Can pictus catfish live with gold barbs?

Verdict
Yes

Yes. Pictus catfish and gold barbs get along in the same tank. Both are fine at 72–75°F. Plan on at least 55 gal.

Pictus catfishPictus catfish72–79°F · pH 6–7.5 Gold barbGold barb64–75°F · pH 6–8

Why it works

Water side by side

55°60°65°70°75°80°85°90°Both: 72–75°Pictus catfish 72–79°Gold barb 64–75°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 6–7.5Pictus catfish 6–7.5Gold barb 6–8
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Pictus catfish · 5 inGold barb · 3 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 catfishGold barb
Temperature72–79 °F64–75 °F
pH6–7.56–8
Adult size5.0 in3.0 in
Minimum tank55 gal20 gal
TemperamentSemi-aggressivePeaceful
Swims atBottomMiddle
GroupGroups of 3+Groups of 6+
DietCarnivoreOmnivore

Better tank mates for pictus catfish

All pictus catfish tank mates

Better tank mates for gold barbs

All gold barb tank mates

Questions

Can pictus catfish live with gold barbs?

Yes. Pictus catfish and gold barbs get along in the same tank. Both are fine at 72–75°F. Plan on at least 55 gal.

What temperature suits both pictus catfish and gold barbs?

72–75 °F. Pictus catfish need 72–79 °F, gold barbs need 64–75 °F.

What size tank do pictus catfish and gold barbs need together?

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