Bala Shark Odd Behavior

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mikel

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Apr 26, 2007
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I have a 29 gallon take with 3 small bala sharks and 6 tetras. The sharks were all small when I got them but are varied in size now, from about 1.25 to 2.25" long. but that's not my problem.

All was well for a while. The bala sharks would practically eat from my fingers. In April I went away for a week and used an automated feeder. Since then, the bala sharks have been *very* skittish, to the point of running from their food! I try putting it in and keeping back, but as the food sinks it scares them! They hide in the corner, trying to swim through the glass. The tetras are normal, and eat the food.

Also, one day last week the bala sharks "attacked" my plants. They bit many little chunks out of each leaf! I don't think they ate them, just bit holes in them. The plants look like swiss cheese, and it took a long time to scoop out all the tiny chunks of leaf floating around.

Any clues as to either of these behaviors? Thanks.
 
Bala sharks are very skittish in general but,could you give me water parameters just to make sure?
 
H3D said:
Agreed this species of fish is more suitable for a much larger tanks. Eventually they should be in 500+ gallon ;)
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to add to this they are schooling fish (groups of 6+)
 
I don't actually know my water parameters. I keep the tank and filter relatively clean and do about a 25% water change once/week. Other than that, the tank has been on its own for about a year. Do you think they are stressed from some change in water? I assumed a water problem would have affect all the fish, but I guess different species would react differently. Sorry, I'm fairly new at this.

As for the 500 gallon tank, that's not an option.
 
hey man

I've had Bala Sharks in the past. I can't explain their activity. That certainly is a quite strange.

However, from my experience, I've found Bala Sharks to be really flaky. I've had perfect water conditions and they have just died. Seriously, just dead. I take fish deaths seriously and always blame myself and try to figure out what happened. With bala's I couldn't figure it out.

What type of foods are you feeding them? perhaps I switch in food and diet will make them more excited about feedings....

also, you should check the water just to be sure... sometimes conditions change for no reason. when water is clear and sparkling it appears good, sometimes its not at all. hehe. when fish act wierd, checking the water is your first line of attack of figuring out a possible problem.
 
mikel said:
As for the 500 gallon tank, that's not an option.
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Neither is Bala Sharks in a 29g. Take them back to the LFS now while they are small enough to bag easily.
 
WinnipegDragon said:
Neither is Bala Sharks in a 29g. Take them back to the LFS now while they are small enough to bag easily.
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Exactly. They will grow so large they literally won't be able to turn around in that tank, or they'll end up stunted with massive deformities to their internal organs. Either way, it's gross negligence and cruelty. If you cannot provide adequate housing, you cannot keep the fish. I'm sorry if this sounds rude or mean. It's not meant to be.
 
I wouldn't go to the extremes of a 500g but they should be kept in atleast a 6 foot tank. Is a 120g+ an option for you???
 
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