Can Achara Catfish and Antennae Stingray Live Together?

Possible with Caution

Keeping Achara Catfish and Antennae Stingray together is possible but requires caution, though some care is needed. Provide a spacious tank of at least 2500 litres with plenty of hiding spots to reduce stress. Monitor behaviour closely, especially during the first few weeks.


At a Glance

Achara Catfish

Leiarius marmoratus

Antennae Stingray

Plesiotrygon iwamae

🐠Family Group
Achara Catfish
Catfish
Antennae Stingray
Oddballs
Temperament
Achara Catfish
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Antennae Stingray
Semi-Aggressive (5/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Achara Catfish
22–28°C
Antennae Stingray
24–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Achara Catfish
6–7.5
Antennae Stingray
6–7
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Achara Catfish
4–15
Antennae Stingray
1–10
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Achara Catfish
Freshwater Only
Antennae Stingray
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Achara Catfish
Moderate
Antennae Stingray
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 2500 L
Achara Catfish
1500 L
Antennae Stingray
2500 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Achara Catfish
Bottom
Antennae Stingray
Bottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Achara Catfish
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)NocturnalShrimp EaterFry PredatorDigger (Disturbs Substrate)
Antennae Stingray
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Shrimp EaterFry PredatorDigger (Disturbs Substrate)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Achara Catfish and Antennae Stingray?

Compatibility is only part of the answer. Test both fish with your real tank size, current stock, and maintenance needs to see if you have enough space and a safe stocking level before you add them.

Achara Catfish
Antennae Stingray
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Achara Catfish is a moderately assertive species (6/10), while Antennae Stingray is moderately assertive (5/10). This modest difference means Achara Catfish may occasionally assert dominance over Antennae Stingray.

Achara Catfish and Antennae Stingray both frequent the Bottom (Substrate) region of the setup. This overlap can increase competition for space, so providing ample room and cover is important to keep both species comfortable.

Worth noting: Achara Catfish is nocturnal and will be most active after lights-out, naturally reducing daytime encounters.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 24°C and 28°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 26.0°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 6 and 7. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 4–10 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Achara Catfish and Antennae Stingray together, plan for an aquarium of at least 2500 litres with a minimum length of 240 cm. This recommendation combines the stricter species minimums with a community-load allowance so the pairing has realistic long-term space and filtration headroom.

Because this pairing requires extra vigilance, include plenty of hiding spots — caves, driftwood, and dense plant clusters — so the less dominant fish can retreat when needed.

Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Sand (Sifters), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels), Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Both species do well with moderate (standard) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Achara Catfish and Antennae Stingray live together?

They can coexist, but the pairing requires careful monitoring. Provide ample space (at least 2500 litres), plenty of hiding spots, and watch for signs of stress or aggression.

What size tank do Achara Catfish and Antennae Stingray need?

A minimum of 2500 litres (tank length at least 240 cm) is recommended. This provides enough space for both species to establish their own areas and reduces the likelihood of territorial disputes.

What water temperature is best for Achara Catfish and Antennae Stingray together?

Keep the aquarium between 24°C and 28°C. A target of around 26.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Achara Catfish or Antennae Stingray aggressive?

Achara Catfish is moderately assertive (6/10) and Antennae Stingray is moderately assertive (5/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Achara Catfish and Antennae Stingray need?

Both species overlap in the 6–7 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

Does Achara Catfish being nocturnal affect compatibility?

Achara Catfish is most active after lights-out, which naturally reduces daytime encounters with its tank mate. This can actually be beneficial, as both fish get undisturbed time to feed and explore. Just ensure food reaches Achara Catfish during evening hours.


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