Bala shark compatibility
Every pairing AquariumHQ has assessed for Bala shark, derived from stored behavioural and environmental traits. Each verdict links to the reasoning behind it — including where the evidence runs out.
The species record is on the Bala shark page. Any pairing not listed here can be assessed on demand with the compatibility checker.
What decides this species' pairings
Counted across every assessment above — the dimensions that actually raise concerns for this animal, rather than the ones a care sheet would list.
| Dimension | Pairings raising it | Share |
|---|---|---|
| predation | 48 | 53% |
| zone competition | 30 | 33% |
| breeding aggression | 27 | 30% |
| temperature | 20 | 22% |
| ph | 19 | 21% |
| territory | 14 | 16% |
Environmental compromise
Whether a shared temperature, pH and hardness band exists is a necessary condition, not evidence that it suits both animals. This counts how good the overlap actually is.
| Overlap quality | Pairings |
|---|---|
| Workable | 31 |
| Comfortable for both | 28 |
| Forced compromise — neither animal is where it wants to be | 14 |
| One animal at the edge of its range | 11 |
| No overlap at all | 6 |
Every assessed pairing
Grouped by verdict, worst first.
Incompatible (47)
Should not be attempted. At least one factor is expected to cause harm.
- with Amano shrimp2 concerns
- with American flagfish5 concerns
- with Black ruby barb2 concerns
- with Bleeding heart tetra2 concerns
- with Bloodfin tetra3 concerns
- with Bolivian ram2 concerns
- with Bronze corydoras1 concern
- with Cardinal tetra2 concerns
- with Celestial pearl danio3 concerns
- with Cherry barb2 concerns
- with Cherry shrimp2 concerns
- with Chili rasbora3 concerns
- with Clown knifefish4 concerns
- with Dwarf gourami3 concerns
- with Electric yellow cichlid4 concerns
- with Ember tetra2 concerns
- with Firehead tetra3 concerns
- with German blue ram3 concerns
- with Ghost shrimp2 concerns
- with Golden wonder killifish1 concern
- with Guppy2 concerns
- with Harlequin rasbora2 concerns
- with Honey gourami3 concerns
- with Indian glassfish2 concerns
- with Iridescent shark2 concerns
- with Kribensis2 concerns
- with Kuhli loach1 concern
- with Neon tetra2 concerns
- with Otocinclus1 concern
- with Panda corydoras2 concerns
- with Pea puffer3 concerns
- with Peacock gudgeon2 concerns
- with Peppered corydoras2 concerns
- with Platy3 concerns
- with Pygmy corydoras1 concern
- with Red zebra cichlid4 concerns
- with Red-eye tetra2 concerns
- with Redtail catfish2 concerns
- with Rummy-nose tetra2 concerns
- with Serpae tetra2 concerns
- with Siamese fighting fish4 concerns
- with Silver arowana3 concerns
- with Skunk loach1 concern
- with Tiger barb2 concerns
- with Upside-down catfish1 concern
- with White Cloud Mountain minnow3 concerns
- with Zebra danio2 concerns
Poor match (14)
Workable only in unusual circumstances. Not a pairing to plan around.
- with Angelfish4 concerns
- with Discus4 concerns
- with Eastern rainbowfish2 concerns
- with Electric blue hap4 concerns
- with Flavescent peacock2 concerns
- with Frontosa5 concerns
- with Giant gourami5 concerns
- with Goldfish2 concerns
- with Koi carp2 concerns
- with Molly3 concerns
- with Mystery snail2 concerns
- with Nerite snail2 concerns
- with Pearl gourami3 concerns
- with Scissortail rasbora2 concerns
Conditional (16)
Can work, but only if the stated conditions are met.
- with Blue acara1 concern
- with Convict cichlid1 concern
- with Doctor fish2 concerns
- with Firemouth cichlid1 concern
- with Gold nugget pleco1 concern
- with Green terror2 concerns
- with Jack Dempsey2 concerns
- with Jewel cichlid2 concerns
- with Moonlight gourami3 concerns
- with Red swamp crayfish2 concerns
- with Rope fish1 concern
- with Sailfin molly2 concerns
- with Senegal bichir1 concern
- with Severum3 concerns
- with Swordtail2 concerns
- with Tinfoil barb1 concern
Generally compatible (5)
Usually works. Minor points to watch are listed below.
Compatible (8)
Requirements align and no behavioural conflict is expected.
Verdict distribution
| Verdict | Pairings | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Incompatible | 47 | Should not be attempted. At least one factor is expected to cause harm. |
| Conditional | 16 | Can work, but only if the stated conditions are met. |
| Poor match | 14 | Workable only in unusual circumstances. Not a pairing to plan around. |
| Compatible | 8 | Requirements align and no behavioural conflict is expected. |
| Generally compatible | 5 | Usually works. Minor points to watch are listed below. |