immune to diseases. As weve previously mentioned, getting a filter that generates a pretty strong water flow is important, as these fish need a lot of water movement to be healthy. Besides theyre attractive look, Bala Sharks are generally healthy fish if you provide them with proper accommodation and water quality. Maybe he got hurt or something, check all your water parameters and turn off the lights for a day. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. Fish with dropsy appear bloated and have protruding eyes, scales that stick out from the body, loss of appetite, lethargy, and rapid breathing. Your Bala's tank should be large and lengthy, as they are aggressive swimmers. Do Bala Sharks Twitch As A Defense Mechanism? Keep Reading: Why Do Bala Sharks Have White Spots? Treat the fish tank with an OTC antiparasitic medication. After the female spawns, the male will then fertilize the spawned eggs with a substance called milt. Consider adding shrimp or other higher protein-laden food. Thanks, Robert, Hi, thank you for som great reading, but im wondering if i could keep an elephant nose fish, a black ghost knife fish and a bala shark together in a 530 liters tank?its not setup yet, im just researcing some cool fish and since black ghost is my favorit fish i will be getting one of those:)i have a 120 liters tank running now with some guppies, kribensis chiklids, flying fox and some snails and shripms, im well aware they wont last long with a bala shark heheim no expert but i have kept severel kinds of fish over time , Hi Merete, they would probably be OK for the first year or so, but will need a large tank as they grow. The male will then fertilize the eggs by releasing his milt over the eggs. Twitching is an action seen in many bala sharks, so theres no reason to assume its a bad thing. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Like we mentioned above, there are certain water conditions that youll need to provide if you want your Bala Shark to thrive and live a long and healthy life. As such, some assume that twitching is a sign of nervousness. In most cases, Bala Sharks will play dead when they go into shock, which is somewhat similar to humans fainting. Typically, we like to recommend a minimum tank size of 150 gallons. However, it can be as low as 6.0 and up to 8.0. He is also a proud member of the, Fishkeeping Worlds 4-in-1 Bundle Set eBook. Although they might seem interesting, poor handling, like squeezing the fish's body or touching the eyes or the gills, can cause stress. Check that the heater, pump, and filter are all working properly. Manage Settings Byron. My name is Jeff, and my goal with this site is to share everything I've learned over the years about caring for aquatic life. Within 24 hours, larvae should appear. It's a good idea to check your other fish for signs of sickness, and check that your plants aren't rotting in the water. Some people find an automatic fish feeder useful in maintaining a consistent feeding schedule. Open to fish, plants and reptiles living in freshwater or saltwater environments. However, if you see this happening, you must investigate the reason, as Bala Sharks dont do it on purpose. A vet may also prescribe antibiotics if its caused by bacteria, but in many cases, saving the fish is quite hard. What are good tank mates for Bala Sharks? 354 354. Follow the steps below: Test the water to ensure the conditions are ideal and that there's enough open space for the shark to swim around freely. Remove activated carbon media from the tanks filter while adding treatment to the water, because activated carbon will adsorb the medication.IchIch is one of the most common skin diseases amongst captive freshwater fish. 7. Later, fry can be given cyclops or nauplii of artemia. Bala sharks are social fish and need to be in large numbers, so therefore a big tank in needed. Thanks for any help. While another theory is that bala sharks twitch to communicate with other fish, either to defend themselves or intimidate others. WILDER Retired Moderator Retired Moderator Joined Use a thermometer to measure temperature stability and test kits to check water parameters. With 8 or more Bala Sharks and a suitable . 1)One of my bala sharks has already died. Luckily, Lymphocystis isnt a fatal disease. In captivity, a healthy Bala Shark can live for anywhere between 8 to 10 years. While some bala shark owners have noticed twitching in tandem with stressors or illness, its not indicative of correlation; it may just be a coincidence. . Twitching can also help deter any predators from coming near them. Let the Bala Shark settle in and then add the Gouramis. Treat ich by removing the affected fish and placing them in a quarantine tank containing water that is a couple of degrees warmer than the home tanks temperature. This includes low pH caused by the high concentration of ammonia in the water. The most popular viral infection in Bala Sharks is Lymphocystis. Bad water quality symtoms are darting, loss of scales, looking pale, gasping, laboured breathing, flicking and rubbing, red gills, purple gills, turning upside down, sores, red streaking. You likely dont have to worry about predators in your aquarium, but if they are housed with fish that share dissimilar temperaments, they might feel prone to defensive or aggressive behaviors in an act of self-preservation. These signs vary depending on the individual shark but can include changes in behavior, such as swimming in a different direction or staying close to the water's surface. She has been helping her father with his freshwater tanks since she was a toddler, and has fallen in love with the hobby ever since. After that, youll need to sprinkle aquarium salts and ich treatment into the water. Symptoms: White spots on the body, fins, or eyes, Causes: Poor water quality, stress, or overcrowding. Filtration Bala sharks need a quality filter that can filter five times the water volume in the tank. Attempting to definitively answer the question, why do bala sharks twitch, is difficult. Obviously, the more fish you have, the more room they will need. All these parasites come with new additions to the tank, whether its water, food, new fish, etc. To treat dropsy, add teaspoon of Epsom salt to every five gallons of water in the tank, and speak to your veterinarian about antibacterial medication for the disease. Your email address will not be published. And of course, aggressive fish are absolute no-gos. They are sticking together and kinda slapping their fin with each other. You should avoid filling the tank with big or aggressive fish that might startle your bala sharks. Sores and ulcers on the body and head, ragged, bloody fins. Once the tank is cycled and water parameters have stabilized, you can add your bala sharks to the tank. Replace the filter with an internal sponge filter that wont suck up the fry.Perform a 50% water change and add antibacterial solutions to the water. Loneliness And Boredom In Fish: An In-Depth Analysis, Can Fish Swim Backwards? Come join the discussion about species,breeding, health, behavior, aquariums, adopting, care, classifieds, and more! If you choose to have bala sharks in an aquarium with other fish of its kind or other fish that you know they can get along with, youre going to need a very big aquarium. If your bala shark is unwell, it could also cause them to stress out which may activate their twitching tendencies. Just be sure to choose items that are safe for aquarium use, as some may contain toxic chemicals that can harm your fish. Ideally, youd to it the other way around. In the case of Ich, there are several kinds of . Thanks for reading, and good luck with your bala sharks! External parasites can be seen attached to the body or gills of the fish, and are introduced to the tank through new fish, live foods, or plants.Use veterinarian-approved medications or insecticides to kill parasites. As it gets large, 14-16+ inches, that means at the very least a 6-foot tank but better in 7-8 feet. So do I need to remove other two of them or completely take them out? The natural habitat of the bala shark is warm and densely vegetated, with a muddy, pebbly substrate. 6. (Reasons, Treatment, Prevention). This is when they are around 4 months old. So without further ado, lets dive in! Providing your fish with extra care and keeping . Provide a similarly varied diet in captivity with a combination of live and dried foods. One that seems to have developed a bright red area at the base of it's dorsal fin. The typical cost of a bala shark is $7 . Perform a water change and treat with an antibiotic or antibacterial medication. Fish infected with Ich develop a sprinkling of tiny white spots on their fins, gill covers, and bodies. If you have just 1 bala shark, its not really surprising it gets stressed, and stress can lead to other ill health issues. Usually, these fish thrive under a stable temperature of 77F. This one causes irregular wart-like growth scattered across the fishs body. These, Why Your Betta Fish Is Laying At The Bottom Of The Tank, Why Is My Goldfish Turning White? They may not know what to do with themselves if they dont have enough room to swim back and forth in the aquarium. Remove the affected fish from the main tank. When kept in an aquarium, they tend to eat just about any type of fish food including both live options and dried flake food selections. These infections can happen due to many reasons, such as: Some bacterial infections can cause obvious symptoms in your Bala Sharks. Fish that are getting sick from water might exhibit behavior similar to twitching. This beautiful freshwater fish would make a wonderful addition to your freshwater aquarium if you have a bit of experience raising fish. Choosing a small tank for your bala shark can stress them as they grow bigger and compete for food. Remember to remove the carbon filter during treatment because itll absorb the medication, rendering it useless. For example, the oxygen levels are extremely low in the water due to broken pumps or bubblers. There are plenty of methods to cure fungal infections in fish, but the procedure is usually similar to curing bacterial infections. Look for nutritious foods that provide the vitamins, minerals, and proteins needed for these fish to grow to their full potential. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Female bala sharks stop growing before the males, so male bala sharks are longer than females. Today, Bala Sharks are considered an endangered species of fish and are thought to have become rare or extinct in many of their original freshwater habitats. If this fish is on its own, that will cause additional stress. If you notice any sick bala shark in the aquarium, remove it and keep it in a separate tank until it improves. Many people believe that getting pet fish is an excellent decision for a novice pet owner. Bala Sharks may show signs of stress in various situations, such as: Any of these aspects can increase the risk of the previously mentioned diseases, which is why you should maintain a proper environment for your fish in the tank at all times. Blood Parrot Black Spot Disease or Stress. In their natural habitat, Bala Sharks usually live about 5 to 6 years due to harsh conditions. Once the eggs hatch, feed the baby Bala sharks with a specialized fry food and pay close attention to their development. Since these fish come from a tropical environment, and will be living in a large tank, they'll need a good heater to keep the large amount of water at the right temperature. Though I'm not positive, maybe someone will have a better diagnosis. This means that the fish should be kept separated in another tank before they reach puberty. Many people assume that the Bala Shark is best left to experienced fishkeepers. These fish are sensitive to changing water parameters, so maintaining consistent water parameters and carrying out regular 2030% water changes are essential to prevent disease and stress. T the biffster Moved On Joined May 10, 2010 Messages 2,835 These white spots irritate the fish skin, so itll swim erratically and rub itself against objects and tank walls. Some fish experts like to provide a more diversified diet for their Bala Sharks to mimic their natural environment food sources as closely as possible. When in their natural habitat, Bala Sharks are omnivores that eat insects, larvae, algae, plant portions, and small crustaceans. The first is the baseline water temperature. Bala sharks should be fed two to three times a day, and with moderate portions. Most experts agree that Bala Shark care is relatively easy if the fish owner has some basic knowledge of fish care. Ich or stress on my Bala. When alone, they are more likely to act a bit more aggressive. A larger predator could nip or become aggressive towards them. As previously established, dropsy may be caused by bacterial infections. However, this is not absolutely necessary, and many fish owners simply leave the bottom floor area clear for better viewing. Of course, there are also fish species you should steer clear of. How many sharks do you have and how big is the tank?

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