Can Bullseye Catfish and Gulper Catfish Live Together?

Possible with Caution

Keeping Bullseye Catfish and Gulper Catfish together is possible but requires caution, though some care is needed. Provide a spacious tank of at least 450 litres with plenty of hiding spots to reduce stress. Monitor behaviour closely, especially during the first few weeks.


At a Glance

Bullseye Catfish

Horabagrus brachysoma

Gulper Catfish

Asterophysus batrachus

🐟Family Group
Bullseye Catfish
Catfish
Gulper Catfish
Catfish
Temperament
Bullseye Catfish
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Gulper Catfish
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Bullseye Catfish
23–28°C
Gulper Catfish
24–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Bullseye Catfish
6–7.5
Gulper Catfish
6–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Bullseye Catfish
5–20
Gulper Catfish
2–15
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Bullseye Catfish
Freshwater Only
Gulper Catfish
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Bullseye Catfish
Moderate
Gulper Catfish
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 450 L
Bullseye Catfish
450 L
Gulper Catfish
250 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 2 zones
Bullseye Catfish
BottomMiddle
Gulper Catfish
BottomMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Bullseye Catfish
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)NocturnalShrimp EaterShy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)
Gulper Catfish
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)NocturnalShrimp EaterFry Predator
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Bullseye Catfish and Gulper Catfish?

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.

Bullseye Catfish
Gulper Catfish
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Both Bullseye Catfish and Gulper Catfish are moderately assertive species with an aggression score of 6/10. Their matching temperaments mean neither fish is likely to dominate the other in a shared aquarium.

Bullseye Catfish and Gulper Catfish both frequent the Bottom (Substrate) and Middle (Open Water) 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: Bullseye Catfish is nocturnal and will be most active after lights-out, naturally reducing daytime encounters.

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 5–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Bullseye Catfish and Gulper Catfish together, plan for an aquarium of at least 450 litres with a minimum length of 150 cm. This recommendation combines the stricter species minimums with a community-load allowance so the pairing has realistic long-term space and filtration headroom.

Because this pairing requires extra vigilance, include plenty of hiding spots — caves, driftwood, and dense plant clusters — so the less dominant fish can retreat when needed.

Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels), Plants - Floating, Sand (Sifters). 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.

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Bullseye Catfish and Gulper Catfish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Bullseye Catfish and Gulper Catfish live together?

They can coexist, but the pairing requires careful monitoring. Provide ample space (at least 450 litres), plenty of hiding spots, and watch for signs of stress or aggression.

What size tank do Bullseye Catfish and Gulper Catfish need?

A minimum of 450 litres (tank length at least 150 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 Bullseye Catfish and Gulper Catfish 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 Bullseye Catfish or Gulper Catfish aggressive?

Bullseye Catfish is moderately assertive (6/10) and Gulper Catfish is moderately assertive (6/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Bullseye Catfish and Gulper Catfish 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.

Does Bullseye Catfish being nocturnal affect compatibility?

Bullseye Catfish is most active after lights-out, which naturally reduces daytime encounters with its tank mate. This can actually be beneficial, as both fish get undisturbed time to feed and explore. Just ensure food reaches Bullseye Catfish during evening hours.


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