Cherry Barb and Guppy Compatibility Overview
Short answer: Yes. Both do well at 73-81°F and both are peaceful. Match the tank size and group size in the table below and both should do well.
Cherry Barb and Guppy can generally share an aquarium with appropriate planning. Both species prefer overlapping temperature and pH ranges. Both species are peaceful, and neither poses a major aggression risk to the other. A minimum 20-gallon tank is recommended to provide adequate territory and water volume for both species.
| Factor | Cherry Barb | Guppy | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 73–81°F | 72–82°F | ✅ 73–81°F |
| pH Range | 6.0–8.0 | 6.8–8.5 | ✅ 6.8–8.0 |
| Temperament | peaceful | peaceful | ✅ Compatible |
| Adult Size | 2 in | 2.5 in | ✅ Similar |
| Min. Group | 6+ | 3+ | See below |
| Min. Tank Size | 20 gallons (for both species) | — | |
Compatibility Positives
Caution Points
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.
Guppy — Poecilia reticulata
Hardy and colourful livebearers. Males' long flowing tails make them targets for fin-nipping species. Very prolific breeders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Cherry Barb live with Guppy?
Yes, in a well-planned setup. Cherry Barb and Guppy can generally share an aquarium with appropriate planning. Both species prefer overlapping temperature and pH ranges. Both species are peaceful, and neither poses a major aggression risk to the other. A minimum 20-gallon tank is recommended to provide adequate territory and water volume for both species.
What tank size do I need for Cherry Barb and Guppy together?
A minimum of 20 gallons is recommended for keeping Cherry Barb and Guppy together. A larger tank improves water stability and reduces territorial conflict.
What temperature suits both Cherry Barb and Guppy?
73–81°F — inside Cherry Barb's 73–81°F and Guppy's 72–82°F.
Is a Cherry Barb aggressive toward a Guppy?
Cherry Barb is peaceful and Guppy is peaceful. No major aggression issues are expected between these species.
More Good Tank Mates for Cherry Barb and Guppy
The highest-scoring compatible partners for each species in our compatibility data.
For Cherry Barb
- Clown Pleco — 98/100
- Congo Tetra — 96/100
- Glowlight Danio — 96/100
- Honey Gourami — 96/100
- Neon Rainbowfish — 96/100
For Guppy
- Molly — 96/100
- Neon Rainbowfish — 96/100
- Clown Pleco — 95/100
- Pearl Danio — 93/100
- Zebra Danio — 93/100
Related Compatibility Guides
Tank Size for Cherry Barb and Guppy
Use the scenario that matches the actual group sizes and temperament you plan to keep.
| Scenario | Tank | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum viable | 20 gal | Only for the recommended minimum groups, mature filtration, and close monitoring. |
| Recommended community | 29 gal | Adds territory, swimming room, and a safer buffer for behavior. |
| Low-conflict setup | 55 gal | Best when keeping larger schools or reducing territorial pressure. |