Can cherry barbs live with zebra plecos?

Verdict
Yes

Yes. Cherry barbs and zebra plecos get along in the same tank. Both are fine at 79–81°F. Plan on at least 30 gal.

Cherry barbCherry barb73–81°F · pH 6–7.5 Zebra plecoZebra pleco79–88°F · pH 6–7.5

Why it works

Water side by side

55°60°65°70°75°80°85°90°Both: 79–81°Cherry barb 73–81°Zebra pleco 79–88°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 6–7.5Cherry barb 6–7.5Zebra pleco 6–7.5
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Cherry barb · 2 inZebra pleco · 3.5 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 barbZebra pleco
Temperature73–81 °F79–88 °F
pH6–7.56–7.5
Adult size2.0 in3.5 in
Minimum tank20 gal30 gal
TemperamentPeacefulPeaceful
Swims atMiddleBottom
GroupGroups of 6+Alone or in pairs
DietOmnivoreCarnivore

Better tank mates for cherry barbs

All cherry barb tank mates

Better tank mates for zebra plecos

All zebra pleco tank mates

Questions

Can cherry barbs live with zebra plecos?

Yes. Cherry barbs and zebra plecos get along in the same tank. Both are fine at 79–81°F. Plan on at least 30 gal.

What temperature suits both cherry barbs and zebra plecos?

79–81 °F. Cherry barbs need 73–81 °F, zebra plecos need 79–88 °F.

What size tank do cherry barbs and zebra plecos need together?

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