Bala Shark
Description
of the Bala Shark
The Bala Shark is also known as the Silver Shark or Tricolor
Shark and can be identified by its silver body and black
markings on it Dorsal, Caudal, Pelvic and Anal fins. It is called a shark due to its torpedo shaped body and
large fins but it is not a true shark. The Bala Shark is a
common tropical aquarium fish, however it is an endangered
species in its native habitat.
Profile of
the Bala Shark
This
Profile contains interesting facts and information about the
Bala Shark species.
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Size: Up to 35cm
-
Fish Tank
conditions:
PH 6.0 to 8.0. Temp 22 to 28 Degrees
-
Diet / Feeding:
Frozen, Dried or Flaked Food
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Temperament:
Peaceful
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Habitat:
Freshwater Rivers and Streams
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Behaviour: Good
Community Fish
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Range: Mekong
and Chao Phraya River basins, Borneo, Malay Peninsula and
Sumatra, Asia
Scientific
Classification of the Bala Shark
Definition: Scientific
classification, or biological classification, is how biologists
group and categorize species of organisms with shared physical
characteristics. Scientific classification belongs to the
science of taxonomy.
Interesting Facts and Information -
How do you identify
the sex of a Bala Shark?
The males and females of many fish species have different colors
or different shaped bodies. But there are also other fish
species where there is no visible difference. Its sometimes
tricky being an ichthyologist!
Interesting Facts and Information - Why are Bala Shark slimy?
Bala Shark secrete a type of mucus, or slime, from their skin.
This slime provides protection against parasites and infections
and helps the Bala Shark to move through
the water faster. Some fish species also release
toxins in their slime which ward off enemy attacks. Other fish
species use their slime to feed their young.
Interesting Facts and Information -
Why do Bala Shark have gills?
Gills enable the Bala Shark to breathe. Gills consist of thin
sheets of tissue containing blood vessels. As water passes over
the gills oxygen is absorbed into the blood stream Carbon
dioxide passes out into the water. The gills are protected by a
large bony plate called an operculum. Some fish species however
have lungs and breathe air.
Interesting Facts and Information -
Why do the Bala Shark have fins?
A fin is an external appendage or "limb" of a fish. Fins are
used for directing, stabilizing, or propelling the different
fish species in water. Numbers of fins vary between fish
species, but there are usually seven. Each of the fins on a fish
are designed to perform a specific function:
-
Dorsal fins - The
dorsal fin is located on the backs of fishes. The Bala Shark
has Dorsal fins to lend stability in swimming.
-
Ventral fins. The
ventral fin is located on the pelvic area of fishes. The
Bala Shark
has Ventral fins to lend stability in swimming.
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Caudal fins. The
Caudal fin is located on the tail area of fishes. The Bala Shark
has Caudal fins to propel through the water.
-
Pectoral fins. The
Pectoral fin is located on the breast area of fishes. The
Bala Shark
has Pectoral fins to for locomotion and side to
side movement
Interesting Facts and Information about
Bala Shark
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