Can Raspy River Stingray and Red Bellied Pacu Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 11, 2026
Ideal Tank Mates

Yes, Raspy River Stingray and Red Bellied Pacu are ideal tank mates. Both species share compatible water parameters and peaceful temperaments, making them well-suited for a community aquarium. A minimum tank size of 3800 litres is recommended.


At a Glance

Raspy River Stingray

Potamotrygon scobina

Red Bellied Pacu

Piaractus brachypomus

🐠Family Group
Raspy River Stingray
Oddballs
Red Bellied Pacu
Characins
Temperament
Raspy River Stingray
Mostly Peaceful (4/10)
Red Bellied Pacu
Mostly Peaceful (4/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Raspy River Stingray
24–28°C
Red Bellied Pacu
23–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Raspy River Stingray
6–7.5
Red Bellied Pacu
5–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Raspy River Stingray
2–10
Red Bellied Pacu
1–15
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Raspy River Stingray
Freshwater Only
Red Bellied Pacu
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Raspy River Stingray
Moderate
Red Bellied Pacu
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 3800 L
Raspy River Stingray
850 L
Red Bellied Pacu
3800 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Raspy River Stingray
Bottom
Red Bellied Pacu
MiddleBottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Raspy River Stingray
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Shrimp EaterFry PredatorDigger (Disturbs Substrate)Plant Destroyer
Red Bellied Pacu
Plant DestroyerHyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Aggressive Eater (Starves shy fish)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Raspy River Stingray and Red Bellied Pacu?

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.

Raspy River Stingray
Red Bellied Pacu
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Both Raspy River Stingray and Red Bellied Pacu are generally mild-mannered species with an aggression score of 4/10. Their matching temperaments mean neither fish is likely to dominate the other in a shared aquarium.

Raspy River Stingray and Red Bellied Pacu 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.

Worth noting: Red Bellied Pacu is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

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 6 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 2–10 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Raspy River Stingray and Red Bellied Pacu together, plan for an aquarium of at least 3800 litres with a minimum length of 300 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 Works in Practice

Raspy River Stingray and Red Bellied Pacu work best when the tank gives each fish enough room to use its preferred level of the aquarium and enough cover to avoid constant visual contact. The score matters, but the real-world success usually comes from matching their pace, keeping water stable, and resisting the urge to crowd the tank just because the pair looks safe on paper.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Raspy River Stingray and Red Bellied Pacu live together?

Yes. Raspy River Stingray and Red Bellied Pacu are considered ideal tank mates. Their water parameters, temperaments, and behaviour profiles are well matched for a community aquarium.

What size tank do Raspy River Stingray and Red Bellied Pacu need?

A minimum of 3800 litres (tank length at least 300 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 Raspy River Stingray and Red Bellied Pacu 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 Raspy River Stingray or Red Bellied Pacu aggressive?

Raspy River Stingray is generally mild-mannered (4/10) and Red Bellied Pacu is generally mild-mannered (4/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Raspy River Stingray and Red Bellied Pacu need?

Both species overlap in the 6–7.5 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

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?
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