Can Antennae Stingray and Violet Goby (Dragon Goby) Live Together?

Not Recommended

Antennae Stingray and Violet Goby (Dragon Goby) are not recommended as tank mates due to incompatible water types and conflicting pH requirements and incompatible hardness ranges. 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

Violet Goby (Dragon Goby)

Gobioides broussonnetii

🐠Family Group
Antennae Stingray
Oddballs
Violet Goby (Dragon Goby)
Gobies & Gudgeons
Temperament
Antennae Stingray
Semi-Aggressive (5/10)
Violet Goby (Dragon Goby)
Peaceful (2/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Antennae Stingray
24–28°C
Violet Goby (Dragon Goby)
23–28°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Antennae Stingray
6–7
Violet Goby (Dragon Goby)
7.5–8.5
Hardness (dGH)
✗ No overlap
Antennae Stingray
1–10
Violet Goby (Dragon Goby)
12–25
Water Type
✗ No overlap
Antennae Stingray
Freshwater Only
Violet Goby (Dragon Goby)
Brackish Required
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Antennae Stingray
Moderate
Violet Goby (Dragon Goby)
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 2500 L
Antennae Stingray
2500 L
Violet Goby (Dragon Goby)
200 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Antennae Stingray
Bottom
Violet Goby (Dragon Goby)
Bottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Antennae Stingray
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Shrimp EaterFry PredatorDigger (Disturbs Substrate)
Violet Goby (Dragon Goby)
NocturnalDigger (Disturbs Substrate)Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Antennae Stingray and Violet Goby (Dragon Goby)?

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
Violet Goby (Dragon Goby)
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Antennae Stingray is a moderately assertive species (5/10), while Violet Goby (Dragon Goby) is peaceful (2/10). This modest difference means Antennae Stingray may occasionally assert dominance over Violet Goby (Dragon Goby).

Antennae Stingray and Violet Goby (Dragon Goby) 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.

Worth noting: Violet Goby (Dragon Goby) is nocturnal and will be most active after lights-out, naturally reducing daytime encounters.

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 Violet Goby (Dragon Goby) (7.5–8.5) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.

Hardness requirements are incompatible: Antennae Stingray needs 1–10 dGH while Violet Goby (Dragon Goby) requires 12–25 dGH.

Crucially, these species require different water types — one needs freshwater while the other requires brackish conditions. This is a hard barrier to keeping them together.

Tank Setup

To house Antennae Stingray and Violet Goby (Dragon Goby) 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), Shells (Breeding/Hiding), Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding). 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Antennae Stingray and Violet Goby (Dragon Goby) live together?

No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as different water type needs — make cohabitation unsafe.

What size tank do Antennae Stingray and Violet Goby (Dragon Goby) 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 Violet Goby (Dragon Goby) 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 Violet Goby (Dragon Goby) aggressive?

Antennae Stingray is moderately assertive (5/10) and Violet Goby (Dragon Goby) is peaceful (2/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Antennae Stingray and Violet Goby (Dragon Goby) need?

Their pH requirements do not overlap. Antennae Stingray prefers 6–7, while Violet Goby (Dragon Goby) needs 7.5–8.5. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.

Does Violet Goby (Dragon Goby) being nocturnal affect compatibility?

Violet Goby (Dragon Goby) is most active after lights-out, which naturally reduces daytime encounters with its tank mate. This can actually be beneficial, as both fish get undisturbed time to feed and explore. Just ensure food reaches Violet Goby (Dragon Goby) during evening hours.


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