Can bichirs live with bala sharks?

Verdict
Yes

Yes, bichirs and bala sharks can live together. Both are fine at 72–82°F. Plan on at least 125 gal.

BichirBichir72–82°F · pH 6.5–7.5 Bala sharkBala shark72–82°F · pH 6.5–7.5

Why it works

Water side by side

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

Size to scale

Bichir · 12 inBala shark · 13 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

BichirBala shark
Temperature72–82 °F72–82 °F
pH6.5–7.56.5–7.5
Adult size12.0 in13.0 in
Minimum tank75 gal125 gal
TemperamentSemi-aggressivePeaceful
Swims atBottomMiddle
GroupAlone or in pairsGroups of 4+
DietCarnivoreOmnivore

Better tank mates for bichirs

All bichir tank mates

Better tank mates for bala sharks

All bala shark tank mates

Questions

Can bichirs live with bala sharks?

Yes, bichirs and bala sharks can live together. Both are fine at 72–82°F. Plan on at least 125 gal.

What temperature suits both bichirs and bala sharks?

72–82 °F. Bichirs need 72–82 °F, bala sharks need 72–82 °F.

What size tank do bichirs and bala sharks need together?

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