Can Antennae Stingray and Nyererei Victorian Cichlid Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 6, 2026
Not Recommended

Antennae Stingray and Nyererei Victorian 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

Nyererei Victorian Cichlid

Pundamilia nyererei

🐠Family Group
Antennae Stingray
Oddballs
Nyererei Victorian Cichlid
Cichlids - African
Temperament
Antennae Stingray
Semi-Aggressive (5/10)
Nyererei Victorian Cichlid
Aggressive (7/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Antennae Stingray
24–28°C
Nyererei Victorian Cichlid
23–27°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Antennae Stingray
6–7
Nyererei Victorian Cichlid
7.4–8.6
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Antennae Stingray
1–10
Nyererei Victorian Cichlid
8–20
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Antennae Stingray
Freshwater Only
Nyererei Victorian Cichlid
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Antennae Stingray
Moderate
Nyererei Victorian Cichlid
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 2500 L
Antennae Stingray
2500 L
Nyererei Victorian Cichlid
200 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Antennae Stingray
Bottom
Nyererei Victorian Cichlid
MiddleBottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Antennae Stingray
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Shrimp EaterFry PredatorDigger (Disturbs Substrate)
Nyererei Victorian Cichlid
Generally AggressiveAggressive to same species/look-alikesTerritorial (Defends specific area)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerDigger (Disturbs Substrate)Fry PredatorShrimp EaterPlant Destroyer
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Antennae Stingray and Nyererei Victorian 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
Nyererei Victorian Cichlid
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

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

Antennae Stingray and Nyererei Victorian 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 27°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 25.5°C) for optimal comfort.

The pH requirements of Antennae Stingray (6–7) and Nyererei Victorian Cichlid (7.4–8.6) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 8–10 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Antennae Stingray and Nyererei Victorian 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 Nyererei Victorian 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 Nyererei Victorian 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 Nyererei Victorian 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 Nyererei Victorian Cichlid together?

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

Are Antennae Stingray or Nyererei Victorian Cichlid aggressive?

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

What pH do Antennae Stingray and Nyererei Victorian Cichlid need?

Their pH requirements do not overlap. Antennae Stingray prefers 6–7, while Nyererei Victorian Cichlid needs 7.4–8.6. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.

How do I manage Nyererei Victorian Cichlid's territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Nyererei Victorian 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 6, 2026
Last updated
May 6, 2026
Issues or corrections?
Contact the editorial team

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