Can oscars live with bala sharks?

Verdict
Yes

Yes, oscars and bala sharks can live together. Both are fine at 74–81°F. Plan on at least 125 gal.

OscarOscar74–81°F · pH 6–8 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: 74–81°Oscar 74–81°Bala shark 72–82°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 6.5–7.5Oscar 6–8Bala shark 6.5–7.5
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Oscar · 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

OscarBala shark
Temperature74–81 °F72–82 °F
pH6–86.5–7.5
Adult size12.0 in13.0 in
Minimum tank75 gal125 gal
TemperamentSemi-aggressivePeaceful
Swims atMiddleMiddle
GroupAlone or in pairsGroups of 4+
DietCarnivoreOmnivore

Better tank mates for oscars

All oscar tank mates

Better tank mates for bala sharks

All bala shark tank mates

Questions

Can oscars live with bala sharks?

Yes, oscars and bala sharks can live together. Both are fine at 74–81°F. Plan on at least 125 gal.

What temperature suits both oscars and bala sharks?

74–81 °F. Oscars need 74–81 °F, bala sharks need 72–82 °F.

What size tank do oscars and bala sharks need together?

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