So you want a Bala Shark?

**Lady Hobbs** · 07-05-2008, 11:07 AM

http://pets.webshots.com/photo/10645...33164709VSnZqp

Perhaps you should look at this photo and ask yourself how well will he fit in your 20 gallon tank.

**fins_n_fur** · 07-05-2008, 11:47 AM

Great reason to do your research BEFORE you buy your fish.

**ladyoutlaw50** · 07-05-2008, 12:30 PM

That is one big boy!!! I wish the employees at these lfs were more informative --- ok let me reword that -- I wish they had the correct information. I go to the Kennel Shop and there is one guy there that knows his fish and I always try to go when he is around!! That is the same place where I got the following answer to the following question " I have never seen an african cichlid like that, what kind is it?" I asked "oh that, that is just a standard african cichlid" she replied!!!

Of course I realize that everyone should do research, research and more research before buying, but that isn't always the case -- it would help if it was a requirement for the lfs employees had some knowledge of the animals they were selling!!

there I added my 1.5 cents worth!! LOL

**donvichu** · 07-05-2008, 01:34 PM

that is one huge shark......................

**Harls** · 07-05-2008, 02:39 PM

*whistles*
He's a nice fish!
i think i want one more than ever now, just as soon as i get another tank... thats 1000 gallons
oops nm i got one :P

**Red** · 07-05-2008, 02:54 PM

wooo that is one big boy

**angelcakes** · 07-05-2008, 03:08 PM

wow.........now that is a big boy

**kaybee** · 07-14-2008, 02:40 PM

I'm unfamiliar with bala sharks.

Without a full tank shot, though, I'm having a hard time appreciating the size of the big one. For example, I can't tell if the smaller one is 3"-4" or 8" or if that tank is a 75gal or a 240gal.

What is the estimated sizes of the large and smaller bala sharks in those pics, and how big can they get?

**Lady Hobbs** · 07-14-2008, 02:44 PM

Bala's get about 1 ft and are very, very fast, aggressive swimmers that like to be in a school.

**crackatinny** · 07-15-2008, 07:02 AM

I have 2 in my 120G, some of the 1st fish I bought, when beginning.
One of these is now around the 10 inche mark, and even my 120 is way to small, but I am stuck, as there are not many fishkeepers about here with large tanks.

As Hobbs said, it is not only there size that is a problem, its there nature, yes they dart around very fast, and if spooked, they have a very strong jump, they can lift the glass lid on my tank, I have read that they can jump a 3ft, and going on how hard I have heard my big fella hit the top at times, I do not doubt it.