Can Antennae Stingray and Popondetta Blue-eye Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 7, 2026
Not Recommended

Antennae Stingray and Popondetta Blue-eye are not recommended as tank mates due to conflicting pH requirements and piscivorous fish will prey on nano-sized tank mates.. 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

Popondetta Blue-eye

Pseudomugil connieae

🐠Family Group
Antennae Stingray
Oddballs
Popondetta Blue-eye
Rainbowfish
Temperament
Antennae Stingray
Semi-Aggressive (5/10)
Popondetta Blue-eye
Peaceful (1/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Antennae Stingray
24–28°C
Popondetta Blue-eye
24–28°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Antennae Stingray
6–7
Popondetta Blue-eye
7.2–8
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Antennae Stingray
1–10
Popondetta Blue-eye
8–15
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Antennae Stingray
Freshwater Only
Popondetta Blue-eye
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Antennae Stingray
Moderate
Popondetta Blue-eye
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 2500 L
Antennae Stingray
2500 L
Popondetta Blue-eye
55 L
Swimming Level
✓ Different zones
Antennae Stingray
Bottom
Popondetta Blue-eye
TopMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Antennae Stingray
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Shrimp EaterFry PredatorDigger (Disturbs Substrate)
Popondetta Blue-eye
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Antennae Stingray and Popondetta Blue-eye?

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
Popondetta Blue-eye
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Antennae Stingray is a moderately assertive species (5/10), while Popondetta Blue-eye is peaceful (1/10). This notable difference means Antennae Stingray may occasionally assert dominance over Popondetta Blue-eye.

In terms of spatial distribution, Antennae Stingray prefers the Bottom (Substrate) zone, whereas Popondetta Blue-eye 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.

There is a critical concern: the Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish) behaviour of one fish directly conflicts with the Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk) trait of the other — piscivorous fish will prey on nano-sized tank mates..

Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Shrimp eaters may also prey on very small nano fish.

Worth noting: Popondetta Blue-eye is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

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 Popondetta Blue-eye (7.2–8) 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 Popondetta Blue-eye 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), 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 Usually Fails in Practice

Antennae Stingray and Popondetta Blue-eye 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.

Diet & Feeding

Feeding time deserves special attention with this pairing. Antennae Stingray is a known shrimp eater and may prey on small invertebrates or nano fish like Popondetta Blue-eye.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Antennae Stingray and Popondetta Blue-eye 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 Popondetta Blue-eye 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 Popondetta Blue-eye 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 Popondetta Blue-eye aggressive?

Antennae Stingray is moderately assertive (5/10) and Popondetta Blue-eye is peaceful (1/10). The gap in aggression levels means the calmer fish may experience stress from the more assertive one.

What pH do Antennae Stingray and Popondetta Blue-eye need?

Their pH requirements do not overlap. Antennae Stingray prefers 6–7, while Popondetta Blue-eye needs 7.2–8. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.

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
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