Can rainbow sharks live with cherry barbs?

Verdict
Yes

Yes. Rainbow sharks and cherry barbs get along in the same tank. Both are fine at 73–80°F. Plan on at least 55 gal.

Rainbow sharkRainbow shark72–80°F · pH 6.5–7.5 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: 73–80°Rainbow shark 72–80°Cherry barb 73–81°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 6.5–7.5Rainbow shark 6.5–7.5Cherry barb 6–7.5
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Rainbow shark · 6 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

Rainbow sharkCherry barb
Temperature72–80 °F73–81 °F
pH6.5–7.56–7.5
Adult size6.0 in2.0 in
Minimum tank55 gal20 gal
TemperamentSemi-aggressivePeaceful
Swims atBottomMiddle
GroupOne per tankGroups of 6+
DietOmnivoreOmnivore

Better tank mates for rainbow sharks

All rainbow shark tank mates

Better tank mates for cherry barbs

All cherry barb tank mates

Questions

Can rainbow sharks live with cherry barbs?

Yes. Rainbow sharks and cherry barbs get along in the same tank. Both are fine at 73–80°F. Plan on at least 55 gal.

What temperature suits both rainbow sharks and cherry barbs?

73–80 °F. Rainbow sharks need 72–80 °F, cherry barbs need 73–81 °F.

What size tank do rainbow sharks and cherry barbs need together?

At least 55 gal, set by the rainbow shark. Add space for each extra fish.