Redtail and upside down catfish

[xxlindaxx05]

I have a 1 redtail shark, 1 gourami, 5 green barbs, and recently bought 4 upside down catfish. I just saw on the compatibility site they shouldn't go together. It's been 2 days and no one is bothering the the catfish. Should I return the catfish or keep them?

 

[LyndaB]

What size tank are they in? Sometimes that can be helpful with compatibility issues.

Are your catfish the brown or black variety?

 

[jcolon]

The worry would the RTS if the tank is too small, so tank size is very important as they get very territorial as they mature. Most sources say a 55gal minimum with plenty of caves, ornaments and plants to set up territories, but I say a 75gal is better.

 

[xxlindaxx05]

It's only a 30 gallon But it kind of seems like the catfish are chasing the gourami. The catfish are mostly brown

 

[absolutangel04]

You will run into problems with the rts in that tank. Even though it seems fine now, they recommend 55-75g minimum for a reason. Rts get aggressive and territorial. In the long run, I am guessing you will have problems.
Lynda asked about the color because 2 species are sold under the common name upside down catfish. The black ones get bigger and meaner. The brown ones stay small and are usually pretty peaceful.
I suggest keeping the cats and returning the shark. IME, those cats will try to push other fish our of their hiding spots, but I have never seen any aggression from them.

 

[micaiah12]

I also have the same combination in my tank. They get along perfectly fine.

 

[kenbob]

I have a red tail and an upside down catfish(brown) and they get along fine. Had them for about a year in a 55 gallon.

 

[absolutangel04]

Having those fish in a 55g is quite different from having them in a 30g. The potential problem isn't from the species exactly, but from the territorial nature of the shark being too prevalent in a 30g tank.

 

[bruinsbro1997]

I would highly recommend you get a bigger tank. RTS are highly territorial, and need a 55 gallon minimum to keep aggression low between itself and other bottom dwellers.