| Bala Sharks and Clown Loaches are both very | | | | than most to fish diseases, such as Ich. This |
| popular aquarium fish, but for different reasons. | | | | means you can use them as a 'parrot' to let you |
| The Bala Shark (also known as the Silver Shark) | | | | know when there are potential problems in the |
| looks a lot like a shark (go figure). The body | | | | tank. If you notice either of these fishes getting |
| shape and dorsal fin fit the traditional "great white" | | | | sick check the water quality immediately. If the |
| shark archetype and there is just something neat | | | | water quality is normal try your best to diagnose |
| about having miniature sharks swimming around in | | | | the illness. There are many resources online and |
| your aquarium, even if the Bala Sharks are only | | | | there should be someone at the local aquarium |
| minnows. The clown loaches are also popular for | | | | store that can help. Since the bala sharks or clown |
| their appearance. The clown loaches have 3 | | | | loaches have warned you about a potential |
| vertical black bands on their bright orange body | | | | problem you have a bit of a head start before |
| which makes for a lively looking fish. What the | | | | the more hardy species become sick. |
| clown loach has above most other fish, is it's | | | | Before you begin to medicate your fish make |
| personality. They can be very outgoing and they | | | | sure that you know what is making them ill. You |
| have many strange behaviours, which earned | | | | don't want to medicate for the wrong illness. Also, |
| them the name 'clown'. | | | | clown loaches are very sensitive to medication, so |
| Both bala sharks and clown loaches are shoaling | | | | make sure you read the label for directions. |
| fish, so you should definitely try to have at least | | | | Bala sharks and clown loaches are not good fish |
| 5 of each in your aquarium. If you keep bala | | | | for starter aquariums. They are very susceptible |
| sharks singly they may become aggressive and | | | | to "new tank syndrome". You will want to stock a |
| nibble on other fish in the tank. The clown loach | | | | new aquarium with more hardy species and allow |
| on the other hand will become very stressed, its | | | | the nitrogen cycle to cycle at least once before |
| growth will be stunted and it may die. It is more | | | | adding balas or clowns (this takes about 6-8 |
| pleasant for everyone involved if you keep these | | | | weeks). |
| two fish species in groups. | | | | Bala sharks and clown loaches both come from |
| Keeping them in groups can become a problem | | | | South East Asia and both are rarely breed in |
| though. Both bala sharks and clown loaches can | | | | home aquariums. There actually have been zero |
| grow to be a foot long! When you buy them they | | | | confirmed cases of clown loaches breeding in |
| are around 1-2 inches (2.5-5 centimeters) so they | | | | aquariums. |
| fit comfortable into smaller aquariums. Once they | | | | If you are thinking about having both bala sharks |
| are grown however, a large aquarium (around 125 | | | | and clown loaches in one tank you can rest |
| gallons) is recommended. That can be quite an | | | | assured knowing that they get along. Just make |
| investment for a hobby aquarist. | | | | sure you have enough of each fish otherwise you |
| Both of these fish species are more susceptible | | | | may run into problems. |