Can neon tetras live with rosy barbs?

Verdict
Yes

Yes, neon tetras and rosy barbs can live together. Both are fine at 72–77°F. Plan on at least 30 gal.

Neon tetraNeon tetra72–79°F · pH 6–7 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: 72–77°Neon tetra 72–79°Rosy barb 64–77°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 6–7Neon tetra 6–7Rosy barb 6–7.5
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Neon tetra · 1.5 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

Neon tetraRosy barb
Temperature72–79 °F64–77 °F
pH6–76–7.5
Adult size1.5 in4.0 in
Minimum tank10 gal30 gal
TemperamentPeacefulSemi-aggressive
Swims atMiddleMiddle
GroupGroups of 6+Groups of 6+
DietOmnivoreOmnivore

Better tank mates for neon tetras

All neon tetra tank mates

Better tank mates for rosy barbs

All rosy barb tank mates

Questions

Can neon tetras live with rosy barbs?

Yes, neon tetras and rosy barbs can live together. Both are fine at 72–77°F. Plan on at least 30 gal.

What temperature suits both neon tetras and rosy barbs?

72–77 °F. Neon tetras need 72–79 °F, rosy barbs need 64–77 °F.

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

At least 30 gal, set by the rosy barb. Add space for each extra fish.