Can otocinclus live with gold barbs?

Verdict
Yes

Yes. Otocinclus and gold barbs make a good pair. Both are fine at 72–75°F. Plan on at least 20 gal.

OtocinclusOtocinclus72–79°F · pH 6–7.5 Gold barbGold barb64–75°F · pH 6–8

Why it works

Water side by side

55°60°65°70°75°80°85°90°Both: 72–75°Otocinclus 72–79°Gold barb 64–75°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 6–7.5Otocinclus 6–7.5Gold barb 6–8
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Otocinclus · 2 inGold barb · 3 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

OtocinclusGold barb
Temperature72–79 °F64–75 °F
pH6–7.56–8
Adult size2.0 in3.0 in
Minimum tank20 gal20 gal
TemperamentPeacefulPeaceful
Swims atBottomMiddle
GroupGroups of 6+Groups of 6+
DietHerbivoreOmnivore

Better tank mates for otocinclus

All otocinclus tank mates

Better tank mates for gold barbs

All gold barb tank mates

Questions

Can otocinclus live with gold barbs?

Yes. Otocinclus and gold barbs make a good pair. Both are fine at 72–75°F. Plan on at least 20 gal.

What temperature suits both otocinclus and gold barbs?

72–75 °F. Otocinclus need 72–79 °F, gold barbs need 64–75 °F.

What size tank do otocinclus and gold barbs need together?

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