Compatibility Overview
Cherry Barb and Coral Beauty are generally not recommended to be housed together. The issues listed above — whether water parameter incompatibility, predation risk, or aggression — create conditions where one or both fish are likely to suffer harm or chronic stress.
| Factor | Cherry Barb | Coral Beauty | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 73–81°F | 75–81°F | ✅ 75–81°F |
| pH Range | 6.0–8.0 | 8.0–8.3 | ⚠️ 8.0–8.0 (narrow) |
| Temperament | peaceful | semi | ⚠️ Monitor |
| Adult Size | 2 in | 2.4 in | ✅ Similar |
| Min. Group | 6+ | 1+ | See below |
| Min. Tank Size | 40 gallons (for both species) | — | |
✅ Compatibility Positives
❌ Incompatibility Reasons
Species Profiles
Cherry Barb — 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.
Coral Beauty — Aquarium species
The Coral Beauty Angelfish is a popular choice for reef tanks due to its vibrant colors and gentle demeanor. These fish thrive in well-maintained aquariums with plenty of swimming space and hiding spots. They are generally peaceful with other compatible fish but can be sensitive to aggressive tankmates. A diet rich in variety is essential for their health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Cherry Barb live with Coral Beauty?
Generally not recommended. Cherry Barb and Coral Beauty are generally not recommended to be housed together. The issues listed above — whether water parameter incompatibility, predation risk, or aggression — create conditions where one or both fish are likely to suffer harm or chronic stress.
What tank size do I need for Cherry Barb and Coral Beauty together?
A minimum of 40 gallons is recommended for keeping Cherry Barb and Coral Beauty together. A larger tank improves water stability and reduces territorial conflict.
What temperature suits both Cherry Barb and Coral Beauty?
75–81°F
Is a Cherry Barb aggressive toward a Coral Beauty?
Cherry Barb is peaceful and Coral Beauty is semi. These animals require different water types and cannot share one aquarium.
Related Compatibility Guides
Compatibility score breakdown
The overall score is weighted across water chemistry, behavior, adult size, swimming zone, and social needs. A score is a planning aid—not a guarantee for individual fish.
| Factor | Score |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 100/100 |
| Ph | 0/100 |
| Temperament | 75/100 |
| Adult Size | 100/100 |
| Swim Zone | 68/100 |
| Social Needs | 92/100 |
Tank size scenarios
Use the scenario that matches the actual group sizes and temperament you plan to keep.
| Scenario | Tank | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum viable | 40 gal | Only for the recommended minimum groups, mature filtration, and close monitoring. |
| Recommended community | 55 gal | Adds territory, swimming room, and a safer buffer for behavior. |
| Low-conflict setup | 90 gal | Best when keeping larger schools or reducing territorial pressure. |