Yes: Compatible.
No clashes under our rules: they share a temperature range, neither is a fin nipper or predator of the other, and their temperaments fit.
Temperature. Cherry barb does best at 23–27 °C (73–81 °F) and Neon tetra at 21–25 °C (70–77 °F). They share 23–25 °C.
Water. Their pH ranges overlap at 6–7.
Temperament and size. Cherry barb is peaceful and grows to 5 cm; Neon tetra is peaceful and grows to 3 cm. Both use the mid of the tank, so give them room and cover.
Tank size and groups. Plan on at least 25 US gallons, the larger of the two cautious minimums. Keep Cherry barb in a group of 6+. Keep Neon tetra in a group of 8+. A starter mix of 6 Cherry barb and 8 Neon tetra in 25 gallons uses about 54% of the tank’s bioload capacity under our rules and grades A.
Keeping them together
- Feeding: both feed in open water. Feed small amounts two or three times a day so the slower eater gets its share.
- Aquascape: both are calmer with cover. Plants and floating cover make shy fish come out more, not less.
- Group size: a full group is not optional. A schooling fish kept in too small a group is stressed and more likely to nip or hide.
- Shrimp and snails: neither is a known invertebrate eater, but baby shrimp can still be eaten. Dense moss helps.
- Adding them: add the calmer species first and let it settle for a week or two before adding the other, and only once your tank has cycled.
Open this pair in the checker Add your other fish to grade the whole tank.
Quick facts
| Cherry barb | Neon tetra | |
|---|---|---|
| Adult size | 5 cm | 3 cm |
| Min tank | 25 gal | 15 gal |
| Temperature | 23–27 °C | 21–25 °C |
| pH | 6–7 | 5–7 |
| Temperament | peaceful | peaceful |
| Group size | 6+ | 8+ |
Data from the Species Ledger, checked November 9, 2026, with at least two sources per species. Cautious community guidelines, not guarantees: individual fish vary. Not veterinary advice. Disagree? Tell us.