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i was at the fish store, and saw bala sharks that were blue in color. they were all small.

is this a color variation, or were they dyed? I didnt think it was possible to dye a bala shark due to their large scales.

Bala Sharks in any color other than silver have been dyed. I would advise against shopping at the store that carries such fish.

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I'm not your neighbor, you Bakersfield trash.

they probably got them by mistake.

Hmm, hold on a moment.

Are you absolutely sure that these fishes are Bala Sharks?

A photo would be nice.

Take note that while the fishes themselves are mainly silvery, the scales will reflect coloured light, and if there is a blue tint to the lighting that is used to illuminate their aquarium, the fishes will appear suffused with blue. However, if the fishes concerned are an intense blue colour, then we're into different realms.

If the fishes are indeed identical to Bala Sharks in appearance apart from the colour, chances are they're dyed, and as stated above, they should be avoided.

However, there are some naturally blue Cyprinids that occasionally pop up in the trade. One I can think of straight away is Luciosoma segiterum, otherwise known as the Apollo Shark. This fish should be markedly different in body morphology from a Bala Shark, but if you don't know what to lok for, it's wise to check the ID and make sure your fish isn't one of the rare oddities that crop up from time to time.

It might also be a good idea to check out one or two members of the Family Hemiodontidae, one or two of which can bear a passing resemblance to Bala Sharks despite being in a different Order!



Panda Catfish fan and keeper/breeder since Christmas 2002

there were other balas in the tank that were regular color

i didnt know it was possible to dye balas because of their scales and stuff.