Bala Sharkminnow Balantiocheilos melanopterus

The Bala Sharkminnow, also called Bala Shark and Tricolour Shark(minnow), is not a shark but is named after its torpedo-shaped body and high, triangular dorsal fin. It is native to southeast Asia.

It is endangered by habitat destruction and overfishing for the aquarium trade. It has become rare or extinct in several river basins of its native range. (The only other species in its genus, B. ambusticauda or the Blunt-tailed Barb or Siamese Bala Shark, formerly native to Thailand, is believed to be extinct due to habitat pollution and loss.)

The silvery juveniles have slimmer, more torpedo-shaped bodies.The adults grow to 40cm long and eat crustaceans, other invertebrates and phytoplankton.