Can tiger barbs live with cardinal tetras?

Verdict
Yes

Yes. Tiger barbs and cardinal tetras get along in the same tank. Both are fine at 76–81°F. Plan on at least 30 gal.

Tiger barbTiger barb72–81°F · pH 6–7.5 Cardinal tetraCardinal tetra76–84°F · pH 4.6–7

Why it works

Water side by side

55°60°65°70°75°80°85°90°Both: 76–81°Tiger barb 72–81°Cardinal tetra 76–84°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 6–7Tiger barb 6–7.5Cardinal tetra 4.6–7
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Tiger barb · 3 inCardinal tetra · 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

Tiger barbCardinal tetra
Temperature72–81 °F76–84 °F
pH6–7.54.6–7
Adult size3.0 in2.0 in
Minimum tank30 gal20 gal
TemperamentSemi-aggressivePeaceful
Swims atMiddleMiddle
GroupGroups of 6+Groups of 6+
DietOmnivoreOmnivore

Better tank mates for tiger barbs

All tiger barb tank mates

Better tank mates for cardinal tetras

All cardinal tetra tank mates

Questions

Can tiger barbs live with cardinal tetras?

Yes. Tiger barbs and cardinal tetras get along in the same tank. Both are fine at 76–81°F. Plan on at least 30 gal.

What temperature suits both tiger barbs and cardinal tetras?

76–81 °F. Tiger barbs need 72–81 °F, cardinal tetras need 76–84 °F.

What size tank do tiger barbs and cardinal tetras need together?

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