Can rainbow sharks live with gold barbs?

Verdict
Yes

Yes, rainbow sharks and gold barbs can live together. Both are fine at 72–75°F. Plan on at least 55 gal.

Rainbow sharkRainbow shark72–80°F · pH 6.5–7.5 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°Rainbow shark 72–80°Gold barb 64–75°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 6.5–7.5Rainbow shark 6.5–7.5Gold barb 6–8
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Rainbow shark · 6 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

Rainbow sharkGold barb
Temperature72–80 °F64–75 °F
pH6.5–7.56–8
Adult size6.0 in3.0 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 gold barbs

All gold barb tank mates

Questions

Can rainbow sharks live with gold barbs?

Yes, rainbow sharks and gold barbs can live together. Both are fine at 72–75°F. Plan on at least 55 gal.

What temperature suits both rainbow sharks and gold barbs?

72–75 °F. Rainbow sharks need 72–80 °F, gold barbs need 64–75 °F.

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

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