Can cherry barbs live with platies?

Verdict
Yes

Yes, cherry barbs and platies can live together. Both are fine at 73–80°F. Plan on at least 20 gal.

Cherry barbCherry barb73–81°F · pH 6–7.5 PlatyPlaty70–80°F · pH 7–8.2

Why it works

Water side by side

55°60°65°70°75°80°85°90°Both: 73–80°Cherry barb 73–81°Platy 70–80°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 7–7.5Cherry barb 6–7.5Platy 7–8.2
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Cherry barb · 2 inPlaty · 2.5 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 barbPlaty
Temperature73–81 °F70–80 °F
pH6–7.57–8.2
Adult size2.0 in2.5 in
Minimum tank20 gal10 gal
TemperamentPeacefulPeaceful
Swims atMiddleMiddle
GroupGroups of 6+Groups of 3+
DietOmnivoreOmnivore

Better tank mates for cherry barbs

All cherry barb tank mates

Better tank mates for platies

All platy tank mates

Questions

Can cherry barbs live with platies?

Yes, cherry barbs and platies can live together. Both are fine at 73–80°F. Plan on at least 20 gal.

What temperature suits both cherry barbs and platies?

73–80 °F. Cherry barbs need 73–81 °F, platies need 70–80 °F.

What size tank do cherry barbs and platies need together?

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