You can keep a single Bala Shark. However, it is important to note that Bala Sharks do best when kept in groups of at least three. While they can survive on their own, they thrive and exhibit more natural behavior when kept in a group.
Bala Sharks are schooling fish that are naturally found in large groups in the wild. Keeping them in groups allows them to establish a hierarchical order and reduces stress. When kept alone or in pairs, they may become stressed and exhibit aggressive behavior towards tank mates or even themselves.
In my personal experience, I have kept a single Bala Shark in a community tank for a short period of time. Initially, the fish seemed fine and adapted to the tank environment. However, as time went on, I noticed that it became increasingly aggressive towards other fish, constantly chasing and nipping at them. This behavior is not typical of Bala Sharks when they are kept in a group.
Keeping Bala Sharks in groups of three or more helps to distribute aggression and prevent dominance issues. With multiple individuals, they are more likely to establish a natural hierarchy within the group, reducing aggression towards tank mates. This also mimics their natural behavior in the wild.
Additionally, Bala Sharks are active swimmers that require ample space to swim and explore. Keeping them in groups provides them with a sense of security and encourages them to exhibit their natural schooling behavior. They will often swim together in synchronized patterns, creating a visually stunning display in the aquarium.
If you are considering keeping Bala Sharks, I highly recommend having a larger tank to accommodate their size and active nature. A minimum tank size of 75 gallons is recommended for a group of three Bala Sharks. This will provide them with enough space to swim, reduce territorial disputes, and promote their overall well-being.
To summarize, while it is possible to keep a single Bala Shark, it is highly recommended to keep them in groups of at least three to promote their natural behavior and minimize stress and aggression. Providing a larger tank and suitable tank mates will help ensure the health and happiness of these beautiful fish.