Can Electric Blue Johannii and Motoro Stingray Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 4, 2026
Not Recommended

Electric Blue Johannii and Motoro 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

Electric Blue Johannii

Pseudotropheus johannii

Motoro Stingray

Potamotrygon motoro

🐠Family Group
Electric Blue Johannii
Cichlids - African
Motoro Stingray
Oddballs
Temperament
Electric Blue Johannii
Aggressive (8/10)
Motoro Stingray
Semi-Aggressive (5/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Electric Blue Johannii
24–28°C
Motoro Stingray
24–28°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Electric Blue Johannii
7.8–8.6
Motoro Stingray
6–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Electric Blue Johannii
10–25
Motoro Stingray
2–10
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Electric Blue Johannii
Freshwater Only
Motoro Stingray
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Electric Blue Johannii
Moderate
Motoro Stingray
High
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 750 L
Electric Blue Johannii
150 L
Motoro Stingray
750 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Electric Blue Johannii
MiddleBottom
Motoro Stingray
Bottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Electric Blue Johannii
Generally AggressiveAggressive to same species/look-alikesTerritorial (Defends specific area)Digger (Disturbs Substrate)Plant DestroyerHyperactive / Fast Swimmer
Motoro Stingray
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Shrimp EaterSnail EaterFry PredatorDigger (Disturbs Substrate)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Electric Blue Johannii and Motoro 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.

Electric Blue Johannii
Motoro Stingray
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Electric Blue Johannii is a semi-aggressive species (8/10), while Motoro Stingray is moderately assertive (5/10). This modest difference means Electric Blue Johannii may occasionally assert dominance over Motoro Stingray.

Electric Blue Johannii 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 28°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 26.0°C) for optimal comfort.

The pH requirements of Electric Blue Johannii (7.8–8.6) and Motoro Stingray (6–7.5) 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 Electric Blue Johannii 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.

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), Established Algae (Otocinclus), 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

Electric Blue Johannii and Motoro 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 Electric Blue Johannii and Motoro Stingray live together?

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

What size tank do Electric Blue Johannii and Motoro Stingray need?

A minimum of 750 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 Electric Blue Johannii and Motoro Stingray 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 Electric Blue Johannii or Motoro Stingray aggressive?

Electric Blue Johannii is semi-aggressive (8/10) and Motoro Stingray is moderately assertive (5/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Electric Blue Johannii and Motoro Stingray need?

Their pH requirements do not overlap. Electric Blue Johannii prefers 7.8–8.6, while Motoro Stingray needs 6–7.5. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.

How do I manage Electric Blue Johannii's territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Electric Blue Johannii 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 4, 2026
Last updated
May 4, 2026
Issues or corrections?
Contact the editorial team

Related Comparisons

Electric Blue Johannii & Afra Cichlid

·

Possible with Caution
Electric Blue Johannii: PeacefulAfra Cichlid: Peaceful

Electric Blue Johannii & African Jewel Cichlid

·

Not Recommended
Electric Blue Johannii: PeacefulAfrican Jewel Cichlid: Peaceful

Electric Blue Johannii & Altolamprologus Compressiceps

·

Possible with Caution
Electric Blue Johannii: PeacefulAltolamprologus Compressiceps: Peaceful

Electric Blue Johannii & Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna)

·

Possible with Caution
Electric Blue Johannii: PeacefulAuratus Cichlid (Mbuna): Peaceful

Electric Blue Johannii & Aurora Yellow Mbuna

·

Possible with Caution
Electric Blue Johannii: PeacefulAurora Yellow Mbuna: Peaceful

Electric Blue Johannii & Black Diamond Cichlid

·

Possible with Caution
Electric Blue Johannii: PeacefulBlack Diamond Cichlid: Peaceful

Motoro Stingray & African Arowana

·

Possible with Caution
Motoro Stingray: PeacefulAfrican Arowana: Peaceful

Motoro Stingray & African Knifefish

·

Possible with Caution
Motoro Stingray: PeacefulAfrican Knifefish: Peaceful

Motoro Stingray & Antennae Stingray

·

Possible with Caution
Motoro Stingray: PeacefulAntennae Stingray: Peaceful

Motoro Stingray & Black Ghost Knifefish

·

Possible with Caution
Motoro Stingray: PeacefulBlack Ghost Knifefish: Peaceful

Motoro Stingray & Buettikoferi Bichir

·

Possible with Caution
Motoro Stingray: PeacefulBuettikoferi Bichir: Peaceful

Motoro Stingray & Clown Knifefish

·

Possible with Caution
Motoro Stingray: PeacefulClown Knifefish: Peaceful