Can pictus catfish live with bala sharks?

Verdict
Yes

Yes. Pictus catfish and bala sharks make a good pair. Both are fine at 72–79°F. Plan on at least 125 gal.

Pictus catfishPictus catfish72–79°F · pH 6–7.5 Bala sharkBala shark72–82°F · pH 6.5–7.5

Why it works

Water side by side

55°60°65°70°75°80°85°90°Both: 72–79°Pictus catfish 72–79°Bala shark 72–82°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 6.5–7.5Pictus catfish 6–7.5Bala shark 6.5–7.5
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Pictus catfish · 5 inBala shark · 13 in0"2"4"6"8"10"12"
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

Pictus catfishBala shark
Temperature72–79 °F72–82 °F
pH6–7.56.5–7.5
Adult size5.0 in13.0 in
Minimum tank55 gal125 gal
TemperamentSemi-aggressivePeaceful
Swims atBottomMiddle
GroupGroups of 3+Groups of 4+
DietCarnivoreOmnivore

Better tank mates for pictus catfish

All pictus catfish tank mates

Better tank mates for bala sharks

All bala shark tank mates

Questions

Can pictus catfish live with bala sharks?

Yes. Pictus catfish and bala sharks make a good pair. Both are fine at 72–79°F. Plan on at least 125 gal.

What temperature suits both pictus catfish and bala sharks?

72–79 °F. Pictus catfish need 72–79 °F, bala sharks need 72–82 °F.

What size tank do pictus catfish and bala sharks need together?

At least 125 gal, set by the bala shark. Add space for each extra fish.