Can apistogramma live with gold barbs?

Verdict
Yes, with care

Yes, with care. Apistogramma and gold barbs can share a tank, but watch one thing. They only share 75°F. Keep the heater set there and steady.

ApistogrammaApistogramma75–84°F · pH 5–7 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°Apistogramma 75–84°Gold barb 64–75°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 6–7Apistogramma 5–7Gold barb 6–8
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Apistogramma · 3 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

ApistogrammaGold barb
Temperature75–84 °F64–75 °F
pH5–76–8
Adult size3.0 in3.0 in
Minimum tank20 gal20 gal
TemperamentSemi-aggressivePeaceful
Swims atBottomMiddle
GroupAlone or in pairsGroups of 6+
DietCarnivoreOmnivore

Better tank mates for apistogramma

All apistogramma tank mates

Better tank mates for gold barbs

All gold barb tank mates

Questions

Can apistogramma live with gold barbs?

Yes, with care. Apistogramma and gold barbs can share a tank, but watch one thing. They only share 75°F. Keep the heater set there and steady.

What temperature suits both apistogramma and gold barbs?

75–75 °F. Apistogramma need 75–84 °F, gold barbs need 64–75 °F.

What size tank do apistogramma and gold barbs need together?

At least 20 gal, set by the apistogramma. Add space for each extra fish.