Can african cichlids live with gold barbs?

Verdict
No

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

African cichlidAfrican cichlid75–82°F · pH 7.8–8.6 Gold barbGold barb64–75°F · pH 6–8

What to watch

What works

Water side by side

55°60°65°70°75°80°85°90°Both: 75°African cichlid 75–82°Gold barb 64–75°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 7.8–8African cichlid 7.8–8.6Gold barb 6–8
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

African cichlid · 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

African cichlidGold barb
Temperature75–82 °F64–75 °F
pH7.8–8.66–8
Adult size5.0 in3.0 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 gold barbs

All gold barb tank mates

Questions

Can african cichlids live with gold barbs?

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

What temperature suits both african cichlids and gold barbs?

75–75 °F. African cichlids need 75–82 °F, gold barbs need 64–75 °F.

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

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