Can Antennae Stingray and Blind Cave Tetra Live Together?

Possible with Caution

Keeping Antennae Stingray and Blind Cave Tetra 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

Blind Cave Tetra

Astyanax mexicanus

🐠Family Group
Antennae Stingray
Oddballs
Blind Cave Tetra
Characins
Temperament
Antennae Stingray
Semi-Aggressive (5/10)
Blind Cave Tetra
Mostly Peaceful (4/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Antennae Stingray
24–28°C
Blind Cave Tetra
20–25°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Antennae Stingray
6–7
Blind Cave Tetra
6.5–8
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Antennae Stingray
1–10
Blind Cave Tetra
8–20
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Antennae Stingray
Freshwater Only
Blind Cave Tetra
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Antennae Stingray
Moderate
Blind Cave Tetra
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 2500 L
Antennae Stingray
2500 L
Blind Cave Tetra
110 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Antennae Stingray
Bottom
Blind Cave Tetra
MiddleBottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Antennae Stingray
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Shrimp EaterFry PredatorDigger (Disturbs Substrate)
Blind Cave Tetra
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerFin NipperAggressive Eater (Starves shy fish)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Antennae Stingray and Blind Cave Tetra?

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
Blind Cave Tetra
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Antennae Stingray is a moderately assertive species (5/10), while Blind Cave Tetra is generally mild-mannered (4/10). This modest difference means Antennae Stingray may occasionally assert dominance over Blind Cave Tetra.

Antennae Stingray and Blind Cave Tetra 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.

To improve the chances of a peaceful coexistence in this community tank: Keep fin nippers in larger groups to distribute nipping behaviour among conspecifics rather than tank mates.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 24°C and 25°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 24.5°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 6.5 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 8–10 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Antennae Stingray and Blind Cave Tetra 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 — caves, driftwood, and dense plant clusters — so the less dominant fish can retreat when needed.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Antennae Stingray and Blind Cave Tetra 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 Blind Cave Tetra 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 Blind Cave Tetra together?

Keep the aquarium between 24°C and 25°C. A target of around 24.5°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Antennae Stingray or Blind Cave Tetra aggressive?

Antennae Stingray is moderately assertive (5/10) and Blind Cave Tetra is generally mild-mannered (4/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Antennae Stingray and Blind Cave Tetra need?

Both species overlap in the 6.5–7 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

Will Blind Cave Tetra nip Antennae Stingray's fins?

Blind Cave Tetra is a known fin nipper. If Antennae Stingray has long or flowing fins, there is a real risk of fin damage. Keeping Blind Cave Tetra in a larger group can help redirect nipping behaviour toward conspecifics.


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