Can cherry barbs live with pencilfish?

Verdict
Yes

Yes. Cherry barbs and pencilfish get along in the same tank. Both are fine at 75–81°F. Plan on at least 20 gal.

Cherry barbCherry barb73–81°F · pH 6–7.5 PencilfishPencilfish75–82°F · pH 5–7.5

Why it works

Water side by side

55°60°65°70°75°80°85°90°Both: 75–81°Cherry barb 73–81°Pencilfish 75–82°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 6–7.5Cherry barb 6–7.5Pencilfish 5–7.5
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Cherry barb · 2 inPencilfish · 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 barbPencilfish
Temperature73–81 °F75–82 °F
pH6–7.55–7.5
Adult size2.0 in2.0 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 pencilfish

All pencilfish tank mates

Questions

Can cherry barbs live with pencilfish?

Yes. Cherry barbs and pencilfish get along in the same tank. Both are fine at 75–81°F. Plan on at least 20 gal.

What temperature suits both cherry barbs and pencilfish?

75–81 °F. Cherry barbs need 73–81 °F, pencilfish need 75–82 °F.

What size tank do cherry barbs and pencilfish need together?

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