To everyone thats replied thanks a mil. appreciate the info . @TheBroc hes a big Bala. To be honest when I got him I had never seen one that size and I didn't know they got so big. I'm actually his fourth (and last) owner so hes come along way. I'm not certain of the age and he had a partner that unfortunately died when they were with the previous owners. Hes in a tank with two Oscars and all the fish shops around me only seem to have really small, young balas so if i got one he would most likely become lunch. But I will keep an eye out for a partner of reasonable size. thanks again