Can Cherry Barb Live With Rummy Nose Tetra?
Yes, cherry barbs and rummy nose tetras share a tank well in 20 gallons or larger, with overlapping soft-water preferences and peaceful temperaments.
Why
- Cherry barbs grow to 2 inches and rummy nose tetras reach 2-2.5 inches.
- Both species school in the middle water column and occupy the same tank zone.
- Temperature overlap of 75-81F suits cherry barbs fully and rummy noses at the lower end of their range.
- Both species prefer soft, slightly acidic water in the 6-7 pH range.
- Cherry barbs are docile despite being barbs, and they ignore smaller fish entirely.
What could go wrong
Cherry barbs may display more boldly in a group and steal attention from the rummy noses, whose red nose is their health indicator.
Gear for a shared tank
Sized for the 20 gallon minimum this pairing needs. Affiliate links — we earn a small commission if you buy through them.
AquaClear 30 Power Filter
Oversized filtration is what lets you stock two species together without water quality crashing. Rated for a tank slightly larger than the 20 gallon minimum.
Eheim Jager 150W Thermostat Heater
Holds a steady temperature inside the 75-81°F window both species need.
API Freshwater Master Test Kit
Keep ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate in check. Two-species tanks have more bioload and less margin for error than single-species setups.
Related compatibility questions
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