Can Antennae Stingray and Cherry Shrimp Live Together?

Not Recommended

Antennae Stingray and Cherry Shrimp are not recommended as tank mates due to piscivorous fish will prey on nano-sized tank mates.. 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

Cherry Shrimp

Neocaridina davidi

🐠Family Group
Antennae Stingray
Oddballs
Cherry Shrimp
Invertebrates
Temperament
Antennae Stingray
Semi-Aggressive (5/10)
Cherry Shrimp
Peaceful (0/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Antennae Stingray
24–28°C
Cherry Shrimp
18–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Antennae Stingray
6–7
Cherry Shrimp
6.5–8
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Antennae Stingray
1–10
Cherry Shrimp
6–15
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Antennae Stingray
Freshwater Only
Cherry Shrimp
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Antennae Stingray
Moderate
Cherry Shrimp
Low
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 2500 L
Antennae Stingray
2500 L
Cherry Shrimp
19 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Antennae Stingray
Bottom
Cherry Shrimp
BottomMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Antennae Stingray
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Shrimp EaterFry PredatorDigger (Disturbs Substrate)
Cherry Shrimp
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Hyperactive / Fast Swimmer
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Antennae Stingray and Cherry Shrimp?

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
Cherry Shrimp
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Antennae Stingray is a moderately assertive species (5/10), while Cherry Shrimp is peaceful (0/10). This notable difference means Antennae Stingray may occasionally assert dominance over Cherry Shrimp.

Antennae Stingray and Cherry Shrimp 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.

There is a critical concern: the Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish) behaviour of one fish directly conflicts with the Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk) trait of the other — piscivorous fish will prey on nano-sized tank mates..

Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Shrimp eaters may also prey on very small nano fish.

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 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 6–10 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Antennae Stingray and Cherry Shrimp 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), Established Algae (Otocinclus), Plants - Densely covered, Leaf Litter/Blackwater. 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.

Diet & Feeding

Feeding time deserves special attention with this pairing. Antennae Stingray is a known shrimp eater and may prey on small invertebrates or nano fish like Cherry Shrimp.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Antennae Stingray and Cherry Shrimp live together?

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

What size tank do Antennae Stingray and Cherry Shrimp 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 Cherry Shrimp 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 Cherry Shrimp aggressive?

Antennae Stingray is moderately assertive (5/10) and Cherry Shrimp is peaceful (0/10). The gap in aggression levels means the calmer fish may experience stress from the more assertive one.

What pH do Antennae Stingray and Cherry Shrimp 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.


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