Can Antennae Stingray and Banded Archerfish (Brackish) Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 1, 2026
Not Recommended

Antennae Stingray and Banded Archerfish (Brackish) are not recommended as tank mates due to incompatible water types and incompatible hardness ranges. Housing these species together is likely to result in stress, health problems, or direct harm to one or both fish.


At a Glance

Antennae Stingray

Plesiotrygon iwamae

Banded Archerfish (Brackish)

Toxotes jaculatrix

🐟Family Group
Antennae Stingray
Oddballs
Banded Archerfish (Brackish)
Oddballs
Temperament
Antennae Stingray
Semi-Aggressive (5/10)
Banded Archerfish (Brackish)
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Antennae Stingray
24–28°C
Banded Archerfish (Brackish)
24–30°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Antennae Stingray
6–7
Banded Archerfish (Brackish)
7–8.5
Hardness (dGH)
✗ No overlap
Antennae Stingray
1–10
Banded Archerfish (Brackish)
15–30
Water Type
✗ No overlap
Antennae Stingray
Freshwater Only
Banded Archerfish (Brackish)
Brackish Required
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Antennae Stingray
Moderate
Banded Archerfish (Brackish)
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 2500 L
Antennae Stingray
2500 L
Banded Archerfish (Brackish)
300 L
Swimming Level
✓ Different zones
Antennae Stingray
Bottom
Banded Archerfish (Brackish)
Top
🏷️Behavior Tags
Antennae Stingray
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Shrimp EaterFry PredatorDigger (Disturbs Substrate)
Banded Archerfish (Brackish)
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Jumper (Lid Required)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerAggressive to same species/look-alikes
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Antennae Stingray and Banded Archerfish (Brackish)?

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
Banded Archerfish (Brackish)
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

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

In terms of spatial distribution, Antennae Stingray prefers the Bottom (Substrate) zone, whereas Banded Archerfish (Brackish) occupies the Top (Surface) zone. Because they use different levels of the water column, territorial disputes are less likely and the tank will appear more balanced.

Worth noting: Banded Archerfish (Brackish) 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 7 and 7. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

Hardness requirements are incompatible: Antennae Stingray needs 1–10 dGH while Banded Archerfish (Brackish) requires 15–30 dGH.

Crucially, these species require different water types — one needs freshwater while the other requires brackish conditions. This is a hard barrier to keeping them together.

Tank Setup

To house Antennae Stingray and Banded Archerfish (Brackish) 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), 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.

Why This Pairing Usually Fails in Practice

Antennae Stingray and Banded Archerfish (Brackish) 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 Antennae Stingray and Banded Archerfish (Brackish) live together?

No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as different water type needs — make cohabitation unsafe.

What size tank do Antennae Stingray and Banded Archerfish (Brackish) 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 Banded Archerfish (Brackish) 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 Antennae Stingray or Banded Archerfish (Brackish) aggressive?

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

What pH do Antennae Stingray and Banded Archerfish (Brackish) need?

Both species overlap in the 7–7 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 1, 2026
Last updated
May 1, 2026
Issues or corrections?
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