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.
Antennae Stingray Water Parameters
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.
Who Antennae Stingray Is Actually For
Antennae Stingray is best for a fishkeeper who wants a species that can settle into a calmer community setup and can provide someone who understands its individual space requirements. It makes the most sense for a hobbyist who will actually build around its needs, especially sand.
The most common mistake is treating Antennae Stingray like any other community fish and skipping the soft sand it needs to forage safely. Another frequent problem is forcing it into an over-busy community when it would do better with more room or more deliberate tankmate choices.
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.
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.
Useful setup supplies
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Guidarium Editorial Desk
Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.
- Last reviewed
- May 1, 2026
- Last updated
- May 1, 2026
- Issues or corrections?
- Contact the editorial team
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
Raspy River Stingray
Potamotrygon scobina
A relatively small freshwater stingray native to the Amazon basin. While smaller than other Potamotrygon species, it still requires massive aquariums with extremely strong filtration due to its high metabolism and extreme waste output. It is a benthic carnivore that needs a deep, fine sand substrate to bury itself and avoid scratching its soft underside. Warning: Possesses a venomous tail barb.
Flower Stingray
Potamotrygon schroederi
A stunning, large-growing freshwater stingray native to the Rio Negro and Orinoco basins. They feature intricate rosette or flower-like patterns. As apex predators, they require massive aquariums, exceptional biological filtration due to extreme bioloads, and a fine sand substrate to prevent injury to their soft bellies. They possess a venomous tail barb and must be handled with extreme caution.
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.
Reticulated Stingray (Teacup Ray)
Potamotrygon orbignyi
The Reticulated Stingray is a stunning bottom-dwelling freshwater ray native to South America. It is commonly sold under the deceptive trade name 'Teacup Ray' as a juvenile. They grow massive, have a venomous tail spine, and demand pristine water quality, massive aquariums, and a strict carnivorous diet. A fine sand substrate is an absolute requirement to prevent fatal bacterial infections from underside abrasions.
Sturgeon Catfish
Platystomatichthys sturio
A striking, ancient-looking predatory catfish native to the fast-flowing rivers of the Amazon basin. Known for its highly elongated, delicate snout and long maxillary barbels, it resembles a sturgeon. They are very active swimmers that require massive aquariums with massive footprints to prevent permanently damaging their snouts against the glass. They are highly predatory toward small fish but peaceful with large, deep-bodied tank mates.
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.