The Puffer Forum

So, I know Bala Sharks are really a species of minnow but my friend really likes them and he was thinking about getting some. However, we read that they are endangered in the wild. How is the aquarium trade justified in trading a species that is common in captivity but endangered in their natural habitat?

All I know is they get big and prefer to be in groups so a massive tank is required, I adopt a lot of fish for rehoming and got 1 of these once was real nervouse jumped out every time I opened the lid so not surprised to hear they are endangered as mine seemed to like land more. The above fish survived and now lives with five others in appropriate housing. All my Lfs have them regularly so must now be captive bred? Anything for them to make money huh

Bala sharks are bred in captivity. It's really a pity they are so common in the trade (almost every LFS around here have them), as only a very few have tanks big enough to keep them. They grow big, are schooling fish and are very active. Those three things makes their tank requirements big! I've seen grown up specimens, and they are big! Here's a pic of a large specimen I found when I googled the name (I didn't know the English name for it).

Not many hobbyists can provide proper housing for a school of Bala Sharks, which are or should be well over a foot in length and very active fast swimmers. An 8' tank would be the minimum appropriate, and at least a 3' cross section. Remember, that is the minimum, not the optimum.

Don't buy fish you cannot keep properly.

They jump because the penned in too small spaces.