How would a gulper catfish do with plants, I haven't seen one in a planted aquarium and haven't heard of it. And how about bull head, blue cats, channel cats, and flatheads? So how would they do with plants?
not sure about gulper but the other cats love to dig and bullhead would find most plants tasty. blue cats, channel cats, and flatheads need such a gigantic tank that planting them isn't usually feasible.
Based on my experience and the readings, I'd not think gulpers present any danger to plants.
As for the large Ictaluridae, all I could say is that large sturdy plants in large, sturdy and heavy baskets may pan out. I've had two 2'+ channels in a 12,000 gal pond with large plants and also with floating water hyacinths and have not noted any problems.