Angelfish and Cherry Barb Compatibility Overview
Angelfish and Cherry Barb are generally not recommended to be housed together. The adult size gap creates a meaningful predation risk. Review the behavior and water details before deciding whether to attempt the pairing.
| Factor | Angelfish | Cherry Barb | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 74โ84ยฐF | 73โ81ยฐF | โ 74โ81ยฐF |
| pH Range | 6.0โ7.5 | 6.0โ8.0 | โ 6.0โ7.5 |
| Temperament | semi | peaceful | โ ๏ธ Monitor |
| Adult Size | 6 in | 2 in | โ ๏ธ 3.0ร difference |
| Min. Group | 1+ | 6+ | See below |
| Min. Tank Size | 75 gallons (for both species) | โ | |
Compatibility Positives
Incompatibility Reasons
Species Profiles
Angelfish โ Pterophyllum scalare
Elegant South American cichlids with long flowing fins. Generally peaceful but territorial when breeding and will eat very small fish.
Cherry Barb โ Puntius titteya
Unlike most barbs, cherry barbs are peaceful schooling fish safe with bettas and nano species. Males turn vivid red when in breeding condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Angelfish live with Cherry Barb?
Generally not recommended. Angelfish and Cherry Barb are generally not recommended to be housed together. The adult size gap creates a meaningful predation risk. Review the behavior and water details before deciding whether to attempt the pairing.
What tank size do I need for Angelfish and Cherry Barb together?
A minimum of 75 gallons is recommended for keeping Angelfish and Cherry Barb together. A larger tank improves water stability and reduces territorial conflict.
What temperature suits both Angelfish and Cherry Barb?
74โ81ยฐF โ inside Angelfish's 74โ84ยฐF and Cherry Barb's 73โ81ยฐF.
Is a Angelfish aggressive toward a Cherry Barb?
The adult size gap creates a meaningful predation risk.
Related Compatibility Guides
Tank Size for Angelfish and Cherry Barb
Use the scenario that matches the actual group sizes and temperament you plan to keep.
| Scenario | Tank | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum viable | 75 gal | Only for the recommended minimum groups, mature filtration, and close monitoring. |
| Recommended community | 125 gal | Adds territory, swimming room, and a safer buffer for behavior. |
| Low-conflict setup | 150 gal | Best when keeping larger schools or reducing territorial pressure. |