Can Flower Stingray and Sulphur Crest Lithobates Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 7, 2026
Not Recommended

Flower Stingray and Sulphur Crest Lithobates 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

Flower Stingray

Potamotrygon schroederi

Sulphur Crest Lithobates

Otopharynx lithobates

🐠Family Group
Flower Stingray
Oddballs
Sulphur Crest Lithobates
Cichlids - African
Temperament
Flower Stingray
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Sulphur Crest Lithobates
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Flower Stingray
24–29°C
Sulphur Crest Lithobates
24–28°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Flower Stingray
6–7.5
Sulphur Crest Lithobates
7.8–8.6
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Flower Stingray
1–12
Sulphur Crest Lithobates
10–25
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Flower Stingray
Freshwater Only
Sulphur Crest Lithobates
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Flower Stingray
Moderate
Sulphur Crest Lithobates
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 1700 L
Flower Stingray
1700 L
Sulphur Crest Lithobates
250 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Flower Stingray
Bottom
Sulphur Crest Lithobates
MiddleBottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Flower Stingray
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Shrimp EaterFry PredatorDigger (Disturbs Substrate)Plant Destroyer
Sulphur Crest Lithobates
Territorial (Defends specific area)Aggressive to same species/look-alikesFry Predator
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Flower Stingray and Sulphur Crest Lithobates?

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.

Flower Stingray
Sulphur Crest Lithobates
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Both Flower Stingray and Sulphur Crest Lithobates 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.

Flower Stingray and Sulphur Crest Lithobates 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 Flower Stingray (6–7.5) and Sulphur Crest Lithobates (7.8–8.6) 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 Flower Stingray and Sulphur Crest Lithobates 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

Flower Stingray and Sulphur Crest Lithobates 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 Flower Stingray and Sulphur Crest Lithobates live together?

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

What size tank do Flower Stingray and Sulphur Crest Lithobates 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 Flower Stingray and Sulphur Crest Lithobates 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 Flower Stingray or Sulphur Crest Lithobates aggressive?

Flower Stingray is moderately assertive (6/10) and Sulphur Crest Lithobates is moderately assertive (6/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Flower Stingray and Sulphur Crest Lithobates need?

Their pH requirements do not overlap. Flower Stingray prefers 6–7.5, while Sulphur Crest Lithobates needs 7.8–8.6. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.

How do I manage Sulphur Crest Lithobates's territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Sulphur Crest Lithobates 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 7, 2026
Last updated
May 7, 2026
Issues or corrections?
Contact the editorial team

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