Can african cichlids live with cherry barbs?

Verdict
No

No. African cichlids and cherry barbs should not share a tank. African cichlids are aggressive and will bully peaceful cherry barbs.

African cichlidAfrican cichlid75–82°F · pH 7.8–8.6 Cherry barbCherry barb73–81°F · pH 6–7.5

What to watch

What works

Water side by side

55°60°65°70°75°80°85°90°Both: 75–81°African cichlid 75–82°Cherry barb 73–81°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789African cichlid 7.8–8.6Cherry barb 6–7.5
No pH suits both. One would live in the wrong water all the time.

Size to scale

African cichlid · 5 inCherry barb · 2 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

African cichlidCherry barb
Temperature75–82 °F73–81 °F
pH7.8–8.66–7.5
Adult size5.0 in2.0 in
Minimum tank55 gal20 gal
TemperamentAggressivePeaceful
Swims atAll levelsMiddle
GroupGroups of 6+Groups of 6+
DietHerbivoreOmnivore

Better tank mates for african cichlids

All african cichlid tank mates

Better tank mates for cherry barbs

All cherry barb tank mates

Questions

Can african cichlids live with cherry barbs?

No. African cichlids and cherry barbs should not share a tank. African cichlids are aggressive and will bully peaceful cherry barbs.

What temperature suits both african cichlids and cherry barbs?

75–81 °F. African cichlids need 75–82 °F, cherry barbs need 73–81 °F.

What size tank do african cichlids and cherry barbs need together?

At least 55 gal, set by the african cichlid. Add space for each extra fish.