Can Antennae Stingray and Socolofi Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Socolofi) Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 7, 2026
Not Recommended

Antennae Stingray and Socolofi Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Socolofi) 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

Socolofi Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Socolofi)

Chindongo socolofi

🐠Family Group
Antennae Stingray
Oddballs
Socolofi Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Socolofi)
Cichlids - African
Temperament
Antennae Stingray
Semi-Aggressive (5/10)
Socolofi Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Socolofi)
Aggressive (8/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Antennae Stingray
24–28°C
Socolofi Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Socolofi)
24–28°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Antennae Stingray
6–7
Socolofi Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Socolofi)
7.6–8.6
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Antennae Stingray
1–10
Socolofi Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Socolofi)
10–25
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Antennae Stingray
Freshwater Only
Socolofi Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Socolofi)
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Antennae Stingray
Moderate
Socolofi Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Socolofi)
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 2500 L
Antennae Stingray
2500 L
Socolofi Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Socolofi)
200 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Antennae Stingray
Bottom
Socolofi Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Socolofi)
MiddleBottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Antennae Stingray
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Shrimp EaterFry PredatorDigger (Disturbs Substrate)
Socolofi Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Socolofi)
Generally AggressiveAggressive to same species/look-alikesTerritorial (Defends specific area)Digger (Disturbs Substrate)Plant DestroyerHyperactive / Fast Swimmer
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Antennae Stingray and Socolofi Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Socolofi)?

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
Socolofi Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Socolofi)
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Antennae Stingray is a moderately assertive species (5/10), while Socolofi Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Socolofi) is semi-aggressive (8/10). This modest difference means Socolofi Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Socolofi) may occasionally assert dominance over Antennae Stingray.

Antennae Stingray and Socolofi Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Socolofi) 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.

The pH requirements of Antennae Stingray (6–7) and Socolofi Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Socolofi) (7.6–8.6) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.

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

Tank Setup

To house Antennae Stingray and Socolofi Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Socolofi) 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), Established Algae (Otocinclus). 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 Socolofi Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Socolofi) 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 Socolofi Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Socolofi) 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 Socolofi Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Socolofi) 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 Socolofi Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Socolofi) 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 Socolofi Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Socolofi) aggressive?

Antennae Stingray is moderately assertive (5/10) and Socolofi Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Socolofi) is semi-aggressive (8/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Antennae Stingray and Socolofi Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Socolofi) need?

Their pH requirements do not overlap. Antennae Stingray prefers 6–7, while Socolofi Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Socolofi) needs 7.6–8.6. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.

How do I manage Socolofi Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Socolofi)'s territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Socolofi Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Socolofi) 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 7, 2026
Last updated
May 7, 2026
Issues or corrections?
Contact the editorial team

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