Can pictus catfish live with firemouth cichlids?

Verdict
Yes

Yes. Pictus catfish and firemouth cichlids make a good pair. Both are fine at 75–79°F. Plan on at least 55 gal.

Pictus catfishPictus catfish72–79°F · pH 6–7.5 Firemouth cichlidFiremouth cichlid75–86°F · pH 6.5–8

Why it works

Water side by side

55°60°65°70°75°80°85°90°Both: 75–79°Pictus catfish 72–79°Firemouth cichlid 75–86°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 6.5–7.5Pictus catfish 6–7.5Firemouth cichlid 6.5–8
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Pictus catfish · 5 inFiremouth cichlid · 6 in0"1"2"3"4"5"6"
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 catfishFiremouth cichlid
Temperature72–79 °F75–86 °F
pH6–7.56.5–8
Adult size5.0 in6.0 in
Minimum tank55 gal30 gal
TemperamentSemi-aggressiveSemi-aggressive
Swims atBottomBottom
GroupGroups of 3+Alone or in pairs
DietCarnivoreOmnivore

Better tank mates for pictus catfish

All pictus catfish tank mates

Better tank mates for firemouth cichlids

All firemouth cichlid tank mates

Questions

Can pictus catfish live with firemouth cichlids?

Yes. Pictus catfish and firemouth cichlids make a good pair. Both are fine at 75–79°F. Plan on at least 55 gal.

What temperature suits both pictus catfish and firemouth cichlids?

75–79 °F. Pictus catfish need 72–79 °F, firemouth cichlids need 75–86 °F.

What size tank do pictus catfish and firemouth cichlids need together?

At least 55 gal, set by the pictus catfish. Add space for each extra fish.