nebstew07

My bala shark is very lonely, but he has a pleco and a pictus catfish to play with. Why?

Dino

In the wikd they are found in large schools made of several hundred fish.

Dino

Jason

Yeah they do well in a school, if you could get some more he'll be happier, although they do grow pretty big. It depends on the size of your tank.

Jan

When I first got a bala I started with just one and he seemed so sad.... so the next day I purchased 2 more and that made such a difference in his behavoir. Of course now I am encountering other problems but at least he is happy with his 2 friends!

Butterfly

What size is your tank?
Carol

nebstew07

I have recently purchased 1 more and they seem alot happier. I have a total of 12 fish now. My tank is a 20 gallon one. Thank you for your help

Jan

I am certainly no expert but from what I understand you are going to be needing a much bigger tank. The rule is 2-3 gallons for every 1 inch of fish. The balas can get as big as 12 inches.

Enjoy your new bala!