Bala Shark (Silver Shark)

Wild Extinction:

Paradoxically, while it is ubiquitous in stores around the world (thanks to intensive commercial hormone-induced breeding), the species is classified as 'Endangered' on the IUCN Red List. Wild populations in the Kapuas (Borneo) and Batang Hari (Sumatra) basins have been decimated by pollution, dams, and historically by aquarium overfishing.

Feeding Behavior:

The scientific name *Balantiocheilos* means "Pouch lip". They have thick, flexible lips that they use like a vacuum cleaner to sift the bottom mud in search of small invertebrates, shaking the sediment with powerful fin strokes.

The Curse of Space:

The "Expert" classification does not derive from water delicacy, but from the required infrastructure. Keeping a single specimen in 100 liters (25 gallons) is animal abuse: the fish will stunt, become extremely neurotic, and live in constant terror. They are obligate schooling fish: they must be kept in groups of at least 5. A school of 5 fish 35 cm (14 inches) long swimming at the speed of light requires a tank of an *absolute minimum* of 200 cm (6.5 feet) in length. In shorter tanks, having no braking space, they will crash into the glass, smashing their mouths or suffering fatal head trauma.

The Lid Danger:

Their musculature is explosive. If startled at night (e.g., by the sudden turning on of the room light), they will dart upwards with a force capable of blowing off the light plastic covers of the aquarium. The tank must be closed with heavy glass plates or secured with weights/sturdy hinges.

Decor:

Minimalist. Any pointed root or sharp stone positioned mid-water will disembowel them during their panic dashes. Use only sand on the bottom, robust plants relegated to the back (*Vallisneria gigantea*, giant *Anubias*), and leave 70% of the anterior volume totally empty for swimming.