Can Antennae Stingray and Penguin Tetra Live Together?
Keeping Antennae Stingray and Penguin Tetra 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
Can your tank handle Antennae Stingray and Penguin Tetra?
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.
Shared setup supplies
We may earn from qualifying purchases
Behaviour & Temperament
Antennae Stingray is a moderately assertive species (5/10), while Penguin Tetra is peaceful (2/10). This modest difference means Antennae Stingray may occasionally assert dominance over Penguin Tetra.
In terms of spatial distribution, Antennae Stingray prefers the Bottom (Substrate) zone, whereas Penguin Tetra occupies the Top (Surface) and Middle (Open Water) zones. Because they use different levels of the water column, territorial disputes are less likely and the tank will appear more balanced.
Worth noting: Penguin Tetra is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.
To improve the chances of a peaceful coexistence in this community tank: Keep fin nippers in larger groups to distribute nipping behaviour among conspecifics rather than tank mates.
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 2–10 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.
Water care products
We may earn from qualifying purchases
Tank Setup
To house Antennae Stingray and Penguin Tetra 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), Plants - Densely covered, Plants - Floating. 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.
Feeding products to consider
We may earn from qualifying purchases
.webp?2026-04-25T14%3A35%3A38.022Z)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Antennae Stingray and Penguin Tetra 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 Penguin Tetra 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 Penguin Tetra 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 Penguin Tetra aggressive?
Antennae Stingray is moderately assertive (5/10) and Penguin Tetra is peaceful (2/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.
What pH do Antennae Stingray and Penguin Tetra need?
Both species overlap in the 6–7 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.
Will Penguin Tetra nip Antennae Stingray's fins?
Penguin Tetra is a known fin nipper. If Antennae Stingray has long or flowing fins, there is a real risk of fin damage. Keeping Penguin Tetra in a larger group can help redirect nipping behaviour toward conspecifics.
Related Comparisons
Antennae Stingray & African Arowana
·
Antennae Stingray & Black Ghost Knifefish
·
Antennae Stingray & Clown Knifefish
·
Antennae Stingray & Congo Bichir
·
Antennae Stingray & Fire Eel
·
Antennae Stingray & Flower Stingray
·
Penguin Tetra & Black Neon Tetra
·
Penguin Tetra & Bloodfin Tetra
·
Penguin Tetra & Congo Tetra
·
Penguin Tetra & Glass Bloodfin Tetra
·
Penguin Tetra & Green Fire Tetra
·
Penguin Tetra & Head and Tail Light Tetra
·