Can bettas live with cherry barbs?

Verdict
Yes

Yes. Bettas and cherry barbs get along in the same tank. Both are fine at 76–81°F. Plan on at least 20 gal.

BettaBetta76–82°F · pH 6.5–7.5 Cherry barbCherry barb73–81°F · pH 6–7.5

Why it works

Water side by side

55°60°65°70°75°80°85°90°Both: 76–81°Betta 76–82°Cherry barb 73–81°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 6.5–7.5Betta 6.5–7.5Cherry barb 6–7.5
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Betta · 2.5 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

BettaCherry barb
Temperature76–82 °F73–81 °F
pH6.5–7.56–7.5
Adult size2.5 in2.0 in
Minimum tank5 gal20 gal
TemperamentSemi-aggressivePeaceful
Swims atTopMiddle
GroupOne per tankGroups of 6+
DietCarnivoreOmnivore

Better tank mates for bettas

All betta tank mates

Better tank mates for cherry barbs

All cherry barb tank mates

Questions

Can bettas live with cherry barbs?

Yes. Bettas and cherry barbs get along in the same tank. Both are fine at 76–81°F. Plan on at least 20 gal.

What temperature suits both bettas and cherry barbs?

76–81 °F. Bettas need 76–82 °F, cherry barbs need 73–81 °F.

What size tank do bettas and cherry barbs need together?

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