Can firemouth cichlids live with rosy barbs?

Verdict
Yes

Yes. Firemouth cichlids and rosy barbs get along in the same tank. Both are fine at 75–77°F. Plan on at least 30 gal.

Firemouth cichlidFiremouth cichlid75–86°F · pH 6.5–8 Rosy barbRosy barb64–77°F · pH 6–7.5

Why it works

Water side by side

55°60°65°70°75°80°85°90°Both: 75–77°Firemouth cichlid 75–86°Rosy barb 64–77°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 6.5–7.5Firemouth cichlid 6.5–8Rosy barb 6–7.5
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Firemouth cichlid · 6 inRosy barb · 4 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 cichlidRosy barb
Temperature75–86 °F64–77 °F
pH6.5–86–7.5
Adult size6.0 in4.0 in
Minimum tank30 gal30 gal
TemperamentSemi-aggressiveSemi-aggressive
Swims atBottomMiddle
GroupAlone or in pairsGroups of 6+
DietOmnivoreOmnivore

Better tank mates for firemouth cichlids

All firemouth cichlid tank mates

Better tank mates for rosy barbs

All rosy barb tank mates

Questions

Can firemouth cichlids live with rosy barbs?

Yes. Firemouth cichlids and rosy barbs get along in the same tank. Both are fine at 75–77°F. Plan on at least 30 gal.

What temperature suits both firemouth cichlids and rosy barbs?

75–77 °F. Firemouth cichlids need 75–86 °F, rosy barbs need 64–77 °F.

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

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