Can pictus catfish live with platies?

Verdict
Yes

Yes. Pictus catfish and platies make a good pair. Both are fine at 72–79°F. Plan on at least 55 gal.

Pictus catfishPictus catfish72–79°F · pH 6–7.5 PlatyPlaty70–80°F · pH 7–8.2

Why it works

Water side by side

55°60°65°70°75°80°85°90°Both: 72–79°Pictus catfish 72–79°Platy 70–80°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 7–7.5Pictus catfish 6–7.5Platy 7–8.2
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Pictus catfish · 5 inPlaty · 2.5 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 catfishPlaty
Temperature72–79 °F70–80 °F
pH6–7.57–8.2
Adult size5.0 in2.5 in
Minimum tank55 gal10 gal
TemperamentSemi-aggressivePeaceful
Swims atBottomMiddle
GroupGroups of 3+Groups of 3+
DietCarnivoreOmnivore

Better tank mates for pictus catfish

All pictus catfish tank mates

Better tank mates for platies

All platy tank mates

Questions

Can pictus catfish live with platies?

Yes. Pictus catfish and platies make a good pair. Both are fine at 72–79°F. Plan on at least 55 gal.

What temperature suits both pictus catfish and platies?

72–79 °F. Pictus catfish need 72–79 °F, platies need 70–80 °F.

What size tank do pictus catfish and platies need together?

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