Can Antennae Stingray and Scarlet Badis Live Together?

Not Recommended

Antennae Stingray and Scarlet Badis are not recommended as tank mates due to 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

Scarlet Badis

Dario dario

🐠Family Group
Antennae Stingray
Oddballs
Scarlet Badis
Other
Temperament
Antennae Stingray
Semi-Aggressive (5/10)
Scarlet Badis
Mostly Peaceful (3/10)
Temperature
βœ“ Compatible
Antennae Stingray
24–28Β°C
Scarlet Badis
18–26Β°C
pH Range
βœ“ Compatible
Antennae Stingray
6–7
Scarlet Badis
6.5–8.5
Hardness (dGH)
βœ“ Compatible
Antennae Stingray
1–10
Scarlet Badis
4–20
Water Type
βœ“ Compatible
Antennae Stingray
Freshwater Only
Scarlet Badis
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
βœ“ Compatible
Antennae Stingray
Moderate
Scarlet Badis
Low
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 2500 L
Antennae Stingray
2500 L
Scarlet Badis
20 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Antennae Stingray
Bottom
Scarlet Badis
MiddleBottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Antennae Stingray
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Shrimp EaterFry PredatorDigger (Disturbs Substrate)
Scarlet Badis
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Shrimp EaterFry PredatorShy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)Aggressive to same species/look-alikesTerritorial (Defends specific area)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Antennae Stingray and Scarlet Badis?

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
Scarlet Badis
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Antennae Stingray is a moderately assertive species (5/10), while Scarlet Badis is generally mild-mannered (3/10). This modest difference means Antennae Stingray may occasionally assert dominance over Scarlet Badis.

Antennae Stingray and Scarlet Badis 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.

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 β€” 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.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 24Β°C and 26Β°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 25.0Β°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 6.5 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 4–10 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Antennae Stingray and Scarlet Badis 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, Plants - lighly 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.

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 Scarlet Badis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Antennae Stingray and Scarlet Badis 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 Scarlet Badis 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 Scarlet Badis together?

Keep the aquarium between 24Β°C and 26Β°C. A target of around 25.0Β°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Antennae Stingray or Scarlet Badis aggressive?

Antennae Stingray is moderately assertive (5/10) and Scarlet Badis is generally mild-mannered (3/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Antennae Stingray and Scarlet Badis need?

Both species overlap in the 6.5–7 pH range. Consistency is key β€” avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

How do I manage Scarlet Badis's territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Scarlet Badis 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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