Can firemouth cichlids live with odessa barbs?

Verdict
Yes

Yes. Firemouth cichlids and odessa barbs make a good pair. Both are fine at 75–79°F. Plan on at least 30 gal.

Firemouth cichlidFiremouth cichlid75–86°F · pH 6.5–8 Odessa barbOdessa barb70–79°F · pH 6–7.5

Why it works

Water side by side

55°60°65°70°75°80°85°90°Both: 75–79°Firemouth cichlid 75–86°Odessa barb 70–79°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 6.5–7.5Firemouth cichlid 6.5–8Odessa barb 6–7.5
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Firemouth cichlid · 6 inOdessa 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 cichlidOdessa barb
Temperature75–86 °F70–79 °F
pH6.5–86–7.5
Adult size6.0 in3.0 in
Minimum tank30 gal30 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 odessa barbs

All odessa barb tank mates

Questions

Can firemouth cichlids live with odessa barbs?

Yes. Firemouth cichlids and odessa barbs make a good pair. Both are fine at 75–79°F. Plan on at least 30 gal.

What temperature suits both firemouth cichlids and odessa barbs?

75–79 °F. Firemouth cichlids need 75–86 °F, odessa barbs need 70–79 °F.

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

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