Pirhanas - MyFishTank.Net Freshwater Saltwater Aquarium Fish Forum

birchtrev11 · 04-08-2001, 10:21 AM

I have a 35 gallon tank with 2 red bellied pirhanas that are about 3" in length. Could i put a bala shark in with them or would they eat it? E-mail me back at brichtrev11@mediaone.net

Bettaman shane · 04-08-2001, 08:37 PM

i'd say it would mast definately get eaten

ryanp15 · 04-08-2001, 09:18 PM

I agree! My aunts pirahnas eat each other. So a bala shark doesn't have much of a fighting chance.

   Ryan ;D

Bettaman shane · 04-08-2001, 10:03 PM

yeah i had piranhas eat each other to it was very sad :'( they were really nice and a breading pair.

Bettaman shane · 04-12-2001, 06:34 PM

It was a very gruesome site. but i guess thats nature and they didn't like each other anymore

birchtrev11 · 04-19-2001, 05:09 PM

Hey i bought the Bala Shark it was a little bit longer than the pirahanas today i go home and there are only bones left :'(

04-19-2001, 05:12 PM

You mean you actually put a bala in with your pirhanas? Im surpised it last that long.

A bala isnt a 'real' shark. Shark isnt maybe the right classification for it really. The common names for Balantiocheilus melanopterus derive from the fishes shape and not the predatory character associated with their larger marine cousins. Bala has no chance with pirhanas. Pirhanas have razor sharp teeth. Ive heard of people getting little pieces bite off of their hands too. A bala does not have teeth (I dont think anyways).

And addition to all that, your tank is too small for a bala and the pirhanas. Balas can grow up to 12". Due to it's size and shoaling nature, a long aquarium (&gt;1.5m) is recommended. Red Pirhanas can grow to 11".

Where do you live? US? Canada?

clothahump · 04-19-2001, 06:16 PM

What are you doing?
Bala shark with Red bellies, you need to study the different types,behaviour and needs of your fish before buying,NOT AFTER.
This amounts to cruelty on your part. ???

Matt Nace · 04-20-2001, 03:48 PM

Yes, always research your fish before buying. I think a 30 will eventually be too small for the Pirhanas anyway. You will start to see them losing eyes as they get too confined and fight.

Balas might have some teeth when young, but most def lose then as they age. They also get very poor vision and mine are now vegetarians.

Anyway, Birch, you posted on the 8th, why did you not take some of the suggestions that people posted?

clothahump · 04-20-2001, 04:07 PM

OK guys I think birchtrev11 has got the message,as stupid as he would seem this has been part of the learning curve.
Biorchtrev,Good luck with your fishkeeping, but follow the guidelines set out by more experienced people, we have all made mistakes in the past. :-X