Can Antennae Stingray and Masked Julie (Julidochromis) Live Together?

Not Recommended

Antennae Stingray and Masked Julie (Julidochromis) 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

Masked Julie (Julidochromis)

Julidochromis transcriptus

🐠Family Group
Antennae Stingray
Oddballs
Masked Julie (Julidochromis)
Cichlids - African
Temperament
Antennae Stingray
Semi-Aggressive (5/10)
Masked Julie (Julidochromis)
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Temperature
βœ“ Compatible
Antennae Stingray
24–28Β°C
Masked Julie (Julidochromis)
23–27Β°C
pH Range
βœ— No overlap
Antennae Stingray
6–7
Masked Julie (Julidochromis)
8–9
Hardness (dGH)
βœ“ Compatible
Antennae Stingray
1–10
Masked Julie (Julidochromis)
10–20
Water Type
βœ“ Compatible
Antennae Stingray
Freshwater Only
Masked Julie (Julidochromis)
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
βœ“ Compatible
Antennae Stingray
Moderate
Masked Julie (Julidochromis)
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 2500 L
Antennae Stingray
2500 L
Masked Julie (Julidochromis)
60 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Antennae Stingray
Bottom
Masked Julie (Julidochromis)
BottomMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Antennae Stingray
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Shrimp EaterFry PredatorDigger (Disturbs Substrate)
Masked Julie (Julidochromis)
Territorial (Defends specific area)Aggressive to same species/look-alikesFry PredatorShy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Antennae Stingray and Masked Julie (Julidochromis)?

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
Masked Julie (Julidochromis)
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

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

Antennae Stingray and Masked Julie (Julidochromis) 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 24Β°C and 27Β°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 25.5Β°C) for optimal comfort.

The pH requirements of Antennae Stingray (6–7) and Masked Julie (Julidochromis) (8–9) 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 Masked Julie (Julidochromis) 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 Masked Julie (Julidochromis) 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 Masked Julie (Julidochromis) 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 Masked Julie (Julidochromis) together?

Keep the aquarium between 24Β°C and 27Β°C. A target of around 25.5Β°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Antennae Stingray or Masked Julie (Julidochromis) aggressive?

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

What pH do Antennae Stingray and Masked Julie (Julidochromis) need?

Their pH requirements do not overlap. Antennae Stingray prefers 6–7, while Masked Julie (Julidochromis) needs 8–9. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.

How do I manage Masked Julie (Julidochromis)'s territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Masked Julie (Julidochromis) 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.


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