Fauna
Fish · GBIF taxon 2363816

Tricolor Sharkminnow

Balantiocheilos melanopterus

Also known as Bala Shark, Silver Shark, Tricolor Shark, Silver Sharkminnow

Tricolor sharkminnows are active, schooling freshwater fish named for their sleek, shark-like silhouettes and bold black margins on bright yellow to silver fins. Native to major river systems and lakes across Southeast Asia, they cruise midwater depths in tight groups searching for small benthic invertebrates and organic detritus. Wild populations have suffered severe declines due to river damming, habitat degradation, and historical overcollection, making them far rarer in nature than in captive aquariums.

FreshwaterSchoolingEndangered
Tricolor Sharkminnow reference
Licensed reference(c) H. Zell, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
—observations
—countries
—peak records
VulnerableConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXVulnerableRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Daphnia species
  • Chironomid larvae
  • Filamentous algae
Predators
  • Channa micropeltes
  • Ptychobarbus species
  • Pelecanus philippensis
ThreatsDam construction, habitat degradation, water pollution, and historical overfishing
HabitatsLarge freshwater rivers, lakes, and flooded river basins
Life span8–10 years
Classification
  1. OrderCypriniformes
  2. FamilyCyprinidae
  3. GenusBalantiocheilos
  4. SpeciesBalantiocheilos melanopterus
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
What to notice
Look for a shiny silver torpedo-shaped body with distinct black borders outlining the dorsal, caudal, and anal fins.
Support conservation
Do not capture wild specimens or disturb natural river channels where breeding schools congregate.
Responsible observation
  • Observation Timing: Watch for midwater activity in calm river stretches during early morning hours.
  • Habitat Protection: Avoid disturbing shoreline vegetation and clear riverbeds where wild schools feed.
Related species
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