Bala Shark / Tricolor Shark (Balantiocheilos melanopterus)

Most Labeo and Epalzeorhynchos "sharks" go through a real makeover between juvenile and adult, with body pattern and fin coloration shifting enough that young and mature fish of the same species can look like different animals entirely. This tricolor form holds onto a distinct banded look most of these sharks lose with age, which is part of why it stands out on a shelf full of otherwise similar torpedo-shaped, cave-claiming cyprinids.

Care level: Easy · Temperament: Semi-aggressive, territorial · Max size: ~13" · Min tank: 125+ gal · Diet: Omnivore, sinking pellets/veggies