50 Gallon Stocking Options

I think if you maintain a watchful eye, you should be okay in the short term though the odds are you will remove him eventually as you mentioned. I think they tend to get bolder with age. Definitely giving him a sufficeint hiding spot and changing up the decor frequently will help. There are some barbs that defy all known expectations and even gourami.
 
That is what I will most likely do -- keep a close eye on him.
When I purchase another tank, I will probably keep the Ctenopoma and a few catfish by themselves.

If I put feeder minnows in the 50 gallon tank, would that help deter the Ctenopoma from eating the larger tetras, or are fish more indiscriminate in their selection of food? I mean, do they see the smaller fish as an easier target, or will they just go after anything?
 
I recommend against feeder minnows simply because they carry large quantities of thiaminase, which inhibits proper growth.
 
I think having "target" fish is a good idea.

I do not have a regular routine for feeders, I like to do a couple dollars worth a month with my malawia tank. Really depends if I feel like dealing with petsmart or not.

Some last a few days.

It seems to take the presure off of the other fish.
 
Well, right now, he seems to be not bothering anything. Will he change ...probably. Will the live food sate or encourage?
 
Well, right now, he seems to be not bothering anything. Will he change ...probably. Will the live food sate or encourage?

I suppose it's a "wait and see" situation. Such things are difficult to predict, but I think the choice to use some feeders as "target fish" might be a good place to start. The Ctenopoma's behavior will determine any subsequent course of action. Worst case scenario, extreme predatory action will give me the excuse to buy another tank in the future. ;)
 
Let's hear it for MTS!
 
AquariaCentral.com