Can hillstream loaches live with bichirs?

Verdict
No

No. Hillstream loaches and bichirs should not share a tank. An adult bichir eats fish that fit in its mouth, and at 2.5 inches hillstream loaches do.

Hillstream loachHillstream loach68–75°F · pH 6.5–7.5 BichirBichir72–82°F · pH 6.5–7.5

What to watch

What works

Water side by side

55°60°65°70°75°80°85°90°Both: 72–75°Hillstream loach 68–75°Bichir 72–82°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 6.5–7.5Hillstream loach 6.5–7.5Bichir 6.5–7.5
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Hillstream loach · 2.5 inBichir · 12 in0"2"4"6"8"10"12"
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

Hillstream loachBichir
Temperature68–75 °F72–82 °F
pH6.5–7.56.5–7.5
Adult size2.5 in12.0 in
Minimum tank20 gal75 gal
TemperamentPeacefulSemi-aggressive
Swims atBottomBottom
GroupGroups of 3+Alone or in pairs
DietHerbivoreCarnivore

Better tank mates for hillstream loaches

All hillstream loach tank mates

Better tank mates for bichirs

All bichir tank mates

Questions

Can hillstream loaches live with bichirs?

No. Hillstream loaches and bichirs should not share a tank. An adult bichir eats fish that fit in its mouth, and at 2.5 inches hillstream loaches do.

What temperature suits both hillstream loaches and bichirs?

72–75 °F. Hillstream loaches need 68–75 °F, bichirs need 72–82 °F.

What size tank do hillstream loaches and bichirs need together?

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