Can Antennae Stingray and Kribensis Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 1, 2026
Possible with Caution

Keeping Antennae Stingray and Kribensis 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

Kribensis

Pelvicachromis pulcher

🐠Family Group
Antennae Stingray
Oddballs
Kribensis
Cichlids - African
Temperament
Antennae Stingray
Semi-Aggressive (5/10)
Kribensis
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Antennae Stingray
24–28°C
Kribensis
24–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Antennae Stingray
6–7
Kribensis
5.5–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Antennae Stingray
1–10
Kribensis
4–15
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Antennae Stingray
Freshwater Only
Kribensis
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Antennae Stingray
Moderate
Kribensis
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 2500 L
Antennae Stingray
2500 L
Kribensis
75 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Antennae Stingray
Bottom
Kribensis
BottomMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Antennae Stingray
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Shrimp EaterFry PredatorDigger (Disturbs Substrate)
Kribensis
Territorial (Defends specific area)Digger (Disturbs Substrate)Fry PredatorShrimp EaterAggressive to same species/look-alikes
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Antennae Stingray and Kribensis?

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
Kribensis
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

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

Antennae Stingray and Kribensis 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: Provide a significantly larger tank (at least 50% more volume than the minimum) to allow both Antennae Stingray and Kribensis to establish separate territories. Add plenty of line-of-sight breaks using driftwood, rocks, and dense planting to reduce territorial confrontations.

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 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 Kribensis 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), Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Shells (Breeding/Hiding), Plants - Densely covered. 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 Kribensis 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 Kribensis 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 Kribensis 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 Kribensis 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 Kribensis aggressive?

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

What pH do Antennae Stingray and Kribensis need?

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

How do I manage Kribensis's territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Kribensis space to claim a territory without encroaching on the other fish's area. Adding décor that divides the tank into distinct zones works especially well.

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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