bala shark signs of stress

Like we mentioned above, there are certain water conditions that youll need to provide if you want your Bala Shark to thrive and live a long and healthy life. To avoid overfeeding, feed the fish an amount it can eat within about two minutes. Dont house them with aggressive or carnivorous fish like neon tetras. Bala sharks are social fish and need to be in large numbers, so therefore a big tank in needed. Treat the fish tank with an OTC antiparasitic medication. Bala sharks are an endangered species that are rarely found in the wild. The typical cost of a bala shark is $7 . Generally speaking, this particular behavior has been observed to last anywhere from a few seconds to a couple of minutes at a time. This authoritative reference eBook will not only help you learn how to create a healthy aquatic ecosystem without accidentally killing any of your fish, but itll also give you the momentum you need to build out your underwater empire. Even though bala sharks are typically docile fish, they do have a propensity to get startled easily. Twitching due to stress may be one of the only ways they know how to tell you they arent happy. Additionally, youll want a filter that can handle a large volume of water and has a good filtration capacity. Top 5 Reasons You Must Know! Add one teaspoon of salt per one gallon of water in the tank.Tank MatesBala sharks are peaceful fish that can be housed with other medium-to-large, peaceful fish. You should keep at least five or six balas in the same tank. Today, Bala Sharks are considered an endangered species of fish and are thought to have become rare or extinct in many of their original freshwater habitats. Although bala sharks are big fish, theyre docile and peaceful. Species such as neon tetras may be great in most community tanks, but will likely turn into a tasty snack for a hungry bala shark. Bala sharks can be quite active swimmers, but why do bala sharks twitch? Your email address will not be published. Bala Sharks, Bala Shark, Silver Shark, Tri-Color Minnow, Sharkminnow (Balantiocheilus melanopterus), Gets along with similarly sized community fish. Heres a fun little factoid: Bala sharks are not, in fact, true sharks. Bala sharks are some of the most difficult fish to breed, as they take a while to reach sexual maturity. Hello, and thanks for visiting Avid Aquarist! With ich, fish owners might begin to notice that the fish rub up against objects due to the itching. Fish infected with Ich develop a sprinkling of tiny white spots on their fins, gill covers, and bodies. Because Bala Sharks can grow to a large size, it is essential to give them plenty of protein in their diet to keep them growing strong. To play it safe we always recommend a minimum tank size thats on the larger end of this spectrum as a starting point. Inspired by my Dad, I got interested in fishkeeping when I was a kid. You might also have to ask the vet for an antibiotic to make your sick fish feel better. Ensure you maintain the right temperature, hardness, and pH within the best range for balas. I was thinking it was Ick so I've begun treating the tank, but none of the other fish in the tank have the spots except the bala sharks. If you have just 1 bala shark, its not really surprising it gets stressed, and stress can lead to other ill health issues. These twitches, being somewhat mysterious, could be an indicator of normal behavior or potential stressors that you need to watch out for. Although their name indicates a similarity to sharks, considered to be aggressive predators, these peaceful freshwater sharks get their name due to the similar body shape and higher, triangular-shaped dorsal fin. Bala Shark Habitat and Tank Conditions Tank size. . Fish with dropsy appear bloated and have protruding eyes, scales that stick out from the body, loss of appetite, lethargy, and rapid breathing.Advertisementsif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'fishkeepingworld_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_12',116,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishkeepingworld_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'fishkeepingworld_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_13',116,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishkeepingworld_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0_1');.large-mobile-banner-2-multi-116{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:50px;padding-bottom:10px!important;padding-top:10px!important;text-align:center!important}To treat dropsy, add teaspoon of Epsom salt to every five gallons of water in the tank, and speak to your veterinarian about antibacterial medication for the diseaseExternal parasitesBala sharks can be affected by several external parasites, including anchor worms, fish lice, and flukes. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Set up a heater. Do Bala Sharks Twitch As A Defense Mechanism? Snails are also not a good choice for Bala Sharks. The fish is called a bala shark because of its long, pointed dorsal fin, which resembles a sharks fin. This species is not a true shark, but is commonly so called because of its torpedo -shaped body and large fins. As such, some assume that twitching is a sign of nervousness. Keeping a single Bala Shark in the tank for a long time (you should keep at least 4 to 6), Introducing your fish to a new tank with different water conditions, Changing the water temperature or pH suddenly, Introduce aggressive fish species to the tank. Fungal infections are caused by spores that target the scales and skin of a fish. He is about 4 to 5 inches. Aggressive and non-compatible tank mates can make bala sharks stressed. While another theory is that bala sharks twitch to communicate with other fish, either to defend themselves or intimidate others. I had no idea that he would get this big. The fish is called a bala shark because of its long, pointed dorsal fin, which resembles a sharks fin.Bala sharks have long, torpedo-shaped, silvery-gray bodies with silver or yellow fins edged with black. It can be assumed that since other fish do it, its just one of those many quirks that make fish such fascinating animals. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Although bala sharks are extremely docile as far as aquarium fish go, they still need to be kept with other decent-sized fish. The bala shark ( Balantiocheilos melanopterus) also known as the tricolor shark, tricolor sharkminnow, silver shark, or shark minnow, is a fish of the family Cyprinidae, and is one of the two species in the genus Balantiocheilos. Take some time to think about it, and always default to doing whats best for the fish. Keeping one bala shark in a tank is a significant stressor. The mollies may become food for the Bala! My name is Jeff, and my goal with this site is to share everything I've learned over the years about caring for aquatic life. Just be sure you give them the best home possible so that, if their twitching is a sign of stress, it stops and they get back to living a swimmingly fulfilling life. Within 24 hours, small larvae can begin to be visible. Initiate spawning by gradually increasing the water temperature to 82F over the time span of a week. If this fish is on its own, that will cause additional stress. WILDER Retired Moderator Retired Moderator Joined However, we recommend testing the feeder out first. The fishs ventral fins are small and colored black or gray. They are peaceful fish with laid-back personalities. Remember to remove the carbon filter during treatment because itll absorb the medication, rendering it useless. Bala Sharks are a large and interesting freshwater fish that many aquarium owners consider at one point or another. All you need to provide them with sufficient lighting is a basic freshwater lamp that shouldnt cost you much money at all. This infection is usually well-defined and appears in the fishs head, body, or fins, so you can confuse it with ich. Bala sharks can grow to be about 12 inches long or even more. To spur spawning, some fish breeders slowly increase the tank water temperature from 77 degrees up to 82 degrees. Usually, these fish thrive under a stable temperature of 77F. In todays guide, well take a closer look at Bala Shark diseases, their causes, and how to manage them. This beautiful freshwater fish would make a wonderful addition to your freshwater aquarium if you have a bit of experience raising fish. To treat dropsy, add teaspoon of Epsom salt to every five gallons of water in the tank, and speak to your veterinarian about antibacterial medication for the disease. Clown Loach Care: Tank Size, Food, Lifespan, Tank Mates, Dojo Loach Care 101 (aka Weather Or Pond Loach), Sohal Tang Care Guide: Diet, Mates, Tank Size & Breeding, Chevron Tang Care Guide: Lifespan, Diet, Mates & Tanks, Clown Tang Care: Diet, Tank Size, Mates and Breeding. Breeding bala sharks is moderately difficult and best attempted by aquarists with fish-breeding experience. If you have to make any adjustments to the water pH, ensure it stays within the recommended range of 6.5 to 8. Since these fish prefer plants and other objects to hide in, it is better to place these along the sides of the aquarium to leave enough room for movement elsewhere. Since the fish stops eating, its growth is stunned and its immunity is compromised. Treat with a formalin or malachite green-based medication. Sep 25, 2011. We understand that a huge tank is daunting, but its also a good way to gauge if youre truly prepared to take on the task of raising these giant fish. These gentle giants lend a certain peacefulness to any freshwater aquarium, and we are certain you will enjoy their presence. While some bala shark owners have noticed twitching in tandem with stressors or illness, its not indicative of correlation; it may just be a coincidence. And of course, aggressive fish are absolute no-gos. Oh yeah the only other fish I have in there are 4 tiger barbs, a small piece, and algae eater. Aquatic plants can also be added to the tank for additional oxygenation. The bala sharks natural habitat is lakes and fast-flowing rivers and streams in Southeast Asia. Hi I have a Bala shark thats around 12 inches I started of with 4 but I gave away 2 of them after about 3 months as they were getting picked on and eventually another so Im only left with the one but a friend has asked if I can re home his mollies in my tank Im not sure with the Bala and a fully grown pleco any advice please? Some great tank mates for Bala Sharks are: However, there is the chance that the Bala Shark will eat smaller fish when they become larger, so the tank should always be roomy enough for all. Ideally, youd to it the other way around. The typical cost of a bala shark is $7 to $10. However, this isnt actually the case. Remove all fish from the tank, including the parents, to prevent the adults from eating the fry. In awhile, 30 to 50 percent of the water should be renewed carefully. Luckily, Lymphocystis isnt a fatal disease. Make sure the decorations are securely placed and wont topple over if your bala shark bumps into them. An unclean environment is a frequent stressor of all fish, so proper testing of nutrients within the water as well as any potential build up is needed often. Pay close attention to signs of illness, and take steps to correct any water issues. Sometimes, Bala Sharks may charge into the glass walls due to their active and fast swimming. Ich or stress on my Bala. Unless there are other signs that your bala shark may be sick, theres no reason to worry at the first sign of twitching. After all, these fish will be kept in 150-gallon tanks. What are good tank mates for Bala Sharks? Fish Fasting 101: Everything You Need to Know! As a result, they may lose a few scales if the tank is too small for them or overcrowded with rough decorations. There are some species of smaller fish that should be avoided as tank mates as well. It is necessary to prep a Bala Shark before they are of age to breed. Providing your fish with extra care and keeping . As you can see, most Bala Shark diseases are caused by poor water quality, whether due to contamination or keeping the fish in unfavorable conditions. It may just be one of those behaviors that they adopted that has no purpose. All fish are stressed by being netted and moved to a new environment, and many take time to regain their normal behaviours. When introducing them to a new tank they should be given approximately a month to settle into their new home. There are some larger fish species that tend to be predators (like cichlids). [Top 5 Causes And Solutions]. Make sure to opt for a heater thats rated for the size of your bala fish tank 150 gallons, per our minimum tank size recommendation. Watching fish swim about in an aquarium is truly fascinating, but its also a good idea to be mindful of changes in your fishs behavior. When alone, they are more likely to act a bit more aggressive. If your bala shark is new to your aquarium, theyll need time to adapt to their new environment. You should also invest in a filter and a powerful pump to clean the aquarium more often. These white spots irritate the fish skin, so itll swim erratically and rub itself against objects and tank walls. Since the fish stops eating, its growth is stunned and its immunity is compromised. Moreover, they dont usually attack other fish, but they will display a lot of movement, racing inside the tank from one side to another. Is it possible it is an injured area or is there some disease that may cause this? Providing live plants in the tank helps keep the water cleaner. Your Bala's tank should be large and lengthy, as they are aggressive swimmers. It's best to use a 150-gallon tank with a length of at least 5 feet. (50 gallon tank). Bala sharks dont swim along the bottom of the tank or dig in the substrate, so theres no need to use a specific type of substrate. Overfishing for the aquarium trade and forest fires in 1975 are two possible causes for the decrease in the wild population of bala sharks.The natural habitat of the bala shark is warm and densely vegetated, with a muddy, pebbly substrate. The process of being bagged up, taken home, and added to an aquarium they arent used to is a lot of rapid change for a bala shark. This is measured in dGH (degrees of general hardness) and the window youre aiming for is somewhere between 10 and 13. Some food types can make the balas sick and stressed. Some stress-inducing conditions include: Suddenly changing the water temperature or pH Transfering your Bala shark to a new tank with different water conditions Adding aggressive fish species to the tank ), Bala Shark Has White Spots? Here are a few things youll need: With a little bit of care and dedication, your bala sharks should thrive in your tank! At maturity, however, the Bala shark has the capacity to grow up to 12 or 14 inches in length. Its body is lighter gray at the top than at the bottom. As weve previously mentioned, getting a filter that generates a pretty strong water flow is important, as these fish need a lot of water movement to be healthy. These fish can grow to be large, and they like being able to swim. Given the depth of the average bala shark tank, youll want to ensure that the light rays reach the floor of your tank, where some plants may be located. Can Twitching Be A Negative Bala Shark Behavior? These fish are used to warm waters with a pebbly or muddy substrate.Set up your bala sharks tank to replicate the fishs habitat in the wild. Adding more will be better if theres enough space for all the fish to roam freely. Bala sharks have gray or silver bodies with long, pointed yellow or gray fins edged with black.Bala sharks are popular with aquarists due to their shark-like body shapes and striking fin patterns. What's more, Bala Sharks are sensitive to pH imbalance, and ignoring the expected range is one of the easiest ways to shorten their lifespan. Signs of stress are often seen in bala sharks when theyre not kept in the right conditions. Bala sharks can be affected by several external parasites, including anchor worms, fish lice, and flukes. Were always on the lookout for feedback and ways we can improve. It might become necessary to move some to other tanks to ensure enough room for growth and movement. Bala sharks arent vulnerable to specific diseases, but there are several freshwater diseases that affect these fish when they are housed in poor tank conditions. We may earn a small commission through products purchased using links on this page. Though I'm not positive, maybe someone will have a better diagnosis. 6. This can stress out smaller fish that tend to move less. However, they may still suffer from some health conditions. They are merely named as such due to their uncanny resemblance to their namesake. Your Bala shark could be under stress and it may lead to color loss. Most fish experts recommend that about 25 to 35 percent of the tank water be renewed each week to keep them healthy, comfortable and happy in their environment. Other than diseases, Bala Sharks can develop white spots across their bodies due to stress. Availability. Treat ich by removing the affected fish and placing them in a quarantine tank containing water that is a couple of degrees warmer than the home tanks temperature. ], Top 10 Blood Parrot Cichlid Tank Mates (With Pictures! If your bala shark is unwell, it could also cause them to stress out which may activate their twitching tendencies. The tank water temperature is yet another important factor to consider when setting up a Bala shark tank. There is no definitive reason why bala sharks twitch, but given what is known about their typical temperament and behavior, its fairly easy to assume a few reasons why they do this. Males are typically a bit larger in size. Bala sharks should be fed up to three times per day. After the eggs have been fertilized, the parents leave the eggs alone. Learn more. Fill the tank with dechlorinated water, and let the tank cycle for a few weeks. If you are concerned about them being stressed, check their water conditions to make sure the temperature is right and the quality is clean. Home Aquatic Problems & Solutions Common Bala Shark Diseases to Watch For. A little more research has indicated that bala sharks, if kept in a group of 2-3 will establish a dominance structure. Theyre not totally wrong since living in a confined space gives you more control over the fishs habitat to keep them healthy and happy. ), Fish Hiding Behind The Filter? Bala sharks become sexually mature at around six months old, or when the fish have grown to four inches long.Advertisementsif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'fishkeepingworld_com-leader-3','ezslot_16',119,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishkeepingworld_com-leader-3-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'fishkeepingworld_com-leader-3','ezslot_17',119,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishkeepingworld_com-leader-3-0_1');.leader-3-multi-119{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:50px;padding-bottom:10px!important;padding-top:10px!important;text-align:center!important}To breed bala sharks, follow these steps:Place a group of five bala sharks in a separate 65-gallon breeding tank with a temperature of 77F and a strong filter. Remove activated carbon media from the tanks filter while adding treatment to the water, because activated carbon will adsorb the medication.IchIch is one of the most common skin diseases amongst captive freshwater fish. Dont house them with aggressive or carnivorous fish like neon tetras.Dont add non-fish species like shrimps and crabs to a bala shark tank, because they are known to eat crustaceans.Great tank mates for bala sharks include:Other bala sharks bala sharks are shoaling fish that should be housed in groups of at least fiveGouramisCorydorasRasborasRainbowfishDiet and FeedingIn the wild, the bala sharks diet consists of insects, small crustaceans, plant matter, algae, and larvae. 2. Smart Bala Shark care should include monitoring them for signs of common fish ailments like dropsy that causes them to swell, and ich which results in white spots on their scales. I have a beautiful Bala shark in my 35 gallon tank. Female bala sharks have rounder bellies than males. After several rounds of dancing, the female fish scatters her eggs around the floor of the tank. Copyright 2022 - Fishkeeping World - All Rights Reserved, Robert Woods is the creator of FishKeeping World, a third-generation fish keeper, and a graduate in animal welfare and behavior. Robert, Would a Bala Shark be okay with platies and tetras in the same tank? On Avid Aquarist, Jeff shares everything hes learned about helping aquatic life survive and thrive in a home aquarium. These peaceful shoaling fish are less aggressive and territorial than actual freshwater sharks..toc_container ol li a{}.toc_container ol li{font-size:16px;margin:0;padding:0;line-height:32px}.toc_container ol{}.toc_container{margin-bottom:1.75em;padding:.75em;background-color:#f8f9fc}.toc_container h4{margin:15px}.oftoc2col ol{-webkit-column-count:2;-moz-column-count:2;column-count:2;-moz-column-fill:balance;column-fill:balance}.toc_container ol li a{color:#008bac}.toc_container ol li a:hover{text-decoration:none}.toc_container ol li{font-size:16px;margin:0;padding:0;line-height:30px}.toc_container{margin-top:1.25em;margin-bottom:2em;padding:1em;border:2px solid #f1f7f8;background-color:#fff;margin-left:0;margin-right:1%}.toc_container h4{margin-bottom:12px}TABLE OF CONTENTSBala Shark Facts & OverviewAppearance & BehaviorBala Shark Care & Tank RequirementsTank MatesDiet and FeedingBreedingShould You Get a Bala Shark for Your Aquarium?Bala Shark Facts & OverviewScientific name:Balantiocheilos melanopterusCommon namesBala shark, silver shark, tricolor shark, tricolor sharkminnowDistribution:Southeast AsiaSize:Up to 14 inchesLife expectancy:Up to 10 yearsColor:Silver with gray or yellow and black finsDiet:OmnivoreTemperament:PeacefulMinimum tank size:120 gallonsTemperature:7282F (2228C)pH:6.08.0Hardness:512 dGHCare level:EasyBreeding:Egg-layerOriginBala sharks are native to the clean, freshwater rivers and lakes of Southeast Asia, including around the Malay Peninsula, in the Chao Phraya and Mekong basins, and in the waters surrounding Sumatra and Borneo.Advertisementsif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'fishkeepingworld_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_1',133,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishkeepingworld_com-medrectangle-3-0');Bala sharks are an endangered species that are rarely found in the wild. in what states is prank calling illegal, all time suns players, tallest radio tower in north dakota,

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