Can rainbow sharks live with bala sharks?

Verdict
Yes

Yes. Rainbow sharks and bala sharks make a good pair. Both are fine at 72–80°F. Plan on at least 125 gal.

Rainbow sharkRainbow shark72–80°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: 72–80°Rainbow shark 72–80°Bala shark 72–82°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 6.5–7.5Rainbow shark 6.5–7.5Bala shark 6.5–7.5
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Rainbow shark · 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

Rainbow sharkBala shark
Temperature72–80 °F72–82 °F
pH6.5–7.56.5–7.5
Adult size6.0 in13.0 in
Minimum tank55 gal125 gal
TemperamentSemi-aggressivePeaceful
Swims atBottomMiddle
GroupOne per tankGroups of 4+
DietOmnivoreOmnivore

Better tank mates for rainbow sharks

All rainbow shark tank mates

Better tank mates for bala sharks

All bala shark tank mates

Questions

Can rainbow sharks live with bala sharks?

Yes. Rainbow sharks and bala sharks make a good pair. Both are fine at 72–80°F. Plan on at least 125 gal.

What temperature suits both rainbow sharks and bala sharks?

72–80 °F. Rainbow sharks need 72–80 °F, bala sharks need 72–82 °F.

What size tank do rainbow sharks and bala sharks need together?

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