Can cherry barbs live with mollies?

Verdict

Yes, with care

Yes, with care. Cherry barbs and mollies can share a tank, but watch one thing. Water chemistry is a squeeze. The only pH that suits both is around 7.5.

Cherry barb73–81°F · pH 6–7.5

Molly72–82°F · pH 7.5–8.5

What to watch

Watch outWater chemistry is a squeeze. The only pH that suits both is around 7.5.

What works

Both are fine at 73–81°F.
They use different parts of the tank: cherry barbs the mid, mollies the top.

Water side by side

The green band is the temperature range both can live in.

The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

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 barb	Molly
Temperature	73–81 °F	72–82 °F
pH	6–7.5	7.5–8.5
Adult size	2.0 in	4.0 in
Minimum tank	20 gal	20 gal
Temperament	Peaceful	Peaceful
Swims at	Middle	Top
Group	Groups of 6+	Groups of 3+
Diet	Omnivore	Omnivore

Better tank mates for cherry barbs

All cherry barb tank mates

Better tank mates for mollies

All molly tank mates

Questions

Can cherry barbs live with mollies?

Yes, with care. Cherry barbs and mollies can share a tank, but watch one thing. Water chemistry is a squeeze. The only pH that suits both is around 7.5.

What temperature suits both cherry barbs and mollies?

73–81 °F. Cherry barbs need 73–81 °F, mollies need 72–82 °F.

What size tank do cherry barbs and mollies need together?

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