The Bala Shark, a popular aquarium fish, often sparks curiosity due to its common name and sleek, torpedo-shaped body. Its appearance leads many to wonder if this freshwater fish is truly related to marine predators. This article clarifies the Bala Shark’s biological identity, comparing it to true sharks and discussing its life and care.
Understanding True Sharks
True sharks belong to Class Chondrichthyes, a group of fish with cartilaginous skeletons. Their skeleton is composed entirely of cartilage, not bone. This flexible, lightweight material provides structural support while reducing overall body density.
They also possess multiple exposed gill slits, typically five to seven. Their skin is covered in placoid scales, often called dermal denticles, which feel like sandpaper and improve hydrodynamics. These adaptations allow true sharks to thrive in marine environments worldwide.
Meet the Bala Shark
The Bala Shark, scientifically known as Balantiocheilos melanopterus, is a freshwater ray-finned fish. It belongs to the carp family (Cyprinidae), making it a relative of minnows and carp. This species has a striking appearance with a shiny, metallic silver body and large, expressive eyes. Its fins are distinctively edged in deep black, contributing to its common name of “tricolor shark” or “silver shark.” Bala Sharks are native to Southeast Asia, inhabiting rivers and lakes in regions such as the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, and Borneo.
Why Bala Sharks Aren’t True Sharks
Despite its common name and superficial resemblance, the Bala Shark is not a true shark. This fundamental difference lies in their biological classification and anatomical features. Bala Sharks possess a bony skeleton, placing them in the Class Actinopterygii, or ray-finned fishes, which is distinct from the cartilaginous skeletons of true sharks.
Their respiratory systems also differ significantly. Bala Sharks have a single gill opening covered by an operculum, typical of bony fish, while true sharks lack an operculum and have multiple visible gill slits. Their skin covering also varies; Bala Sharks have typical fish scales, unlike the dermal denticles of true sharks. These anatomical distinctions highlight that the “shark” in their name is solely due to their streamlined body shape, pointed snout, and tall dorsal fin, which are common examples of convergent evolution.
Life and Care of Bala Sharks
Bala Sharks are known for their size and longevity. In aquarium settings, they can grow to lengths of 13 to 16 inches (35 to 40 cm), and larger individuals have been observed in the wild. With proper care, these fish typically live for 8 to 10 years, with some living up to 15 years.
They are social, schooling fish that thrive when kept in groups of at least four. Their peaceful temperament makes them suitable for large community aquariums, though they may consume small fish as they mature.
Bala Sharks are omnivorous, consuming a varied diet that includes flake foods, pellets, and live or frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp, along with plant matter such as vegetables. Due to their active swimming nature and adult size, they require spacious aquariums, with a minimum suggested tank size of 120 to 150 gallons for a group of adults. They are also known to jump when startled, necessitating a secure tank lid.