Can Ocellatus Gold and Reticulated Stingray (Teacup Ray) Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 11, 2026
Not Recommended

Ocellatus Gold and Reticulated Stingray (Teacup Ray) 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

Ocellatus Gold

Lamprologus ocellatus

Reticulated Stingray (Teacup Ray)

Potamotrygon orbignyi

🐠Family Group
Ocellatus Gold
Cichlids - African
Reticulated Stingray (Teacup Ray)
Oddballs
Temperament
Ocellatus Gold
Aggressive (8/10)
Reticulated Stingray (Teacup Ray)
Mostly Peaceful (4/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Ocellatus Gold
24–27°C
Reticulated Stingray (Teacup Ray)
24–30°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Ocellatus Gold
8–9
Reticulated Stingray (Teacup Ray)
6–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Ocellatus Gold
10–20
Reticulated Stingray (Teacup Ray)
1–10
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Ocellatus Gold
Freshwater Only
Reticulated Stingray (Teacup Ray)
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Ocellatus Gold
Moderate
Reticulated Stingray (Teacup Ray)
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 680 L
Ocellatus Gold
38 L
Reticulated Stingray (Teacup Ray)
680 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Ocellatus Gold
Bottom
Reticulated Stingray (Teacup Ray)
Bottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Ocellatus Gold
Territorial (Defends specific area)Digger (Disturbs Substrate)Generally AggressiveAggressive to same species/look-alikesShrimp Eater
Reticulated Stingray (Teacup Ray)
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Digger (Disturbs Substrate)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerShrimp EaterSnail EaterFry Predator
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Ocellatus Gold and Reticulated Stingray (Teacup Ray)?

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.

Ocellatus Gold
Reticulated Stingray (Teacup Ray)
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Ocellatus Gold is a semi-aggressive species (8/10), while Reticulated Stingray (Teacup Ray) is generally mild-mannered (4/10). This notable difference means Ocellatus Gold may occasionally assert dominance over Reticulated Stingray (Teacup Ray).

Ocellatus Gold and Reticulated Stingray (Teacup Ray) 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 Ocellatus Gold (8–9) and Reticulated Stingray (Teacup Ray) (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 Ocellatus Gold and Reticulated Stingray (Teacup Ray) together, plan for an aquarium of at least 680 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), Shells (Breeding/Hiding), 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

Ocellatus Gold and Reticulated Stingray (Teacup Ray) 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.

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Ocellatus Gold and Reticulated Stingray (Teacup Ray).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Ocellatus Gold and Reticulated Stingray (Teacup Ray) live together?

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

What size tank do Ocellatus Gold and Reticulated Stingray (Teacup Ray) need?

A minimum of 680 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 Ocellatus Gold and Reticulated Stingray (Teacup Ray) 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 Ocellatus Gold or Reticulated Stingray (Teacup Ray) aggressive?

Ocellatus Gold is semi-aggressive (8/10) and Reticulated Stingray (Teacup Ray) is generally mild-mannered (4/10). The gap in aggression levels means the calmer fish may experience stress from the more assertive one.

What pH do Ocellatus Gold and Reticulated Stingray (Teacup Ray) need?

Their pH requirements do not overlap. Ocellatus Gold prefers 8–9, while Reticulated Stingray (Teacup Ray) needs 6–7.5. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.

How do I manage Ocellatus Gold's territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Ocellatus Gold 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 11, 2026
Last updated
May 11, 2026
Issues or corrections?
Contact the editorial team

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