Can goldfish live with upside down catfish?

Verdict
No

No. Goldfish and upside down catfish should not share a tank. Goldfish are coldwater animals (60–74°F); upside down catfish need 72–79°F. They overlap only at 72–74°F, the edge of both ranges.

GoldfishGoldfish60–74°F · pH 7–8 Upside down catfishUpside down catfish72–79°F · pH 6–7.5

What to watch

What works

Water side by side

55°60°65°70°75°80°85°90°Both: 72–74°Goldfish 60–74°Upside down catfish 72–79°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 7–7.5Goldfish 7–8Upside down catfish 6–7.5
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Goldfish · 10 inUpside down catfish · 4 in0"2"4"6"8"10"
Adult length in an aquarium. A fish can swallow anything that fits in its mouth, roughly a third to half its own length for predators.

Care at a glance

GoldfishUpside down catfish
Temperature60–74 °F72–79 °F
pH7–86–7.5
Adult size10.0 in4.0 in
Minimum tank40 gal30 gal
TemperamentPeacefulPeaceful
Swims atAll levelsBottom
GroupAlone or in pairsGroups of 3+
DietOmnivoreOmnivore

Better tank mates for goldfish

All goldfish tank mates

Better tank mates for upside down catfish

All upside down catfish tank mates

Questions

Can goldfish live with upside down catfish?

No. Goldfish and upside down catfish should not share a tank. Goldfish are coldwater animals (60–74°F); upside down catfish need 72–79°F. They overlap only at 72–74°F, the edge of both ranges.

What temperature suits both goldfish and upside down catfish?

72–74 °F. Goldfish need 60–74 °F, upside down catfish need 72–79 °F.

What size tank do goldfish and upside down catfish need together?

At least 40 gal, set by the goldfish. Add space for each extra fish.