Can Antennae Stingray and Livingston's Cichlid Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 7, 2026
Not Recommended

Antennae Stingray and Livingston's 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

Livingston's Cichlid

Nimbochromis livingstonii

🐠Family Group
Antennae Stingray
Oddballs
Livingston's Cichlid
Cichlids - African
Temperament
Antennae Stingray
Semi-Aggressive (5/10)
Livingston's Cichlid
Aggressive (8/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Antennae Stingray
24–28°C
Livingston's Cichlid
23–28°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Antennae Stingray
6–7
Livingston's Cichlid
7.6–8.6
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Antennae Stingray
1–10
Livingston's Cichlid
10–25
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Antennae Stingray
Freshwater Only
Livingston's Cichlid
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Antennae Stingray
Moderate
Livingston's Cichlid
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 2500 L
Antennae Stingray
2500 L
Livingston's Cichlid
470 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Antennae Stingray
Bottom
Livingston's Cichlid
MiddleBottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Antennae Stingray
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Shrimp EaterFry PredatorDigger (Disturbs Substrate)
Livingston's Cichlid
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Generally AggressiveTerritorial (Defends specific area)Aggressive to same species/look-alikesDigger (Disturbs Substrate)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Antennae Stingray and Livingston's 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
Livingston's Cichlid
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Antennae Stingray is a moderately assertive species (5/10), while Livingston's Cichlid is semi-aggressive (8/10). This modest difference means Livingston's Cichlid may occasionally assert dominance over Antennae Stingray.

Antennae Stingray and Livingston's 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 24°C and 28°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 26.0°C) for optimal comfort.

The pH requirements of Antennae Stingray (6–7) and Livingston's Cichlid (7.6–8.6) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.

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

Tank Setup

To house Antennae Stingray and Livingston's 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.

Why This Pairing Usually Fails in Practice

Antennae Stingray and Livingston's Cichlid are the kind of pair that can look acceptable in a shop but become a maintenance problem at home. The main risk is not a single number in the chart; it is the way incompatible behavior, water needs, or pressure on space compounds over time once both fish are established in the same tank.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Antennae Stingray and Livingston's Cichlid 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 Livingston's 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 Livingston's Cichlid 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 Livingston's Cichlid aggressive?

Antennae Stingray is moderately assertive (5/10) and Livingston's Cichlid is semi-aggressive (8/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Antennae Stingray and Livingston's Cichlid need?

Their pH requirements do not overlap. Antennae Stingray prefers 6–7, while Livingston's Cichlid needs 7.6–8.6. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.

How do I manage Livingston's Cichlid's territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Livingston's Cichlid 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 7, 2026
Last updated
May 7, 2026
Issues or corrections?
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