
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Balantiocheilos melanopterus
A large cyprinid, silver with black-edged fins. Sold cheaply as juveniles, it reaches 35cm and needs a tank of around 850 litres. It leaps powerfully, so a heavy lid is essential.
Balantiocheilos melanopterus occurs in the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra and Borneo. FishBase records a maximum of 35cm SL, pH 6.0-8.0, 5-12 dH and 22-28C, placing it at mid-water depths in medium and large rivers and lakes, feeding on phytoplankton but mostly on small crustaceans, rotifers, insects and their larvae. It advises groups of five or more and a minimum tank length of over 150cm. Seriously Fish gives 350mm SL, 20-28C, pH 6.0-8.0, 2-15 dGH and a 240 x 60cm base of about 864 litres. The body is silver with black margins on the dorsal, caudal, anal and pelvic fins. The species has become rare or extinct in many river basins, and the IUCN rates it Vulnerable. It is not listed by CITES.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Bala Shark lives 10-15 years.
The Bala Shark grows to Up to 35cm SL.
The ideal temperature for the Bala Shark is 20〜28℃.
Origin
Southeast Asia (Malay Peninsula, Sumatra and Borneo)
Lifespan
10-15 years
Size
Up to 35cm SL
Sources: FishBase / Seriously Fish
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / IUCN Red List
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Temperature
20〜28℃
Dried, frozen and live foods
Seriously Fish suggests a 240 x 60cm base of about 864 litres and FishBase a minimum tank length above 150cm. Open swimming space comes first. It is nervous and leaps when startled, so a heavy, gapless lid is essential.
Seriously Fish gives 20-28C, pH 6.0-8.0 and 2-15 dGH, while FishBase records pH 6.0-8.0, 5-12 dH and 22-28C. It is large and eats heavily, so it needs high-capacity filtration and plenty of oxygen.
Peaceful by nature, but it eats very small fish and its constant activity and vigorous feeding unsettle timid tank mates, so keep it only with robust fish of similar size. It shoals in large numbers in the wild, so keep six or more.
In the wild it takes mainly small crustaceans, rotifers, insects and their larvae, plus phytoplankton. It feeds readily on dried food in the aquarium, and frozen or live foods keep it in better condition.
Traded fish are produced on Southeast Asian farms. It needs a great deal of water to mature, so home breeding is almost unreported.
Juveniles are commonly sold with no account of the final size, making this a byword for fish given up after outgrowing a tank. Wild populations have become scarce across many basins, and the IUCN rates it Vulnerable. It is not listed by CITES.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The ideal temperature for Bala Shark is 20〜28℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Bala Shark is 10-15 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Bala Shark typically reaches Up to 35cm SL as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Bala Shark feeds on: Dried, frozen and live foods. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Bala Shark varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 17, 2026