Can bala sharks live with endlers?
Verdict
Yes, with care
Yes, with care. Bala sharks and endlers can share a tank, but watch one thing. At 13 inches a bala shark can swallow a small endler's livebearer. Fast, alert fish usually stay out of reach.
What to watch
- Watch outAt 13 inches a bala shark can swallow a small endler's livebearer. Fast, alert fish usually stay out of reach.
- Watch outBala sharks grow to 13 inches and need 125 gallons, far more than a tank set up for endlers.
What works
- Both are fine at 72–82°F.
- pH 7–7.5 suits both.
- They use different parts of the tank: bala sharks the mid, endlers the top.
Water side by side
Size to scale
Care at a glance
| Bala shark | Endler's livebearer | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 72–82 °F | 72–82 °F |
| pH | 6.5–7.5 | 7–8 |
| Adult size | 13.0 in | 1.0 in |
| Minimum tank | 125 gal | 5 gal |
| Temperament | Peaceful | Peaceful |
| Swims at | Middle | Top |
| Group | Groups of 4+ | Groups of 3+ |
| Diet | Omnivore | Omnivore |
Better tank mates for bala sharks
Better tank mates for endlers
All endler's livebearer tank mates
Questions
Can bala sharks live with endlers?
Yes, with care. Bala sharks and endlers can share a tank, but watch one thing. At 13 inches a bala shark can swallow a small endler's livebearer. Fast, alert fish usually stay out of reach.
What temperature suits both bala sharks and endlers?
72–82 °F. Bala sharks need 72–82 °F, endlers need 72–82 °F.
What size tank do bala sharks and endlers need together?
At least 125 gal, set by the bala shark. Add space for each extra fish.













