So you want a Bala Shark?

**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.

**Lady Hobbs** · 03-10-2012, 09:59 AM

Thought I would bump this up for the newbies.

Think hard before ever thinking of getting balas because they are available everywhere. They are also not a shark but a big minnow.

**-Alex-** · 03-10-2012, 10:26 AM

I kept 3 in a 211gal and It seemed a little small =D My biggest was 14". They need loads of swimming room!!!

**Old Marine** · 03-12-2012, 02:58 AM

No thank You

**ElizabethJKR** · 03-12-2012, 04:14 AM

Originally Posted by kaybee

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?

I agree, with those photos, it's really hard to see the size those fish are and can get. I know they can get big, but these photos make them look smaller.

I wish there was some way to show their relative size.

**Goes to 11!** · 03-12-2012, 10:21 AM

Originally Posted by ElizabethJKR

I wish there was some way to show their relative size.

Yes.. If only there were a searchable place where people posted videos or pictures... Perhaps one day.
If I were to invent such a thing... I would call it 'Youtube' Or 'Google'.

**ScottishFish** · 03-12-2012, 10:24 AM

Originally Posted by 850R

Yes.. If only there were a searchable place where people posted videos or pictures... Perhaps one day.
If I were to invent such a thing... I would call it 'Youtube' Or 'Google'.

HAHAHAHAHA aw man you crack me up 850R

**-Alex-** · 03-12-2012, 12:07 PM

I agree, with those photos, it's really hard to see the size those fish are and can get. I know they can get big, but these photos make them look smaller.

I wish there was some way to show their relative size.

I think i can provide that.

.

This guy was 9 yours old in this Vid, one of my first fish in a little 8 gal tank. Ever seen a bala handfeed?? =D

**Lady Hobbs** · 03-12-2012, 07:05 PM

Alex.......that video is simply amazing. I love it but it does show how large they get better. The loaches are awesome, too. Thank you for posting that.