Bala Shark

Picture of Bala Shark

Description of the Bala Shark

The Bala Shark is also known as the Silver Shark or Tricolor Shark and can be identified by its silver body and black markings on it Dorsal, Caudal, Pelvic and Anal fins. It is called a shark due to its torpedo shaped body and large fins but it is not a true shark. The Bala Shark is a common tropical aquarium fish, however it is an endangered species in its native habitat.

Popular Name: Bala Shark
Species: Balantiocheilos melanopterus

Picture of a Bala Shark

Bala Shark

Facts - Information - Picture - Video

Profile of the Bala Shark
This Profile contains interesting facts and information about the Bala Shark species.

  • Size: Up to 35cm

  • Fish Tank conditions: PH 6.0 to 8.0. Temp 22 to 28 Degrees

  • Diet / Feeding: Frozen, Dried or Flaked Food

  • Temperament: Peaceful

  • Habitat: Freshwater Rivers and Streams

  • Behaviour: Good Community Fish

  • Range: Mekong and Chao Phraya River basins, Borneo, Malay Peninsula andSumatra, Asia

Scientific Classification of the Bala Shark
Definition: Scientific classification, or biological classification, is how biologists group and categorize species of organisms with shared physical characteristics. Scientific classification belongs to the science of taxonomy.

  • Species: Balantiocheilos melanopterus

  • Popular Name: Bala Shark - Silver Shark - Tricolor Shark

  • Kingdom: Animalia

  • Phylum: Chordata

  • Class: Actinopterygii

  • Order: Cypriniformes

  • Family:Cyprinidae

Interesting Facts and Information - How do you identify the sex of a Bala Shark?
The males and females of many fish species have different colors or different shaped bodies. But there are also other fish species where there is no visible difference. Its sometimes tricky being an ichthyologist!


Interesting Facts and Information - Why are Bala Shark slimy?
Bala Shark secrete a type of mucus, or slime, from their skin. This slime provides protection against parasites and infections and helps the Bala Shark to move through the water faster. Some fish species also release toxins in their slime which ward off enemy attacks. Other fish species use their slime to feed their young.

Interesting Facts and Information - Why do Bala Shark have gills?
Gills enable the Bala Shark to breathe. Gills consist of thin sheets of tissue containing blood vessels. As water passes over the gills oxygen is absorbed into the blood stream Carbon dioxide passes out into the water. The gills are protected by a large bony plate called an operculum. Some fish species however have lungs and breathe air.

Interesting Facts and Information -
Why do the Bala Shark have fins?
A fin is an external appendage or "limb" of a fish. Fins are used for directing, stabilizing, or propelling the different fish species in water. Numbers of fins vary between fish species, but there are usually seven. Each of the fins on a fish are designed to perform a specific function:

  • Dorsal fins - The dorsal fin is located on the backs of fishes. The Bala Shark has Dorsal fins to lend stability in swimming.

  • Ventral fins. The ventral fin is located on the pelvic area of fishes. The Bala Shark has Ventral fins to lend stability in swimming.

  • Caudal fins. The Caudal fin is located on the tail area of fishes. The Bala Shark has Caudal fins to propel through the water.

  • Pectoral fins. The Pectoral fin is located on the breast area of fishes. The Bala Shark has Pectoral fins to for locomotion and side to side movement

Interesting Facts and Information about Bala Shark

Bala Shark

  • Interesting Information about Bala Shark

  • Facts about Fish Species - Why are Bala Shark slimy?

  • Why do the Bala Shark have gills?

  • Facts about Fish Species - Why do the Bala Shark have fins?

  • Species: Balantiocheilos melanopterus

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