Can Antennae Stingray and Frogmouth Catfish Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 6, 2026
Possible with Caution

Keeping Antennae Stingray and Frogmouth 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

Frogmouth Catfish

Chaca chaca

🐠Family Group
Antennae Stingray
Oddballs
Frogmouth Catfish
Catfish
Temperament
Antennae Stingray
Semi-Aggressive (5/10)
Frogmouth Catfish
Aggressive (7/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Antennae Stingray
24–28°C
Frogmouth Catfish
22–26°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Antennae Stingray
6–7
Frogmouth Catfish
6–8
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Antennae Stingray
1–10
Frogmouth Catfish
4–15
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Antennae Stingray
Freshwater Only
Frogmouth Catfish
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Antennae Stingray
Moderate
Frogmouth Catfish
Low
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 2500 L
Antennae Stingray
2500 L
Frogmouth Catfish
110 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Antennae Stingray
Bottom
Frogmouth Catfish
Bottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Antennae Stingray
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Shrimp EaterFry PredatorDigger (Disturbs Substrate)
Frogmouth Catfish
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)NocturnalDigger (Disturbs Substrate)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Antennae Stingray and Frogmouth 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
Frogmouth Catfish
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Antennae Stingray is a moderately assertive species (5/10), while Frogmouth Catfish is semi-aggressive (7/10). This modest difference means Frogmouth Catfish may occasionally assert dominance over Antennae Stingray.

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

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 24°C and 26°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 25.0°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 4–10 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Antennae Stingray and Frogmouth 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 — 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), 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.

Why This Pairing Needs Extra Planning in Practice

This pairing usually fails when the tank is treated like a standard mixed community and the caution flags are ignored. Antennae Stingray and Frogmouth Catfish need extra room, more cover, and closer observation during the first few weeks so small aggression, feeding, or territory issues do not snowball into a long-term problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Antennae Stingray and Frogmouth 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 Frogmouth 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 Frogmouth Catfish together?

Keep the aquarium between 24°C and 26°C. A target of around 25.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Antennae Stingray or Frogmouth Catfish aggressive?

Antennae Stingray is moderately assertive (5/10) and Frogmouth Catfish is semi-aggressive (7/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Antennae Stingray and Frogmouth Catfish need?

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

Does Frogmouth Catfish being nocturnal affect compatibility?

Frogmouth 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 Frogmouth Catfish during evening hours.

Editorial Review

Guidarium Editorial Desk

Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.

Last reviewed
May 6, 2026
Last updated
May 6, 2026
Issues or corrections?
Contact the editorial team

Related Comparisons