Compatibility brief
Can Bala / silver shark live with Pictus catfish?
Often a workable match in a suitable, well-run tank. Still verify behaviour in your setup.
In many setups, Bala / silver shark and Pictus catfish are often kept together in a suitable peaceful community when temperature and pH are matched and the tank is sized for adults. Individual behaviour, filtration, and layout still decide whether it works in your home.
Compatibility score
Profile confidence: high
Order of checkstank volume vs adults → predation mouth gap → temperament / fin nipping → shared water windows.
500L
Combined minimum footprint reference for these two species: about 500L (larger active fish often want more length).
Bala / silver shark (35cm adult) may treat small Pictus catfish (~14cm) as food once grown — plan adult sizes, not shop sizes.
Assessment details
Compatible temperaments
Both Bala / silver shark and Pictus catfish share a peaceful temperament.
Compatible temperature range
Both fish can comfortably share similar water temperatures.
Next steps
Concrete changes, not "research more" filler.
- •Bala / silver shark should be kept in a group of at least 5 for best health and behaviour.
- •Pictus catfish should be kept in a group of at least 5 for best health and behaviour.
Try instead
- →Bala / silver shark should be kept in a group of at least 5 for best health and behaviour.
- →Pictus catfish should be kept in a group of at least 5 for best health and behaviour.
- Seriously Fish. Balantiocheilos melanopterus
Primary: aquarium size, water chemistry, behaviour, and compatibility (URL verified in upgrade script; recheck if site content changes).
- FishBase. Balantiocheilos melanopterus
Secondary: taxonomy, distribution, and maximum length in nature; cross-check with aquarium import lines and measured tank parameters.
- Wikipedia. Balantiocheilos melanopterus
Secondary: general species context; verify all husbandry numbers against a dedicated aquarium care sheet and your test kit, not a single table row.
- Seriously Fish. Pimelodus pictus
Primary: aquarium size, water chemistry, behaviour, and compatibility (URL verified in upgrade script; recheck if site content changes).
- FishBase. Pimelodus pictus
Secondary: taxonomy, distribution, and maximum length in nature; cross-check with aquarium import lines and measured tank parameters.
- Wikipedia. Pimelodus pictus
Secondary: general species context; verify all husbandry numbers against a dedicated aquarium care sheet and your test kit, not a single table row.
Try this next
Build the full stocking list with Bala / silver shark + Pictus catfish
Plan further
Try both species in the full-stock tank check, or open either fish profile for mates lists. Methodology explains how verdicts are produced.
Individual fish vary in personality. Fishori uses conservative hobby rules. Observe any new introduction closely, feed thoughtfully, and keep a quarantine or backup plan. This is not veterinary advice.
Profile data confidence: high. Based on multiple reputable aquarium care sources with strong agreement.