Silver Shark

Silver Shark - A Fast-Growing Schooling Fish for a Serious Tank Commitment

The Silver Shark (Bala-type) is a sleek, torpedo-shaped fish with bright silver flanks and black-edged fins, well known for its energetic, fast-moving schooling behaviour. Watching a group move together through open water is one of the more impressive sights in a large freshwater aquarium.

Please note this species grows quickly and can reach 30 cm or more at full maturity, so it is only suitable for keepers able to provide a genuinely large, long-term aquarium of at least 300 litres, housed in a group of 4-6 with a tight-fitting lid as it is a capable jumper. Kept alone or in cramped conditions it becomes skittish and stressed, so plan for its adult size and schooling needs before purchasing.

At N8 Aquatics, our fish are carefully raised and conditioned to ensure healthy stock suited to home aquariums.

Species Snapshot

• Size Sold: Juvenile, 4-6 cm
• Adult Size: Can reach 30 cm+ at maturity
• Tank Size: 300 L minimum, kept in a group of 4-6, tight-fitting lid required
• Temperament: Peaceful, active schooling fish when kept in appropriate numbers
• Temperature: 22-26°C
• pH: 6.5-7.5
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (mainly due to its large adult size and tank requirements)

Ideal Habitat and Care

Plan for a minimum 300 L aquarium housing a group of 4-6, with a tight-fitting lid essential as this species is a strong jumper.

• Temperature: 22-26°C
• pH: 6.5-7.5
• Water Flow: Moderate
• Maintenance: Regular water changes, particularly as bioload increases with size

Diet

An omnivorous diet with vegetable matter keeps this active schooling fish in good health.

• Flake or pellet as a staple
• Vegetable matter for variety
• Occasional frozen or live food

Compatibility

Best suited to other large, robust community fish in a tank sized for its adult growth and schooling needs.

Suitable tankmates include:

• Other large, robust community fish
• Larger barbs and gourami
• Sturdy catfish species

Avoid aggressive or fin-nipping species.

Why Buy From N8 Aquatics

• Carefully raised aquarium fish
• Healthy, well-conditioned stock
• Strong genetics and vibrant colouration
• Breeder support if you have questions

Pickup Information

N8 Aquatics currently operates as a local pickup-only breeder in Central Queensland.

Orders are collected by appointment after purchase confirmation.

Please ensure you are able to collect your fish before placing an order.

Important

All livestock sold by N8 Aquatics should be introduced to fully cycled aquariums suitable for the species being kept.

Please ensure your aquarium setup and tankmates are appropriate before purchasing.