Can Dickfeld's Julie and Flower Stingray Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 6, 2026
Not Recommended

Dickfeld's Julie and Flower Stingray 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

Dickfeld's Julie

Julidochromis dickfeldi

Flower Stingray

Potamotrygon schroederi

🐠Family Group
Dickfeld's Julie
Cichlids - African
Flower Stingray
Oddballs
Temperament
Dickfeld's Julie
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Flower Stingray
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Dickfeld's Julie
23–27°C
Flower Stingray
24–29°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Dickfeld's Julie
8–9
Flower Stingray
6–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Dickfeld's Julie
10–25
Flower Stingray
1–12
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Dickfeld's Julie
Freshwater Only
Flower Stingray
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Dickfeld's Julie
Moderate
Flower Stingray
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 1700 L
Dickfeld's Julie
75 L
Flower Stingray
1700 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Dickfeld's Julie
BottomMiddle
Flower Stingray
Bottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Dickfeld's Julie
Territorial (Defends specific area)Aggressive to same species/look-alikesDigger (Disturbs Substrate)Shrimp EaterFry Predator
Flower Stingray
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Shrimp EaterFry PredatorDigger (Disturbs Substrate)Plant Destroyer
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Dickfeld's Julie and Flower Stingray?

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.

Dickfeld's Julie
Flower Stingray
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Both Dickfeld's Julie and Flower Stingray are moderately assertive species with an aggression score of 6/10. Their matching temperaments mean neither fish is likely to dominate the other in a shared aquarium.

Dickfeld's Julie and Flower 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 27°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 25.5°C) for optimal comfort.

The pH requirements of Dickfeld's Julie (8–9) and Flower Stingray (6–7.5) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 10–12 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Dickfeld's Julie and Flower Stingray together, plan for an aquarium of at least 1700 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). 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

Dickfeld's Julie and Flower Stingray 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 Dickfeld's Julie and Flower Stingray live together?

No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as critical behavioural conflicts — make cohabitation unsafe.

What size tank do Dickfeld's Julie and Flower Stingray need?

A minimum of 1700 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 Dickfeld's Julie and Flower Stingray together?

Keep the aquarium between 24°C and 27°C. A target of around 25.5°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Dickfeld's Julie or Flower Stingray aggressive?

Dickfeld's Julie is moderately assertive (6/10) and Flower Stingray is moderately assertive (6/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Dickfeld's Julie and Flower Stingray need?

Their pH requirements do not overlap. Dickfeld's Julie prefers 8–9, while Flower Stingray needs 6–7.5. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.

How do I manage Dickfeld's Julie's territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Dickfeld's Julie 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 6, 2026
Last updated
May 6, 2026
Issues or corrections?
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