Can cherry barbs live with pygmy corys?

Verdict
Yes

Yes, cherry barbs and pygmy corys can live together. Both are fine at 73–79°F. Plan on at least 20 gal.

Why it works

Water side by side

55°60°65°70°75°80°85°90°Both: 73–79°Cherry barb 73–81°Pygmy cory 72–79°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 6–7.5Cherry barb 6–7.5Pygmy cory 6–7.5
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Cherry barb · 2 inPygmy cory · 1 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 barbPygmy cory
Temperature73–81 °F72–79 °F
pH6–7.56–7.5
Adult size2.0 in1.0 in
Minimum tank20 gal10 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 pygmy corys

All pygmy cory tank mates

Questions

Can cherry barbs live with pygmy corys?

Yes, cherry barbs and pygmy corys can live together. Both are fine at 73–79°F. Plan on at least 20 gal.

What temperature suits both cherry barbs and pygmy corys?

73–79 °F. Cherry barbs need 73–81 °F, pygmy corys need 72–79 °F.

What size tank do cherry barbs and pygmy corys need together?

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