Bala Shark/Albino Sucker

[Jess Pena]

Should I get rid of my Bala Shark?

I was wondering if I should get rid of my Bala Shark, because the LPS told me it would be fine in the tank and with the tank mates however, reading stories makes me wonder if I should try to give it away? Also, my albino sucker seems to be swimming like crazy any idea on why?


Current setup is
60 gallon
Marineland 75 hob filter
Soon getting heater
1 EBJD Cichlid
1 Albino sucker

 

[superpeytonm]

Yes, I would definitely get rid of the bala. Bala Sharks are extremely social and need to be in schools of 5+ in order to feel safe. That by itself wouldn't be such an issue, but balas also get very large. I've seen them get over fourteen inches long. Only people looking to keep huge fish in truly monstrous tanks should keep balas. A 60 gallon is too small to house even one fully grown bala, let alone an entire school.