Can cherry barbs live with swordtails?

Verdict
Yes

Yes. Cherry barbs and swordtails get along in the same tank. Both are fine at 73–79°F. Plan on at least 30 gal.

Cherry barbCherry barb73–81°F · pH 6–7.5 SwordtailSwordtail72–79°F · pH 7–8.3

Why it works

Water side by side

55°60°65°70°75°80°85°90°Both: 73–79°Cherry barb 73–81°Swordtail 72–79°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 7–7.5Cherry barb 6–7.5Swordtail 7–8.3
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Cherry barb · 2 inSwordtail · 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 barbSwordtail
Temperature73–81 °F72–79 °F
pH6–7.57–8.3
Adult size2.0 in5.0 in
Minimum tank20 gal30 gal
TemperamentPeacefulSemi-aggressive
Swims atMiddleMiddle
GroupGroups of 6+Groups of 3+
DietOmnivoreOmnivore

Better tank mates for cherry barbs

All cherry barb tank mates

Better tank mates for swordtails

All swordtail tank mates

Questions

Can cherry barbs live with swordtails?

Yes. Cherry barbs and swordtails get along in the same tank. Both are fine at 73–79°F. Plan on at least 30 gal.

What temperature suits both cherry barbs and swordtails?

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

What size tank do cherry barbs and swordtails need together?

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