Can Antennae Stingray and Red Striped Eartheater Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 11, 2026
Possible with Caution

Keeping Antennae Stingray and Red Striped Eartheater 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

Antennae Stingray

Plesiotrygon iwamae

Red Striped Eartheater

Geophagus surinamensis

🐠Family Group
Antennae Stingray
Oddballs
Red Striped Eartheater
Cichlids - South American
Temperament
Antennae Stingray
Semi-Aggressive (5/10)
Red Striped Eartheater
Mostly Peaceful (4/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Antennae Stingray
24–28°C
Red Striped Eartheater
24–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Antennae Stingray
6–7
Red Striped Eartheater
6–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Antennae Stingray
1–10
Red Striped Eartheater
2–10
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Antennae Stingray
Freshwater Only
Red Striped Eartheater
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Antennae Stingray
Moderate
Red Striped Eartheater
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 2500 L
Antennae Stingray
2500 L
Red Striped Eartheater
250 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Antennae Stingray
Bottom
Red Striped Eartheater
BottomMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Antennae Stingray
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Shrimp EaterFry PredatorDigger (Disturbs Substrate)
Red Striped Eartheater
Digger (Disturbs Substrate)Fry PredatorHyperactive / Fast SwimmerAggressive to same species/look-alikes
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Antennae Stingray and Red Striped Eartheater?

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
Red Striped Eartheater
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Antennae Stingray is a moderately assertive species (5/10), while Red Striped Eartheater is generally mild-mannered (4/10). This modest difference means Antennae Stingray may occasionally assert dominance over Red Striped Eartheater.

Antennae Stingray and Red Striped Eartheater 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.

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.

Tank Setup

To house Antennae Stingray and Red Striped Eartheater 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), Leaf Litter/Blackwater. 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 Needs Extra Planning in Practice

This pairing usually fails when the tank is treated like a standard mixed community and the caution flags are ignored. Antennae Stingray and Red Striped Eartheater need extra room, more cover, and closer observation during the first few weeks so small aggression, feeding, or territory issues do not snowball into a long-term problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Antennae Stingray and Red Striped Eartheater 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 Red Striped Eartheater 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 Red Striped Eartheater 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 Red Striped Eartheater aggressive?

Antennae Stingray is moderately assertive (5/10) and Red Striped Eartheater is generally mild-mannered (4/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Antennae Stingray and Red Striped Eartheater need?

Both species overlap in the 6–7 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

Editorial Review

Guidarium Editorial Desk

Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.

Last reviewed
May 11, 2026
Last updated
May 11, 2026
Issues or corrections?
Contact the editorial team

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