Can bala sharks live with jack dempseys?

Verdict
No

No. Bala sharks and jack dempseys should not share a tank. Jack dempseys are aggressive and will bully peaceful bala sharks.

Bala sharkBala shark72–82°F · pH 6.5–7.5 Jack DempseyJack Dempsey72–86°F · pH 6.5–7.5

What to watch

What works

Water side by side

55°60°65°70°75°80°85°90°Both: 72–82°Bala shark 72–82°Jack Dempsey 72–86°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 6.5–7.5Bala shark 6.5–7.5Jack Dempsey 6.5–7.5
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Bala shark · 13 inJack Dempsey · 10 in0"2"4"6"8"10"12"
Adult length in an aquarium. A fish can swallow anything that fits in its mouth, roughly a third to half its own length for predators.

Care at a glance

Bala sharkJack Dempsey
Temperature72–82 °F72–86 °F
pH6.5–7.56.5–7.5
Adult size13.0 in10.0 in
Minimum tank125 gal55 gal
TemperamentPeacefulAggressive
Swims atMiddleMiddle
GroupGroups of 4+Alone or in pairs
DietOmnivoreCarnivore

Better tank mates for bala sharks

All bala shark tank mates

Better tank mates for jack dempseys

All jack dempsey tank mates

Questions

Can bala sharks live with jack dempseys?

No. Bala sharks and jack dempseys should not share a tank. Jack dempseys are aggressive and will bully peaceful bala sharks.

What temperature suits both bala sharks and jack dempseys?

72–82 °F. Bala sharks need 72–82 °F, jack dempseys need 72–86 °F.

What size tank do bala sharks and jack dempseys need together?

At least 125 gal, set by the bala shark. Add space for each extra fish.