Can cherry barbs live with black neon tetras?

Verdict
Yes

Yes, cherry barbs and black neon tetras can live together. Both are fine at 73–81°F. Plan on at least 20 gal.

Cherry barbCherry barb73–81°F · pH 6–7.5 Black neon tetraBlack neon tetra73–81°F · pH 5.5–7.5

Why it works

Water side by side

55°60°65°70°75°80°85°90°Both: 73–81°Cherry barb 73–81°Black neon tetra 73–81°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 6–7.5Cherry barb 6–7.5Black neon tetra 5.5–7.5
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Cherry barb · 2 inBlack neon tetra · 1.5 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

Cherry barbBlack neon tetra
Temperature73–81 °F73–81 °F
pH6–7.55.5–7.5
Adult size2.0 in1.5 in
Minimum tank20 gal15 gal
TemperamentPeacefulPeaceful
Swims atMiddleMiddle
GroupGroups of 6+Groups of 6+
DietOmnivoreOmnivore

Better tank mates for cherry barbs

All cherry barb tank mates

Better tank mates for black neon tetras

All black neon tetra tank mates

Questions

Can cherry barbs live with black neon tetras?

Yes, cherry barbs and black neon tetras can live together. Both are fine at 73–81°F. Plan on at least 20 gal.

What temperature suits both cherry barbs and black neon tetras?

73–81 °F. Cherry barbs need 73–81 °F, black neon tetras need 73–81 °F.

What size tank do cherry barbs and black neon tetras need together?

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