Cherry Barb tank mates
Puntius titteya
5 rated pairings from the Cherry Barb care guide. Compatibility here means water, temperament, tank zone and adult size all line up — the note on each card says why. Cherry Barb needs at least 15 gallons on its own; every companion adds to that.
Excellent matches
3 · Same water, complementary zones, no conflict.
Otocinclus
Otocinclus vittatus
10 gal min · 1.5" adult · Peaceful
Peaceful bottom-dweller with identical water parameters; helps control algae without competing for space
Neon Tetra
Paracheirodon innesi
10 gal min · 1.5" adult · Peaceful
Similar size, peaceful temperament, and water requirements; creates a colorful community display
Anubias Nana
Anubias barteri var. nana
Hardy plant that provides shelter and breeding sites without being uprooted by barbs
Good matches
2 · Compatible with normal care — watch space and numbers.Dwarf Gourami
Trichogaster lalius
15 gal min · 3.5" adult · Semi-aggressive
Peaceful and compatible, though may occasionally chase during breeding; provide adequate space and plants
Red Cherry Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi
5 gal min · 1.2" adult · Peaceful
Peaceful invertebrates that share water parameters; barbs may occasionally nip at shrimp, so provide dense vegetation
Also recommended alongside Cherry Barb
Species whose own guides list Cherry Barb as a tank mate.
Banded Gourami
Trichogaster fasciata
30 gal min · 4.5" adult · Semi-aggressive
Black Ruby Barb
Pethia nigrofasciata
20 gal min · 1.6" adult · Semi-aggressive
Chinese Hillstream Loach
Pseudogastromyzon myersi
20 gal min · 2.5" adult · Peaceful
Cuming's Barb
Puntius cumingii
20 gal min · 2" adult · Peaceful
Melon Barb
Haludaria fasciata
30 gal min · 3" adult · Semi-aggressive
Silver Flying Fox
Crossocheilus reticulatus
55 gal min · 5" adult · Semi-aggressive
Planning this tank?
Run the whole stock list through the calculator — it checks bioload and schooling numbers, not just pairings.