Can Altolamprologus Compressiceps and Antennae Stingray Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 2, 2026
Not Recommended

Altolamprologus Compressiceps and Antennae Stingray are not recommended as tank mates due to conflicting pH requirements. Housing these species together is likely to result in stress, health problems, or direct harm to one or both fish.


At a Glance

Altolamprologus Compressiceps

Altolamprologus compressiceps

Antennae Stingray

Plesiotrygon iwamae

🐠Family Group
Altolamprologus Compressiceps
Cichlids - African
Antennae Stingray
Oddballs
Temperament
Altolamprologus Compressiceps
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Antennae Stingray
Semi-Aggressive (5/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Altolamprologus Compressiceps
24–27°C
Antennae Stingray
24–28°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Altolamprologus Compressiceps
7.8–9
Antennae Stingray
6–7
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Altolamprologus Compressiceps
10–25
Antennae Stingray
1–10
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Altolamprologus Compressiceps
Freshwater Only
Antennae Stingray
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Altolamprologus Compressiceps
Moderate
Antennae Stingray
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 2500 L
Altolamprologus Compressiceps
150 L
Antennae Stingray
2500 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Altolamprologus Compressiceps
BottomMiddle
Antennae Stingray
Bottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Altolamprologus Compressiceps
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Fry PredatorShrimp EaterTerritorial (Defends specific area)Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)Aggressive to same species/look-alikes
Antennae Stingray
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Shrimp EaterFry PredatorDigger (Disturbs Substrate)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Altolamprologus Compressiceps 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.

Altolamprologus Compressiceps
Antennae Stingray
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

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

Altolamprologus Compressiceps 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.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 24°C and 27°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 25.5°C) for optimal comfort.

The pH requirements of Altolamprologus Compressiceps (7.8–9) and Antennae Stingray (6–7) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.

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

Tank Setup

To house Altolamprologus Compressiceps 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.

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), Shells (Breeding/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 Usually Fails in Practice

Altolamprologus Compressiceps and Antennae Stingray are the kind of pair that can look acceptable in a shop but become a maintenance problem at home. The main risk is not a single number in the chart; it is the way incompatible behavior, water needs, or pressure on space compounds over time once both fish are established in the same tank.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Altolamprologus Compressiceps and Antennae Stingray live together?

No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as critical behavioural conflicts — make cohabitation unsafe.

What size tank do Altolamprologus Compressiceps 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 Altolamprologus Compressiceps and Antennae Stingray together?

Keep the aquarium between 24°C and 27°C. A target of around 25.5°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Altolamprologus Compressiceps or Antennae Stingray aggressive?

Altolamprologus Compressiceps 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 Altolamprologus Compressiceps and Antennae Stingray need?

Their pH requirements do not overlap. Altolamprologus Compressiceps prefers 7.8–9, while Antennae Stingray needs 6–7. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.

How do I manage Altolamprologus Compressiceps's territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Altolamprologus Compressiceps space to claim a territory without encroaching on the other fish's area. Adding décor that divides the tank into distinct zones works especially well.

Editorial Review

Guidarium Editorial Desk

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

Last reviewed
May 2, 2026
Last updated
May 2, 2026
Issues or corrections?
Contact the editorial team

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