Can Altifrons Eartheater and Reticulated Stingray (Teacup Ray) Live Together?

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

Yes, Altifrons Eartheater and Reticulated Stingray (Teacup Ray) 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 680 litres is recommended.


At a Glance

Altifrons Eartheater

Geophagus altifrons

Reticulated Stingray (Teacup Ray)

Potamotrygon orbignyi

🐠Family Group
Altifrons Eartheater
Cichlids - South American
Reticulated Stingray (Teacup Ray)
Oddballs
Temperament
Altifrons Eartheater
Mostly Peaceful (4/10)
Reticulated Stingray (Teacup Ray)
Mostly Peaceful (4/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Altifrons Eartheater
24–30°C
Reticulated Stingray (Teacup Ray)
24–30°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Altifrons Eartheater
5–7.5
Reticulated Stingray (Teacup Ray)
6–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Altifrons Eartheater
1–10
Reticulated Stingray (Teacup Ray)
1–10
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Altifrons Eartheater
Freshwater Only
Reticulated Stingray (Teacup Ray)
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Altifrons Eartheater
Moderate
Reticulated Stingray (Teacup Ray)
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 680 L
Altifrons Eartheater
475 L
Reticulated Stingray (Teacup Ray)
680 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Altifrons Eartheater
BottomMiddle
Reticulated Stingray (Teacup Ray)
Bottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Altifrons Eartheater
Digger (Disturbs Substrate)Plant DestroyerHyperactive / Fast SwimmerShrimp EaterFry Predator
Reticulated Stingray (Teacup Ray)
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Digger (Disturbs Substrate)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerShrimp EaterSnail EaterFry Predator
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Altifrons Eartheater and Reticulated Stingray (Teacup Ray)?

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.

Altifrons Eartheater
Reticulated Stingray (Teacup Ray)
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Both Altifrons Eartheater and Reticulated Stingray (Teacup Ray) 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.

Altifrons Eartheater and Reticulated Stingray (Teacup Ray) 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.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 24°C and 30°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 27.0°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 6 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 1–10 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Altifrons Eartheater and Reticulated Stingray (Teacup Ray) together, plan for an aquarium of at least 680 litres with a minimum length of 180 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), Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), 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

Altifrons Eartheater and Reticulated Stingray (Teacup Ray) 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.

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Altifrons Eartheater and Reticulated Stingray (Teacup Ray).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Altifrons Eartheater and Reticulated Stingray (Teacup Ray) live together?

Yes. Altifrons Eartheater and Reticulated Stingray (Teacup Ray) are considered ideal tank mates. Their water parameters, temperaments, and behaviour profiles are well matched for a community aquarium.

What size tank do Altifrons Eartheater and Reticulated Stingray (Teacup Ray) need?

A minimum of 680 litres (tank length at least 180 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 Altifrons Eartheater and Reticulated Stingray (Teacup Ray) together?

Keep the aquarium between 24°C and 30°C. A target of around 27.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Altifrons Eartheater or Reticulated Stingray (Teacup Ray) aggressive?

Altifrons Eartheater is generally mild-mannered (4/10) and Reticulated Stingray (Teacup Ray) is generally mild-mannered (4/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Altifrons Eartheater and Reticulated Stingray (Teacup Ray) need?

Both species overlap in the 6–7.5 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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