๐Ÿ  Fish Compatibility Guide

Can Cherry Barb and Moonlight Gourami Live Together?

Updated September 23, 2026 ยท FishCare AI Editorial Team

โœ… Compatible โ€” Compatibility Score: 83/100
83/100 โ€” Compatible

Cherry Barb and Moonlight Gourami Compatibility Overview

Cherry Barb and Moonlight Gourami 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 75-gallon tank is recommended to provide adequate territory and water volume for both species.

Compatibility factors for Cherry Barb and Moonlight Gourami
FactorCherry BarbMoonlight GouramiVerdict
Temperature73โ€“81ยฐF77โ€“86ยฐFโœ… 77โ€“81ยฐF
pH Range6.0โ€“8.06.0โ€“7.5โœ… 6.0โ€“7.5
Temperamentpeacefulpeacefulโœ… Compatible
Adult Size2 in5.9 inโš ๏ธ 3.0ร— difference
Min. Group6+1+See below
Min. Tank Size75 gallons (for both species)โ€”

Compatibility Positives

A stable shared temperature range is available.
Their pH requirements overlap.
Temperament risk is relatively low when normal group sizes are maintained.

Caution Points

No major compatibility issues identified for this pair.

Species Profiles

Cherry Barb โ€” Puntius titteya

Cherry Barb and Moonlight Gourami compatibility โ€” Cherry Barb

Unlike most barbs, cherry barbs are peaceful schooling fish safe with bettas and nano species. Males turn vivid red when in breeding condition.

โ†’ Full Cherry Barb care guide

Moonlight Gourami โ€” Trichopodus microlepis

Cherry Barb and Moonlight Gourami compatibility โ€” Moonlight Gourami

The Moonlight Gourami is a beautiful freshwater fish known for its silvery blue color and red eyes. It is a peaceful community fish suitable for beginners and can thrive in a well-maintained aquarium. These fish are sensitive to water quality and require a spacious tank with plenty of swimming space.

โ†’ Full Moonlight Gourami care guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Cherry Barb live with Moonlight Gourami?

Yes, in a well-planned setup. Cherry Barb and Moonlight Gourami 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 75-gallon tank is recommended to provide adequate territory and water volume for both species.

What tank size do I need for Cherry Barb and Moonlight Gourami together?

A minimum of 75 gallons is recommended for keeping Cherry Barb and Moonlight Gourami together. A larger tank improves water stability and reduces territorial conflict.

What temperature suits both Cherry Barb and Moonlight Gourami?

77โ€“81ยฐF โ€” inside Cherry Barb's 73โ€“81ยฐF and Moonlight Gourami's 77โ€“86ยฐF.

Is a Cherry Barb aggressive toward a Moonlight Gourami?

Cherry Barb is peaceful and Moonlight Gourami is peaceful. No major aggression issues are expected between these species.

Related Compatibility Guides

Tank Size for Cherry Barb and Moonlight Gourami

Use the scenario that matches the actual group sizes and temperament you plan to keep.

ScenarioTankWhen it applies
Minimum viable75 galOnly for the recommended minimum groups, mature filtration, and close monitoring.
Recommended community125 galAdds territory, swimming room, and a safer buffer for behavior.
Low-conflict setup150 galBest when keeping larger schools or reducing territorial pressure.