Can cherry barbs live with cardinal tetras?

Verdict
Yes

Yes, cherry barbs and cardinal tetras can live together. Both are fine at 76–81°F. Plan on at least 20 gal.

Cherry barbCherry barb73–81°F · pH 6–7.5 Cardinal tetraCardinal tetra76–84°F · pH 4.6–7

Why it works

Water side by side

55°60°65°70°75°80°85°90°Both: 76–81°Cherry barb 73–81°Cardinal tetra 76–84°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 6–7Cherry barb 6–7.5Cardinal tetra 4.6–7
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Cherry barb · 2 inCardinal tetra · 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

Cherry barbCardinal tetra
Temperature73–81 °F76–84 °F
pH6–7.54.6–7
Adult size2.0 in2.0 in
Minimum tank20 gal20 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 cardinal tetras

All cardinal tetra tank mates

Questions

Can cherry barbs live with cardinal tetras?

Yes, cherry barbs and cardinal tetras can live together. Both are fine at 76–81°F. Plan on at least 20 gal.

What temperature suits both cherry barbs and cardinal tetras?

76–81 °F. Cherry barbs need 73–81 °F, cardinal tetras need 76–84 °F.

What size tank do cherry barbs and cardinal tetras need together?

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