Can red tail sharks live with gold barbs?

Verdict
Yes

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

Red tail sharkRed tail shark72–79°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°Red tail shark 72–79°Gold barb 64–75°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 6.5–7.5Red tail shark 6.5–7.5Gold barb 6–8
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Red tail shark · 5 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

Red tail sharkGold barb
Temperature72–79 °F64–75 °F
pH6.5–7.56–8
Adult size5.0 in3.0 in
Minimum tank55 gal20 gal
TemperamentSemi-aggressivePeaceful
Swims atBottomMiddle
GroupOne per tankGroups of 6+
DietOmnivoreOmnivore

Better tank mates for red tail sharks

All red tail shark tank mates

Better tank mates for gold barbs

All gold barb tank mates

Questions

Can red tail sharks live with gold barbs?

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

What temperature suits both red tail sharks and gold barbs?

72–75 °F. Red tail sharks need 72–79 °F, gold barbs need 64–75 °F.

What size tank do red tail sharks and gold barbs need together?

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