Can bristlenose plecos live with cherry barbs?

Verdict
Yes

Yes. Bristlenose plecos and cherry barbs make a good pair. Both are fine at 73–81°F. Plan on at least 30 gal.

Bristlenose plecoBristlenose pleco73–81°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: 73–81°Bristlenose pleco 73–81°Cherry barb 73–81°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 6.5–7.5Bristlenose pleco 6.5–7.5Cherry barb 6–7.5
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Bristlenose pleco · 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

Bristlenose plecoCherry barb
Temperature73–81 °F73–81 °F
pH6.5–7.56–7.5
Adult size5.0 in2.0 in
Minimum tank30 gal20 gal
TemperamentPeacefulPeaceful
Swims atBottomMiddle
GroupAlone or in pairsGroups of 6+
DietHerbivoreOmnivore

Better tank mates for bristlenose plecos

All bristlenose pleco tank mates

Better tank mates for cherry barbs

All cherry barb tank mates

Questions

Can bristlenose plecos live with cherry barbs?

Yes. Bristlenose plecos and cherry barbs make a good pair. Both are fine at 73–81°F. Plan on at least 30 gal.

What temperature suits both bristlenose plecos and cherry barbs?

73–81 °F. Bristlenose plecos need 73–81 °F, cherry barbs need 73–81 °F.

What size tank do bristlenose plecos and cherry barbs need together?

At least 30 gal, set by the bristlenose pleco. Add space for each extra fish.