Can pictus catfish live with chinese algae eaters?

Verdict
Yes

Yes, pictus catfish and chinese algae eaters can live together. Both are fine at 74–79°F. Plan on at least 75 gal.

Pictus catfishPictus catfish72–79°F · pH 6–7.5 Chinese algae eaterChinese algae eater74–80°F · pH 6–8

Why it works

Water side by side

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

Size to scale

Pictus catfish · 5 inChinese algae eater · 10 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

Pictus catfishChinese algae eater
Temperature72–79 °F74–80 °F
pH6–7.56–8
Adult size5.0 in10.0 in
Minimum tank55 gal75 gal
TemperamentSemi-aggressiveSemi-aggressive
Swims atBottomBottom
GroupGroups of 3+Alone or in pairs
DietCarnivoreHerbivore

Better tank mates for pictus catfish

All pictus catfish tank mates

Better tank mates for chinese algae eaters

All chinese algae eater tank mates

Questions

Can pictus catfish live with chinese algae eaters?

Yes, pictus catfish and chinese algae eaters can live together. Both are fine at 74–79°F. Plan on at least 75 gal.

What temperature suits both pictus catfish and chinese algae eaters?

74–79 °F. Pictus catfish need 72–79 °F, chinese algae eaters need 74–80 °F.

What size tank do pictus catfish and chinese algae eaters need together?

At least 75 gal, set by the chinese algae eater. Add space for each extra fish.