Can Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) and Motoro Stingray Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated April 28, 2026
Not Recommended

Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) and Motoro Stingray are not recommended as tank mates due to piscivorous fish will prey on nano-sized tank mates.. Housing these species together is likely to result in stress, health problems, or direct harm to one or both fish.


At a Glance

Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)

Melanoides tuberculata

Motoro Stingray

Potamotrygon motoro

🐠Family Group
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
Invertebrates
Motoro Stingray
Oddballs
Temperament
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
Peaceful (0/10)
Motoro Stingray
Semi-Aggressive (5/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
18–32°C
Motoro Stingray
24–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
7–8.5
Motoro Stingray
6–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
8–25
Motoro Stingray
2–10
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
Brackish Tolerant
Motoro Stingray
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✗ No overlap
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
Low
Motoro Stingray
High
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 750 L
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
5 L
Motoro Stingray
750 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
Bottom
Motoro Stingray
Bottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Digger (Disturbs Substrate)Nocturnal
Motoro Stingray
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Shrimp EaterSnail EaterFry PredatorDigger (Disturbs Substrate)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) 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.

Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
Motoro Stingray
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) is a peaceful species (0/10), while Motoro Stingray is moderately assertive (5/10). This notable difference means Motoro Stingray may occasionally assert dominance over Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS).

Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) 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.

There is a critical concern: the Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk) behaviour of one fish directly conflicts with the Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish) trait of the other — piscivorous fish will prey on nano-sized tank mates..

Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Shrimp eaters may also prey on very small nano fish.

Worth noting: Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) is nocturnal and will be most active after lights-out, naturally reducing daytime encounters.

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.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 7 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.

Tank Setup

To house Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) 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), Soil / Nutrient Rich, Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Note a potential conflict in setup requirements: Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) requires Soil / Nutrient Rich, while Motoro Stingray requires Sand (Sifters). These substrate types may be difficult to provide simultaneously. Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) requires Soil / Nutrient Rich, while Motoro Stingray requires Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels). These substrate types may be difficult to provide simultaneously. Compromise where possible or prioritise the more critical need.

Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) 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.

Why This Pairing Usually Fails in Practice

Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) 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.

Diet & Feeding

Feeding time deserves special attention with this pairing. Motoro Stingray is a known shrimp eater and may prey on small invertebrates or nano fish like Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) 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 Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) 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 Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) 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 Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) or Motoro Stingray aggressive?

Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) is peaceful (0/10) and Motoro Stingray is moderately assertive (5/10). The gap in aggression levels means the calmer fish may experience stress from the more assertive one.

What pH do Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) and Motoro Stingray need?

Both species overlap in the 7–7.5 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

Does Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) being nocturnal affect compatibility?

Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) is most active after lights-out, which naturally reduces daytime encounters with its tank mate. This can actually be beneficial, as both fish get undisturbed time to feed and explore. Just ensure food reaches Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) during evening hours.

Editorial Review

Guidarium Editorial Desk

Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.

Last reviewed
April 28, 2026
Last updated
April 28, 2026
Issues or corrections?
Contact the editorial team

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