Can gold barbs live with pencilfish?

Verdict
Yes, with care

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

Gold barbGold barb64–75°F · pH 6–8 PencilfishPencilfish75–82°F · pH 5–7.5

What to watch

What works

Water side by side

55°60°65°70°75°80°85°90°Both: 75°Gold barb 64–75°Pencilfish 75–82°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 6–7.5Gold barb 6–8Pencilfish 5–7.5
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Gold barb · 3 inPencilfish · 2 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

Gold barbPencilfish
Temperature64–75 °F75–82 °F
pH6–85–7.5
Adult size3.0 in2.0 in
Minimum tank20 gal15 gal
TemperamentPeacefulPeaceful
Swims atMiddleMiddle
GroupGroups of 6+Groups of 6+
DietOmnivoreOmnivore

Better tank mates for gold barbs

All gold barb tank mates

Better tank mates for pencilfish

All pencilfish tank mates

Questions

Can gold barbs live with pencilfish?

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

What temperature suits both gold barbs and pencilfish?

75–75 °F. Gold barbs need 64–75 °F, pencilfish need 75–82 °F.

What size tank do gold barbs and pencilfish need together?

At least 20 gal, set by the gold barb. Add space for each extra fish.