Compatibility brief
Can Bala / silver shark live with Severum?
Caution. Check the issues below before buying.
Compatibility score
Profile confidence: low
How we decideFishori checks adult size and predation risk, behaviour, water requirements and tank needs before giving a verdict.
500L
Combined minimum footprint reference for these two species: about 500L (larger active fish often want more length).
Temperament gap (peaceful vs semi-aggressive) — needs space, structure, and careful observation, not a “drop and forget” mix.
Assessment details
Temperament difference
Top issueSeverum is semi-aggressive, while Bala / silver shark is peaceful. Expect chasing or stress unless the tank is large and heavily structured — monitor closely.
Compatible temperature range
Both fish can comfortably share similar water temperatures.
“Severum is semi-aggressive, while Bala / silver shark is peaceful”
Temperament difference
Next steps
Concrete changes, not "research more" filler.
- •Provide plenty of hiding spots and visual breaks so Bala / silver shark can escape if harassed.
- •Bala / silver shark should be kept in a group of at least 5 for best health and behaviour.
- •Bala / silver shark reaches ~35cm: tank length and turning room matter more than the litre number. A tall, short tank of the same volume is not equivalent.
- 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. Heros efasciatus (striped / gold ‘severum’ in trade, primary care proxy)
Primary: aquarium size, water chemistry, behaviour, and community context for a Heros sp. with strong hobby coverage. Most tank-bred 'severums' in shops are this species or man-made colour lines close to it; compare with a true Heros severus (below) for breeding biology and colour.
- Practical Fishkeeping. Frequently asked questions on South American cichlids
Primary: editorial Q&A on South American cichlid communities; mentions severums in mixed-tank and compatibility thinking. Still not a one-page Heros severus monograph.
- FishBase. Heros severus
Secondary: formal species account for the binomial used in this record; the trade and Singapore farm lines often do not match wild-type severus, so this is a taxonomy anchor, not a guarantee your fish is a pure H. severus.
Try this next
Build the full stocking list with Bala / silver shark + Severum
Plan further
Check each species’ mates list, size the glass, then verify the full stock in the builder. 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: medium. Driven by the lower-confidence profile (Severum): Typical care sources — trade names for this fish get mixed up, so verify the ID before you buy.