Can neon tetras live with cherry barbs?

Verdict
Yes

Yes, neon tetras and cherry barbs can live together. Both are fine at 73–79°F. Plan on at least 20 gal.

Neon tetraNeon tetra72–79°F · pH 6–7 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: 73–79°Neon tetra 72–79°Cherry barb 73–81°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 6–7Neon tetra 6–7Cherry barb 6–7.5
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Neon tetra · 1.5 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

Neon tetraCherry barb
Temperature72–79 °F73–81 °F
pH6–76–7.5
Adult size1.5 in2.0 in
Minimum tank10 gal20 gal
TemperamentPeacefulPeaceful
Swims atMiddleMiddle
GroupGroups of 6+Groups of 6+
DietOmnivoreOmnivore

Better tank mates for neon tetras

All neon tetra tank mates

Better tank mates for cherry barbs

All cherry barb tank mates

Questions

Can neon tetras live with cherry barbs?

Yes, neon tetras and cherry barbs can live together. Both are fine at 73–79°F. Plan on at least 20 gal.

What temperature suits both neon tetras and cherry barbs?

73–79 °F. Neon tetras need 72–79 °F, cherry barbs need 73–81 °F.

What size tank do neon tetras and cherry barbs need together?

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