Can discus live with bala sharks?

Verdict
Yes, with care

Yes, with care. Discus and bala sharks can share a tank, but watch one thing. They only share 82°F. Keep the heater set there and steady.

DiscusDiscus82–88°F · pH 5.5–7 Bala sharkBala shark72–82°F · pH 6.5–7.5

What to watch

What works

Water side by side

55°60°65°70°75°80°85°90°Both: 82°Discus 82–88°Bala shark 72–82°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 6.5–7Discus 5.5–7Bala shark 6.5–7.5
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Discus · 6 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

DiscusBala shark
Temperature82–88 °F72–82 °F
pH5.5–76.5–7.5
Adult size6.0 in13.0 in
Minimum tank55 gal125 gal
TemperamentPeacefulPeaceful
Swims atMiddleMiddle
GroupGroups of 5+Groups of 4+
DietCarnivoreOmnivore

Better tank mates for discus

All discus tank mates

Better tank mates for bala sharks

All bala shark tank mates

Questions

Can discus live with bala sharks?

Yes, with care. Discus and bala sharks can share a tank, but watch one thing. They only share 82°F. Keep the heater set there and steady.

What temperature suits both discus and bala sharks?

82–82 °F. Discus need 82–88 °F, bala sharks need 72–82 °F.

What size tank do discus and bala sharks need together?

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