Can cherry barbs live with firemouth cichlids?

Verdict
Yes

Yes. Cherry barbs and firemouth cichlids make a good pair. Both are fine at 75–81°F. Plan on at least 30 gal.

Cherry barbCherry barb73–81°F · pH 6–7.5 Firemouth cichlidFiremouth cichlid75–86°F · pH 6.5–8

Why it works

Water side by side

55°60°65°70°75°80°85°90°Both: 75–81°Cherry barb 73–81°Firemouth cichlid 75–86°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 6.5–7.5Cherry barb 6–7.5Firemouth cichlid 6.5–8
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Cherry barb · 2 inFiremouth cichlid · 6 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 barbFiremouth cichlid
Temperature73–81 °F75–86 °F
pH6–7.56.5–8
Adult size2.0 in6.0 in
Minimum tank20 gal30 gal
TemperamentPeacefulSemi-aggressive
Swims atMiddleBottom
GroupGroups of 6+Alone or in pairs
DietOmnivoreOmnivore

Better tank mates for cherry barbs

All cherry barb tank mates

Better tank mates for firemouth cichlids

All firemouth cichlid tank mates

Questions

Can cherry barbs live with firemouth cichlids?

Yes. Cherry barbs and firemouth cichlids make a good pair. Both are fine at 75–81°F. Plan on at least 30 gal.

What temperature suits both cherry barbs and firemouth cichlids?

75–81 °F. Cherry barbs need 73–81 °F, firemouth cichlids need 75–86 °F.

What size tank do cherry barbs and firemouth cichlids need together?

At least 30 gal, set by the firemouth cichlid. Add space for each extra fish.