Description
The Silver Shark is also known as a Bala Shark Fish and is very popular in the aquarium hobby and is easy to care for. These fish are not sharks, yet they have a triangular-shaped dorsal fin and a torpedo-shaped body, giving it a distinctly shark-like appearance. It has a shiny metallic silver body with well-defined scales, large eyes, and a deeply forked tail.
They are a peaceful schooling fish originating from South East Asia and can be kept in a community aquarium. Silver Sharks grow up to 30cm, therefore are suited for large aquariums and best kept with larger peaceful species. A skilled jumper, ensure the cover glass is tight fitting, particularly for the first few days after purchasing this fish.
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Features of Silver Sharks:
- Grows up to 30cm.
- Unique shark-like appearance.
- Peaceful schooling community fish with fish of similar size & temperament.
- Active swimmers using all levels of the water column.
Tank Mate Compatibility:
Silver Sharks are peaceful community schooling fish, They are best kept in schools of 5 or more. Keep in mind they grow up to 30cm and may eat smaller fish if they outgrow them. Keep with other medium to large peaceful species.
Here’s a list of some of the best tank mates for your Silver Shark.
Diet:
Silver Sharks are omnivores and are not fussy eaters. Protein rich foods such as flake foods, pellets, frozen foods, freeze dried, brine shrimp, and any type of worms will readily be accepted. Fresh vegetables such as lettuce, kale, zucchini and cucumber can also be provided. Avoid keeping snails and crustaceans as these may become a snack.
Check out our extensive range of aquarium fish foods.
The Best Aquarium Size for Silver Sharks:
Aquarium:
Silver Sharks are active swimmers using all levels of the aquarium and are best suited to a longer tank. An aquarium 4ft or larger is recommended. They are also well known jumpers, thus their aquarium should be well covered at all times.
After an Aquarium for your fish? Browse our aquariums available here.
Equipment:
Aquarium Heater for Silver Sharks:
Silver Sharks originate in warmer waters of South East Asia and prefer water temperatures between 22 ⁰C - 26 ⁰C.
Looking for an aquarium heater? View available aquarium heaters here.
Aquarium Lighting for Silver Sharks:
Silver Sharks are low maintenance when it comes to lighting and have no particular requirements. Provide 8 hours of lighting per day to replicate daylight hours.
Need aquarium lighting? View available aquarium lighting here.
Aquarium Filtration for Silver Sharks:
Silver Sharks are naturally found in moderate to fast flowing streams enjoy good water quality and flow. Ensure adequate filtration and flow in your aquarium.
Explore aquarium filtration products here.
Aquarium Substrate for Silver Sharks:
Smooth pebbles, and gravels are best for Silver Sharks to protect their large fins.
View our range of aquarium substrates here.
Aquarium Plants for Silver Sharks:
Silver Sharks are active swimmers and prefer spacious aquariums. Plant out the edges with plants, leaving a large open area for swimming in the centre of the aquarium. They can be skittish and are jumpers, adding floating plants can assist preventing jumping.
Interested in live plants for your aquarium? View our range of live aquarium plants here.
Decorations for Silver Sharks:
Silver Sharks can be timid at times. Provide hiding locations to retreat to with driftwood and ornaments with space to hide. Be mindful they are active swimmers with large fins, avoid objects with sharp edges, and keep open space for swimming.
View our large range of aquarium decorations here.
