Can clown loaches live with firemouth cichlids?

Verdict
Yes

Yes. Clown loaches and firemouth cichlids make a good pair. Both are fine at 77–86°F. Plan on at least 75 gal.

Clown loachClown loach77–86°F · pH 6–7.5 Firemouth cichlidFiremouth cichlid75–86°F · pH 6.5–8

Why it works

Water side by side

55°60°65°70°75°80°85°90°Both: 77–86°Clown loach 77–86°Firemouth cichlid 75–86°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 6.5–7.5Clown loach 6–7.5Firemouth cichlid 6.5–8
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Clown loach · 8 inFiremouth cichlid · 6 in0"1"2"3"4"5"6"7"8"
Adult length in an aquarium. A fish can swallow anything that fits in its mouth, roughly a third to half its own length for predators.

Care at a glance

Clown loachFiremouth cichlid
Temperature77–86 °F75–86 °F
pH6–7.56.5–8
Adult size8.0 in6.0 in
Minimum tank75 gal30 gal
TemperamentPeacefulSemi-aggressive
Swims atBottomBottom
GroupGroups of 5+Alone or in pairs
DietOmnivoreOmnivore

Better tank mates for clown loaches

All clown loach tank mates

Better tank mates for firemouth cichlids

All firemouth cichlid tank mates

Questions

Can clown loaches live with firemouth cichlids?

Yes. Clown loaches and firemouth cichlids make a good pair. Both are fine at 77–86°F. Plan on at least 75 gal.

What temperature suits both clown loaches and firemouth cichlids?

77–86 °F. Clown loaches need 77–86 °F, firemouth cichlids need 75–86 °F.

What size tank do clown loaches and firemouth cichlids need together?

At least 75 gal, set by the clown loach. Add space for each extra fish.