Can kuhli loaches live with cherry barbs?

Verdict
Yes

Yes. Kuhli loaches and cherry barbs make a good pair. Both are fine at 75–81°F. Plan on at least 20 gal.

Kuhli loachKuhli loach75–86°F · pH 5.5–7 Cherry barbCherry barb73–81°F · pH 6–7.5

Why it works

Water side by side

55°60°65°70°75°80°85°90°Both: 75–81°Kuhli loach 75–86°Cherry barb 73–81°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 6–7Kuhli loach 5.5–7Cherry barb 6–7.5
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Kuhli loach · 3.5 inCherry barb · 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

Kuhli loachCherry barb
Temperature75–86 °F73–81 °F
pH5.5–76–7.5
Adult size3.5 in2.0 in
Minimum tank20 gal20 gal
TemperamentPeacefulPeaceful
Swims atBottomMiddle
GroupGroups of 6+Groups of 6+
DietOmnivoreOmnivore

Better tank mates for kuhli loaches

All kuhli loach tank mates

Better tank mates for cherry barbs

All cherry barb tank mates

Questions

Can kuhli loaches live with cherry barbs?

Yes. Kuhli loaches and cherry barbs make a good pair. Both are fine at 75–81°F. Plan on at least 20 gal.

What temperature suits both kuhli loaches and cherry barbs?

75–81 °F. Kuhli loaches need 75–86 °F, cherry barbs need 73–81 °F.

What size tank do kuhli loaches and cherry barbs need together?

At least 20 gal, set by the kuhli loach. Add space for each extra fish.