The Antennae Stingray is a delicate, rare freshwater ray native to the Amazon basin. It is distinctive for its extremely long, whip-like tail that can be more than twice its disc width. They require a massive aquarium with an enormous footprint, pristine water quality, and a soft, fine sand substrate to bury themselves. As large piscivores, they will consume any tank mate small enough to fit in their mouths.
Antennae Stingray At a Glance
Antennae Stingray Tank Requirements
Will Antennae Stingray fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Antennae Stingray needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Antennae Stingray against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Useful setup supplies
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Antennae Stingray Water Parameters
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Antennae Stingray Temperament & Compatibility
Antennae Stingray Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard (Adult)
Fully grown adult. The disc width can reach up to 60cm, with a total length exceeding 150cm due to the fragile, extremely long tail. Requires exceptionally large, specialized aquariums or indoor ponds.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Adult, Fully Grown
Juvenile (Grow-out)
Juvenile ray (often called a pup). While smaller, it will grow rapidly and require massive filtration and space. Care must be taken not to damage its delicate tail.
Differs in 5 traits from base species
Also known as: Pup, Baby
Antennae Stingray Care Guide Summary
The Antennae Stingray, scientifically known as Plesiotrygon iwamae, belongs to the Oddballs family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 160 cm and have a depressed body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as semi-aggressive, this species primarily occupies the bottom zone of the aquarium and produces a extreme level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Antennae Stingray requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 2500 litres and a tank length of at least 240 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 24°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 6–7 and a general hardness of 1–10 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
The Antennae Stingray is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. This species is available in 2 varieties: Standard (Adult) and Juvenile (Grow-out). Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Antennae Stingray Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Antennae Stingray, a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the bottom zone, the aquarium layout should prioritise sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include a sand substrate to accommodate their sifting behaviour and smooth gravel or rounded substrate to protect their sensitive barbels. Keepers should note that expect substrate disturbance, so lightweight décor should be secured.
Antennae Stingray Compatibility Notes
Classified as semi-aggressive, the Antennae Stingray is adaptable and can be kept singly or in a small group, offering flexibility when planning a community tank. When choosing tankmates, any fish small enough to fit in its mouth will likely be eaten and ornamental shrimp are not safe companions. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the bottom zone can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Antennae Stingray Feeding & Diet Considerations
The Antennae Stingray is a predatory species that will readily consume small fish, so nano or bite-sized tankmates should be avoided, will hunt and eat ornamental shrimp, making it unsuitable for shrimp-focused setups, and will eat fry, so breeding efforts in the same tank are unlikely to succeed.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Antennae Stingray
How big does Antennae Stingray get?
Antennae Stingray (Plesiotrygon iwamae) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 160 cm. They have a depressed body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Antennae Stingray need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 2500 litres and a tank length of at least 240 cm are recommended for Antennae Stingray. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Antennae Stingray need?
Antennae Stingray thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 24–28°C, a pH between 6 and 7, and a general hardness of 1–10 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Antennae Stingray peaceful or aggressive?
Antennae Stingray is classified as semi-aggressive with an aggression score of 5 out of 10. They can work in community setups but may clash with certain tankmates.
Can Antennae Stingray live alone?
Yes, Antennae Stingray can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Is Antennae Stingray safe with shrimp?
No. Antennae Stingray is known to eat ornamental shrimp and is not recommended for shrimp tanks. Even larger shrimp species like Amano Shrimp may be at risk.
Does Antennae Stingray have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Antennae Stingray benefits from sand (sifters) and smooth gravel (sensitive barbels) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Plants That Suit Antennae Stingray
These plants pair well with Antennae Stingray based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Belinda's Buce
Bucephalandra belindae
Buce Motleyana
Bucephalandra motleyana
Christmas Moss
Vesicularia montagnei
Congo Anubias
Anubias heterophylla
Fish Similar to Antennae Stingray
Motoro Stingray
Potamotrygon motoro
A spectacular but highly demanding freshwater stingray native to South America, instantly recognizable by its orange-spot 'peacock' pattern. They are massive, heavy-polluting predators that require huge aquariums with pristine water quality. A soft sand substrate is absolutely mandatory to prevent severe bacterial infections on their delicate underbellies. Note: They possess a venomous tail stinger.
Teacup Stingray (Common Freshwater Ray)
Potamotrygon laticeps
The term 'Teacup Stingray' is a highly deceptive trade name used for juvenile freshwater stingrays (often P. laticeps, P. motoro, or P. reticulata). They are not a miniature species. They are highly intelligent, predatory bottom-dwellers that require pristine water, massive aquariums, and fine sand to prevent lethal infections on their soft underbellies.
Dourada
Brachyplatystoma rousseauxii
The Dourada is a truly massive, highly predatory migratory catfish native to the Amazon and Orinoco basins. Known for its silvery-gold sheen and the longest freshwater migration of any fish in the world. In captivity, it is a 'monster fish' that requires a massive custom aquarium or indoor pond. It is exclusively piscivorous and will swallow any fish that fits in its immense mouth.
Arapaima
Arapaima gigas
One of the largest true freshwater fish in the world, native to the Amazon basin. Arapaima are obligate air-breathers and extreme predators. Due to their massive adult size and explosive growth rate, they are almost entirely unsuited for home aquaria and require highly specialized, heated, pond-sized enclosures.
Red-Tail Catfish
Phractocephalus hemioliopterus
A massive, fast-growing predatory catfish from the Amazon basin. Famous for its voracious appetite, bulldozer-like behavior, and distinct red caudal fin. Due to its enormous adult size (often exceeding 4 feet), it is strictly a 'monster fish' that requires a heated indoor pond or a colossal custom aquarium. It is highly predatory and will swallow absolutely any tank mate that can fit into its cavernous mouth.
Common Whiptail Catfish
Rineloricaria eigenmanni
A highly distinctive, slender, and peaceful bottom-dwelling catfish from South America. Known for its extremely elongated tail and excellent camouflaging abilities. They are non-aggressive grazers that feed on biofilm, aufwuchs, and sinking foods. Their rigid, twig-like bodies mean they need broad, smooth resting places.