Can ember tetras and cherry barbs live together?

Yes

Ember tetras and cherry barbs can share a tank. Their water needs overlap and neither is known to bother the other.

Ember tetra Cherry barb

Why

  • Their temperature and pH ranges overlap comfortably, and neither is known to nip, chase or eat the other.

What each one needs

Ember tetraCherry barbBoth
Temperature73–84°F (23–29°C)73–81°F (23–27°C)73–81°F (23–27°C)
pH5.5–7.06.0–7.56.0–7.0
Minimum tank10 gal (38 L)20 gal (76 L)20 gal (76 L)
Keep at least66
Adult size0.8 in (2 cm)2 in (5.1 cm)

The smallest tank for both

A 20 gallons (76 L) tank holds 6 ember tetras and 6 cherry barbs at about 48% of its stocking limit, which leaves room for more.

Other tank mates for ember tetras

Other tank mates for cherry barbs