Can cherry barbs and fancy goldfish live together?

No

Cherry barbs and fancy goldfish should not share a tank.

Cherry barb Fancy goldfish

Why

  • Cherry barbs need at least 73°F (23°C), but fancy goldfish should stay at or below 72°F (22°C). No temperature suits both.
  • Goldfish are slow, messy, cold-water fish. They do best in a tank with other goldfish.

What each one needs

Cherry barbFancy goldfishBoth
Temperature73–81°F (23–27°C)65–72°F (18–22°C)No overlap
pH6.0–7.57.0–8.07.0–7.5
Minimum tank20 gal (76 L)20 gal (76 L)20 gal (76 L)
Keep at least61
Adult size2 in (5.1 cm)7 in (17.8 cm)

Better tank mates for cherry barbs

Better tank mates for fancy goldfish