Cherry Barb and Neon Tetra Compatibility Overview
Short answer: Yes. Both do well at 73-80°F and both are peaceful. Match the tank size and group size in the table below and both should do well.
Cherry Barb and Neon Tetra 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 | Neon Tetra | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 73–81°F | 72–80°F | ✅ 73–80°F |
| pH Range | 6.0–8.0 | 6.0–7.5 | ✅ 6.0–7.5 |
| Temperament | peaceful | peaceful | ✅ Compatible |
| Adult Size | 2 in | 1.5 in | ✅ Similar |
| Min. Group | 6+ | 6+ | 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.
Neon Tetra — Paracheirodon innesi
Iconic schooling fish with vivid electric-blue and red stripes. Hardy in captivity; suitable for most peaceful community setups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Cherry Barb live with Neon Tetra?
Yes, in a well-planned setup. Cherry Barb and Neon Tetra 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 Neon Tetra together?
A minimum of 20 gallons is recommended for keeping Cherry Barb and Neon Tetra together. A larger tank improves water stability and reduces territorial conflict.
What temperature suits both Cherry Barb and Neon Tetra?
73–80°F — inside Cherry Barb's 73–81°F and Neon Tetra's 72–80°F.
Is a Cherry Barb aggressive toward a Neon Tetra?
Cherry Barb is peaceful and Neon Tetra is peaceful. No major aggression issues are expected between these species.
More Good Tank Mates for Cherry Barb and Neon Tetra
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 Neon Tetra
- Dwarf Chain Loach — 98/100
- Panda Cory — 98/100
- Pearl Danio — 98/100
- Peppered Cory — 98/100
- Pygmy Corydoras — 98/100
Related Compatibility Guides
Tank Size for Cherry Barb and Neon Tetra
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. |