Can Antennae Stingray and Flowerhorn Cichlid Live Together?

Not Recommended

Antennae Stingray and Flowerhorn Cichlid 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

Antennae Stingray

Plesiotrygon iwamae

Flowerhorn Cichlid

Hybrid cichlid (Amphilophus cross)

🐠Family Group
Antennae Stingray
Oddballs
Flowerhorn Cichlid
Cichlids - Central American
Temperament
Antennae Stingray
Semi-Aggressive (5/10)
Flowerhorn Cichlid
Highly Aggressive (10/10)
Temperature
βœ“ Compatible
Antennae Stingray
24–28Β°C
Flowerhorn Cichlid
26–30Β°C
pH Range
βœ— No overlap
Antennae Stingray
6–7
Flowerhorn Cichlid
7.4–8
Hardness (dGH)
βœ“ Compatible
Antennae Stingray
1–10
Flowerhorn Cichlid
9–20
Water Type
βœ“ Compatible
Antennae Stingray
Freshwater Only
Flowerhorn Cichlid
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
βœ“ Compatible
Antennae Stingray
Moderate
Flowerhorn Cichlid
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 2500 L
Antennae Stingray
2500 L
Flowerhorn Cichlid
280 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Antennae Stingray
Bottom
Flowerhorn Cichlid
MiddleBottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Antennae Stingray
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Shrimp EaterFry PredatorDigger (Disturbs Substrate)
Flowerhorn Cichlid
Generally AggressiveAggressive to same species/look-alikesTerritorial (Defends specific area)Digger (Disturbs Substrate)Plant DestroyerPiscivore (Eats small/nano fish)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Antennae Stingray and Flowerhorn Cichlid?

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
Flowerhorn Cichlid
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Antennae Stingray is a moderately assertive species (5/10), while Flowerhorn Cichlid is highly aggressive (10/10). This notable difference means Flowerhorn Cichlid may occasionally assert dominance over Antennae Stingray.

Antennae Stingray and Flowerhorn Cichlid 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 26Β°C and 28Β°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 27.0Β°C) for optimal comfort.

The pH requirements of Antennae Stingray (6–7) and Flowerhorn Cichlid (7.4–8) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 9–10 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Antennae Stingray and Flowerhorn Cichlid 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). 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 Flowerhorn Cichlid live together?

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

What size tank do Antennae Stingray and Flowerhorn Cichlid 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 Flowerhorn Cichlid together?

Keep the aquarium between 26Β°C and 28Β°C. A target of around 27.0Β°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Antennae Stingray or Flowerhorn Cichlid aggressive?

Antennae Stingray is moderately assertive (5/10) and Flowerhorn Cichlid is highly aggressive (10/10). The gap in aggression levels means the calmer fish may experience stress from the more assertive one.

What pH do Antennae Stingray and Flowerhorn Cichlid need?

Their pH requirements do not overlap. Antennae Stingray prefers 6–7, while Flowerhorn Cichlid needs 7.4–8. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.

How do I manage Flowerhorn Cichlid's territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Flowerhorn Cichlid 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.


Related Comparisons