Can cherry barbs live with clown plecos?

Verdict
Yes

Yes. Cherry barbs and clown plecos make a good pair. Both are fine at 73–81°F. Plan on at least 20 gal.

Cherry barbCherry barb73–81°F · pH 6–7.5 Clown plecoClown pleco73–82°F · pH 6.5–7.5

Why it works

Water side by side

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

Size to scale

Cherry barb · 2 inClown pleco · 3.5 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 barbClown pleco
Temperature73–81 °F73–82 °F
pH6–7.56.5–7.5
Adult size2.0 in3.5 in
Minimum tank20 gal20 gal
TemperamentPeacefulPeaceful
Swims atMiddleBottom
GroupGroups of 6+Alone or in pairs
DietOmnivoreHerbivore

Better tank mates for cherry barbs

All cherry barb tank mates

Better tank mates for clown plecos

All clown pleco tank mates

Questions

Can cherry barbs live with clown plecos?

Yes. Cherry barbs and clown plecos make a good pair. Both are fine at 73–81°F. Plan on at least 20 gal.

What temperature suits both cherry barbs and clown plecos?

73–81 °F. Cherry barbs need 73–81 °F, clown plecos need 73–82 °F.

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

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