Can Rummy-Nose Tetra and Teacup Stingray (Common Freshwater Ray) Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 3, 2026
Not Recommended

Rummy-Nose Tetra and Teacup Stingray (Common Freshwater Ray) 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

Rummy-Nose Tetra

Hemigrammus rhodostomus

Teacup Stingray (Common Freshwater Ray)

Potamotrygon laticeps

🐠Family Group
Rummy-Nose Tetra
Characins
Teacup Stingray (Common Freshwater Ray)
Oddballs
Temperament
Rummy-Nose Tetra
Peaceful (1/10)
Teacup Stingray (Common Freshwater Ray)
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Rummy-Nose Tetra
24–28°C
Teacup Stingray (Common Freshwater Ray)
24–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Rummy-Nose Tetra
5.5–7
Teacup Stingray (Common Freshwater Ray)
6–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Rummy-Nose Tetra
1–12
Teacup Stingray (Common Freshwater Ray)
1–12
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Rummy-Nose Tetra
Freshwater Only
Teacup Stingray (Common Freshwater Ray)
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Rummy-Nose Tetra
Moderate
Teacup Stingray (Common Freshwater Ray)
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 750 L
Rummy-Nose Tetra
75 L
Teacup Stingray (Common Freshwater Ray)
750 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Rummy-Nose Tetra
MiddleBottom
Teacup Stingray (Common Freshwater Ray)
Bottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Rummy-Nose Tetra
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerShy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)Fry PredatorNano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)
Teacup Stingray (Common Freshwater Ray)
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Shrimp EaterFry PredatorDigger (Disturbs Substrate)Hyperactive / Fast Swimmer
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Rummy-Nose Tetra and Teacup Stingray (Common Freshwater 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.

Rummy-Nose Tetra
Teacup Stingray (Common Freshwater Ray)
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Rummy-Nose Tetra is a peaceful species (1/10), while Teacup Stingray (Common Freshwater Ray) is moderately assertive (6/10). This notable difference means Teacup Stingray (Common Freshwater Ray) may occasionally assert dominance over Rummy-Nose Tetra.

Rummy-Nose Tetra and Teacup Stingray (Common Freshwater 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.

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: Hyperactive swimmers can stress shy, slow-moving species through constant motion. Shrimp eaters may also prey on very small nano fish.

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. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 1–12 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Rummy-Nose Tetra and Teacup Stingray (Common Freshwater Ray) 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: Plants - Densely covered, Plants - lighly covered, Leaf Litter/Blackwater, 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

Rummy-Nose Tetra and Teacup Stingray (Common Freshwater 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.

Diet & Feeding

Feeding time deserves special attention with this pairing. Teacup Stingray (Common Freshwater Ray) is a known shrimp eater and may prey on small invertebrates or nano fish like Rummy-Nose Tetra.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Rummy-Nose Tetra and Teacup Stingray (Common Freshwater Ray) live together?

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

What size tank do Rummy-Nose Tetra and Teacup Stingray (Common Freshwater Ray) 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 Rummy-Nose Tetra and Teacup Stingray (Common Freshwater Ray) 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 Rummy-Nose Tetra or Teacup Stingray (Common Freshwater Ray) aggressive?

Rummy-Nose Tetra is peaceful (1/10) and Teacup Stingray (Common Freshwater Ray) is moderately assertive (6/10). The gap in aggression levels means the calmer fish may experience stress from the more assertive one.

What pH do Rummy-Nose Tetra and Teacup Stingray (Common Freshwater Ray) need?

Both species overlap in the 6–7 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 3, 2026
Last updated
May 3, 2026
Issues or corrections?
Contact the editorial team

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