Can Blind Cave Tetra and Motoro Stingray Live Together?

🟢Ideal Tank Mates

Yes, Blind Cave Tetra and Motoro Stingray are ideal tank mates. Both species share compatible water parameters and peaceful temperaments, making them well-suited for a community aquarium. A minimum tank size of 900 litres is recommended.


At a Glance

Blind Cave Tetra

Astyanax mexicanus

Motoro Stingray

Potamotrygon motoro

🐠Family Group
Blind Cave Tetra
Characins
Motoro Stingray
Oddballs
Temperament
Blind Cave Tetra
Mostly Peaceful (4/10)
Motoro Stingray
Semi-Aggressive (5/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Blind Cave Tetra
20–25°C
Motoro Stingray
24–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Blind Cave Tetra
6.5–8
Motoro Stingray
6–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Blind Cave Tetra
8–20
Motoro Stingray
2–10
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Blind Cave Tetra
Freshwater Only
Motoro Stingray
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Blind Cave Tetra
Moderate
Motoro Stingray
High
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 900 L
Blind Cave Tetra
110 L
Motoro Stingray
750 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Blind Cave Tetra
MiddleBottom
Motoro Stingray
Bottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Blind Cave Tetra
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerFin NipperAggressive Eater (Starves shy fish)
Motoro Stingray
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Shrimp EaterSnail EaterFry PredatorDigger (Disturbs Substrate)

Behaviour & Temperament

Blind Cave Tetra is a generally mild-mannered species (4/10), while Motoro Stingray is moderately assertive (5/10). This modest difference means Motoro Stingray may occasionally assert dominance over Blind Cave Tetra.

Blind Cave Tetra 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.

Water Parameters

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 6.5 and 7.5. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 8–10 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range. An aquarium test kit is recommended for monitoring.

Tank Setup

To house Blind Cave Tetra and Motoro Stingray together, plan for an aquarium of at least 900 litres with a minimum length of 180 cm. This accounts for the larger species' space requirements with an additional 20 % buffer to reduce territorial tension.

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: Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels), Sand (Sifters). 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.

Find the right tank equipment

Browse tanks, décor, and equipment suited for this setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Blind Cave Tetra and Motoro Stingray live together?

Yes. Blind Cave Tetra and Motoro Stingray are considered ideal tank mates. Their water parameters, temperaments, and behaviour profiles are well matched for a community aquarium.

What size tank do Blind Cave Tetra and Motoro Stingray need?

A minimum of 900 litres (tank length at least 180 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 Blind Cave Tetra and Motoro Stingray together?

Keep the aquarium between 24°C and 25°C. A target of around 24.5°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Blind Cave Tetra or Motoro Stingray aggressive?

Blind Cave Tetra is generally mild-mannered (4/10) and Motoro Stingray is moderately assertive (5/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Blind Cave Tetra and Motoro Stingray need?

Both species overlap in the 6.5–7.5 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

Will Blind Cave Tetra nip Motoro Stingray's fins?

Blind Cave Tetra is a known fin nipper. If Motoro Stingray has long or flowing fins, there is a real risk of fin damage. Keeping Blind Cave Tetra in a larger group can help redirect nipping behaviour toward conspecifics.


Related Comparisons