Tank mate for a Tiger Shovel Nose Catfish

I am actually researching a large cat for my pond. I love the rtc (they are gorgous), but am a little worried since it is a tropical pond and I will have some balas. Also, plan on a red pacu. Would I be better off with a TSN? Any other ideas?
 
We will probably end up going with an rtc. The pond is still pretty new and we haven't decided on everything for the stocking yet. An ID shark will be going in there for sure.
 
an rtc would be way cool in your pond, tank mates are more vast than you may think... im my 400 gal tank i have an 18" rtc, 13" pacu, 18" clown knife, 7"in red devil, 7" mangunese {spelling may be off} and a soft shell turtle about the size of a cd. i plan to buy a large tsn and a pecock bass in the future... hehe i like a lot of fish that are big and stuff.
 
I've had problems with birds as well. Ended up covering my pond, which kinda detracts from the visual effect of the pond.

I'm interested in any solution that you may be thinking of, hopefully not requiring to cover the pond.
 
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