Silver Shark 15cm

Silver Shark
 

Silver sharks also known as Bala Sharks are incredibly popular aquarium fish and are often one of the first entry fish for large aquariums. The silver sharks remain a globally demanded species due to their fairly peaceful demeanor, bright colour, large maximum size, and as their name suggests, their classic shark-like appearance. 

The simple yet striking colouration of this fish is one of its major plus points with a metallic silver colouration and scales which shimmer under the light, this is contrasted with bold black rims around the fins to really make the fish stand out. Though the silver shark is often sold in smaller sizes which often means they are impulsively purchased due to their activity and appearance they actually get to a maximum size of around 35 cm which is why they need a large aquarium. 

Their peaceful nature does mean they can be kept with a large range of tropical fish species but their adult size makes them an affordable and effective way of adding activity and volume to a large predator aquarium. Trying to find males and females in this fish is very difficult as there are no immediate distinguishing features, they are also not commonly bred in the home aquarium as well. The wild habitat of the silver shark is in the rivers and streams of Malaysia and portions of southeast Asia.

Tank Recommendations for your Silver Shark

The Silver shark is a very large growing fish so it needs a tank that is at least 125 gallons (470 liters) and around 5 feet minimum width. A sand substrate is advisable as this fish as these fish will sift through the sand occasionally looking for food. They will also appreciate large smooth rocks which they can graze algae off and will also love large pieces of driftwood where they can seek refuge. Silver sharks can be kept with rough and hardy plants such as java ferns and Anubias, however, will quickly consume any soft-stem plants. This species is most active during the day.  

Suitable Tank Buddies

The Silver shark is a fairly peaceful fish, as long as tank mates are not smaller than the mouth of the shark they will be fine to house as tank mates. Their large size also makes them a challenge for predator fish to eat and usually work well in aquariums with semi-aggressive fish. 

Usually Compatible

Black widow tetras, Severums, Bolivian Rams, Plecos, and similar peaceful species.

Sometime Compatible

semi-aggressive species such as Oscars, peacock bass, Veja, bocourti cichlids. 

Rarely Compatible

Shrimp, nano aquarium fish like neon tetras, and highly aggressive species such as Dovii 

Feeding your Silver Shark 

The Silver shark is a very easy fish to feed. It is an opportunistic feeder and will readily eat a wide range of foods being both dry, fresh, and frozen. Their diet should contain a good quality pellet with supplementation of frozen food such as bloodworm, brine shrimp, and daphnia. Feeding should occur once a day and is best to do so when lights are on.