Can firemouth cichlids live with gold barbs?

Verdict
Yes, with care

Yes, with care. Firemouth cichlids and gold barbs can share a tank, but watch one thing. They only share 75°F. Keep the heater set there and steady.

Firemouth cichlidFiremouth cichlid75–86°F · pH 6.5–8 Gold barbGold barb64–75°F · pH 6–8

What to watch

What works

Water side by side

55°60°65°70°75°80°85°90°Both: 75°Firemouth cichlid 75–86°Gold barb 64–75°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 6.5–8Firemouth cichlid 6.5–8Gold barb 6–8
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Firemouth cichlid · 6 inGold barb · 3 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

Firemouth cichlidGold barb
Temperature75–86 °F64–75 °F
pH6.5–86–8
Adult size6.0 in3.0 in
Minimum tank30 gal20 gal
TemperamentSemi-aggressivePeaceful
Swims atBottomMiddle
GroupAlone or in pairsGroups of 6+
DietOmnivoreOmnivore

Better tank mates for firemouth cichlids

All firemouth cichlid tank mates

Better tank mates for gold barbs

All gold barb tank mates

Questions

Can firemouth cichlids live with gold barbs?

Yes, with care. Firemouth cichlids and gold barbs can share a tank, but watch one thing. They only share 75°F. Keep the heater set there and steady.

What temperature suits both firemouth cichlids and gold barbs?

75–75 °F. Firemouth cichlids need 75–86 °F, gold barbs need 64–75 °F.

What size tank do firemouth cichlids and gold barbs need together?

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