Doe any of you have any shark fish - I don't know what they are really called that is just what she calls them. I would like to know something about them before I get them. Thanks!

there are many types of sharks out there... can you describe what they look like?

not really...my cousins daughter has one with a few other fish in a 10 gallon - don't get me started there. He is really man and agressive looking and looks like a little jaws. I try to get a better look at him.

I'm not sure what they are called but they do grow pretty big so you'd need a large aquarium. I'd say a 10 gallon would be too small for one.

Hmmmm, might they be Tin foil Barbs?????? I think they an grow to about 6 inches maybe...athough I am no expert. Ask your friends daughter what they are......lets hope its not a real shark variety that the fish store told her would be fine, as I know some of them can grow to like 18 inches!

Better upgrade to a bigger tank, sharks grow pretty big

maybe bala sharks - silver with black tips - i don't think they are aggressive
and i've never seen a big one

If in fact it is a bala shark be aware that they get very very big and need to be kept in groups. My lfs has 3 in a thousand gallon tank and they are constantly in motion. They are really beautiful fish but I personally would not keep one because of the size tank necessary to keep them healthy and happy. They are really swimmers......I have never read any info that states anything less than a 55 gallon tank minimum. They sell like crazy but they are also returned or just die off. Not for the little aquarium at all........

look like this? bala shark

it says they get to be 35cm (14in) - not too big but big enough I suppose.

<_<

maybe you are thinking an iridescent shark - they can grow up to 52in. I think they look more like sharks than fish like the balas.

iridescent shark

*edited to add pic of iri shark*

My tank is 55 gallons - nothing else in it. Just got it for her when she showed an interest in angel fish - then she changed to these sharks I will just have to look at my friends to be sure. Any advice on keeping any type of shark - I am just assuming thier care would all be similar. Thanks!

I dont think they are sharks in the biblical sense - you should research any fish you plan to get to make sure you will be able to give him the best environment you can. Just do a go0gle search on the type you are looking at and see what the temperature conditions and social conditions are that would be suitable for your new fish. These "sharks" could be from different continents and may require more care (food preferences, temperature...) than others.

If it's anything with "shark" in the name that comes at a normal LFS, it's probably in no way related to sharks at all. Balas are actually from the Cyprinidae family, just like our goldfish and all the other "minnows." They do get to be 12" or more, and like to have friends with them. You might be able to do about 3 in a 55 gallon.... I'm not sure though, I'd definitely find some expert opinions online.

I took her to the lfs and she picked out the bala. We have two and I think she wants to get one more - gee they get big but the store owners sure don't tell you that! 14 inches wow! They are still ugly and mean looking compared to my fish in the pond. Oh well, they are hers and it is a start to get her into fish. Thanks everyone!

Balas do get very large, and can be aggressive. They can eat anything smaller than them so beware. They will eventually need a minimum tank size of about 125 gallons because like Bunnylee said, they are always active. They can also be very sensitive fish. They spook easily and Ive seen a lot of them die of neurological damage. If they get startled they'll swim around the tank wildy and can crash into the glass and hurt or kill themselves. They really are beautiful fish though and I hope you enjoy keeping them. Im not sure if you said you still had angels in there or not but if you do the balas may pick on them. Also they should be in groups.

My local Petso is practically giving Balas away right now because they can't sell them at $12.00 a piece when they are small. They are now overstocked on them and they are getting so big that they have them 1 to a tank and they can barely turn around. It is so sad. They have discounted them to $2.99 to try and get rid of them. Part of the reason they can't get rid of them is since they are getting so big they can't sell the smaller ones because people can see they do get large. And the large ones are now only 10 inches. Just imagine if they get bigger. They may have to just "get rid" of them.... SAD I'd take one but I have WAY to many tanks as it is......

I have two and think will keep it at that. We also have a red betta in there and they seem to get along ok. I hope they don't get too big - I don't know what I will do with them if they do. Like I said my tank is 55 gallons. I am starting to like them. Thanks for the info everyone!

I dont think the betta in there is a very good idea. It may work for the time being but long term dont think it will. THe betta is a very slow mover and will be outcompeted for food, and also has the risk of the sharks eating his fins off.

The balas will eventually outgrow the 55, but it may take awhile. You dont want to stunt them, though, so be careful of that. I see so many stunted fish brought into our store as trade ins and its just so sad.

I am planning on getting a tank divider today to separate the bala and the betta. They seem to get along ok, but I don't want to risk it. What size tank do you think these guys will need when they get bigger? I was thinking a 55 was going to be plenty big

With the two of them I would be guessing a MINIMUM of 100 gallons. Size with them is not the only issue. They are in constant movement and need room to move and turn. Remember that they are skittish and do not like to be startled. That is one of the reasons I do not have them. They are beautiful fish but I do not have room for a tank that large. I have 2 40 gallons, 1 29 gallon and 6 10 gallons. If I had a wall large enough without furniture on it I would get a 100 gallon in a heartbeat. Trying everything I can think of to talk hubby into a 55 with no luck......I will prevail but this one will take some extra "persuasion"....