Can Betta Macrostoma and Motoro Stingray Live Together?

Betta Macrostoma is a moderately assertive species (6/10), while Motoro Stingray is moderately assertive (5/10). This modest difference means Betta Macrostoma may occasionally assert dominance over Motoro Stingray.

Betta Macrostoma and Motoro Stingray 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: Betta Macrostoma is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

To improve the chances of a peaceful coexistence in this community tank: Provide a significantly larger tank (at least 50% more volume than the minimum) to allow both Betta Macrostoma and Motoro Stingray to establish separate territories. Add plenty of line-of-sight breaks using driftwood, rocks, and dense planting to reduce territorial confrontations.

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 24°C and 25°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 24.5°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 6 and 6. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 2–5 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

To house Betta Macrostoma and Motoro Stingray together, plan for an aquarium of at least 750 litres with a minimum length of 180 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: Leaf Litter/Blackwater, Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Plants - Floating, Sand (Sifters), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Betta Macrostoma prefers Low (Still Water) flow while Motoro Stingray needs High (River/Stream) flow. Consider positioning filter outlets and using baffles to create zones of different current intensity within the same tank.