Can African Arowana and Raspy River Stingray Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 11, 2026
Ideal Tank Mates

Yes, African Arowana and Raspy River Stingray are ideal tank mates. Both species share compatible water parameters and peaceful temperaments, making them well-suited for a community aquarium. A minimum tank size of 1500 litres is recommended.


At a Glance

African Arowana

Heterotis niloticus

Raspy River Stingray

Potamotrygon scobina

🐟Family Group
African Arowana
Oddballs
Raspy River Stingray
Oddballs
Temperament
African Arowana
Mostly Peaceful (4/10)
Raspy River Stingray
Mostly Peaceful (4/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
African Arowana
24–30°C
Raspy River Stingray
24–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
African Arowana
6.5–8
Raspy River Stingray
6–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
African Arowana
5–15
Raspy River Stingray
2–10
Water Type
✓ Compatible
African Arowana
Freshwater Only
Raspy River Stingray
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
African Arowana
Moderate
Raspy River Stingray
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 1500 L
African Arowana
1500 L
Raspy River Stingray
850 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
African Arowana
MiddleBottom
Raspy River Stingray
Bottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
African Arowana
Digger (Disturbs Substrate)Jumper (Lid Required)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerShy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)
Raspy River Stingray
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Shrimp EaterFry PredatorDigger (Disturbs Substrate)Plant Destroyer
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle African Arowana and Raspy River 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.

African Arowana
Raspy River Stingray
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Both African Arowana and Raspy River Stingray are generally mild-mannered species with an aggression score of 4/10. Their matching temperaments mean neither fish is likely to dominate the other in a shared aquarium.

African Arowana and Raspy River 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: African Arowana is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

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 6.5 and 7.5. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 5–10 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house African Arowana and Raspy River Stingray together, plan for an aquarium of at least 1500 litres with a minimum length of 250 cm. This recommendation combines the stricter species minimums with a community-load allowance so the pairing has realistic long-term space and filtration headroom.

Providing a mix of open swimming space and sheltered areas with rocks, driftwood, or plants will keep both species comfortable and allow natural behaviour.

Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Sand (Sifters), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels). 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.

Why This Pairing Works in Practice

African Arowana and Raspy River Stingray work best when the tank gives each fish enough room to use its preferred level of the aquarium and enough cover to avoid constant visual contact. The score matters, but the real-world success usually comes from matching their pace, keeping water stable, and resisting the urge to crowd the tank just because the pair looks safe on paper.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can African Arowana and Raspy River Stingray live together?

Yes. African Arowana and Raspy River Stingray are considered ideal tank mates. Their water parameters, temperaments, and behaviour profiles are well matched for a community aquarium.

What size tank do African Arowana and Raspy River Stingray need?

A minimum of 1500 litres (tank length at least 250 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 African Arowana and Raspy River 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 African Arowana or Raspy River Stingray aggressive?

African Arowana is generally mild-mannered (4/10) and Raspy River Stingray is generally mild-mannered (4/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do African Arowana and Raspy River Stingray need?

Both species overlap in the 6.5–7.5 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

Editorial Review

Guidarium Editorial Desk

Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.

Last reviewed
May 11, 2026
Last updated
May 11, 2026
Issues or corrections?
Contact the editorial team

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