Can Antennae Stingray and Asian Upside Down Catfish Live Together?

Possible with Caution

Keeping Antennae Stingray and Asian Upside Down Catfish 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

Antennae Stingray

Plesiotrygon iwamae

Asian Upside Down Catfish

Mystus leucophasis

🐠Family Group
Antennae Stingray
Oddballs
Asian Upside Down Catfish
Catfish
Temperament
Antennae Stingray
Semi-Aggressive (5/10)
Asian Upside Down Catfish
Aggressive (8/10)
Temperature
βœ“ Compatible
Antennae Stingray
24–28Β°C
Asian Upside Down Catfish
23–27Β°C
pH Range
βœ“ Compatible
Antennae Stingray
6–7
Asian Upside Down Catfish
6–8
Hardness (dGH)
βœ“ Compatible
Antennae Stingray
1–10
Asian Upside Down Catfish
5–20
Water Type
βœ“ Compatible
Antennae Stingray
Freshwater Only
Asian Upside Down Catfish
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
βœ“ Compatible
Antennae Stingray
Moderate
Asian Upside Down Catfish
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 2500 L
Antennae Stingray
2500 L
Asian Upside Down Catfish
380 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Antennae Stingray
Bottom
Asian Upside Down Catfish
MiddleBottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Antennae Stingray
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Shrimp EaterFry PredatorDigger (Disturbs Substrate)
Asian Upside Down Catfish
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)NocturnalGenerally AggressiveAggressive to same species/look-alikesTerritorial (Defends specific area)Shrimp Eater
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Antennae Stingray and Asian Upside Down Catfish?

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.

Antennae Stingray
Asian Upside Down Catfish
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Antennae Stingray is a moderately assertive species (5/10), while Asian Upside Down Catfish is semi-aggressive (8/10). This modest difference means Asian Upside Down Catfish may occasionally assert dominance over Antennae Stingray.

Antennae Stingray and Asian Upside Down Catfish 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: Asian Upside Down Catfish is nocturnal and will be most active after lights-out, naturally reducing daytime encounters.

To improve the chances of a peaceful coexistence in this community tank: Provide a significantly larger tank (at least 50% more volume than the minimum) to allow both Antennae Stingray and Asian Upside Down Catfish to establish separate territories. Add plenty of line-of-sight breaks using driftwood, rocks, and dense planting to reduce territorial confrontations.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 24Β°C and 27Β°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 25.5Β°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 5–10 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Antennae Stingray and Asian Upside Down Catfish 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 β€” caves, driftwood, and dense plant clusters β€” 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 Antennae Stingray and Asian Upside Down Catfish 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 Antennae Stingray and Asian Upside Down Catfish 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 Antennae Stingray and Asian Upside Down Catfish together?

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

Are Antennae Stingray or Asian Upside Down Catfish aggressive?

Antennae Stingray is moderately assertive (5/10) and Asian Upside Down Catfish is semi-aggressive (8/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Antennae Stingray and Asian Upside Down Catfish need?

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

How do I manage Asian Upside Down Catfish's territorial behaviour?

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

Does Asian Upside Down Catfish being nocturnal affect compatibility?

Asian Upside Down 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 Asian Upside Down Catfish during evening hours.


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