Can hillstream loaches live with black skirt tetras?

Verdict
Yes

Yes, hillstream loaches and black skirt tetras can live together. Both are fine at 70–75°F. Plan on at least 20 gal.

Hillstream loachHillstream loach68–75°F · pH 6.5–7.5 Black skirt tetraBlack skirt tetra70–80°F · pH 6–7.5

Why it works

Water side by side

55°60°65°70°75°80°85°90°Both: 70–75°Hillstream loach 68–75°Black skirt tetra 70–80°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 6.5–7.5Hillstream loach 6.5–7.5Black skirt tetra 6–7.5
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Hillstream loach · 2.5 inBlack skirt tetra · 2.5 in0"1"2"3"4"5"6"
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 loachBlack skirt tetra
Temperature68–75 °F70–80 °F
pH6.5–7.56–7.5
Adult size2.5 in2.5 in
Minimum tank20 gal15 gal
TemperamentPeacefulSemi-aggressive
Swims atBottomMiddle
GroupGroups of 3+Groups of 6+
DietHerbivoreOmnivore

Better tank mates for hillstream loaches

All hillstream loach tank mates

Better tank mates for black skirt tetras

All black skirt tetra tank mates

Questions

Can hillstream loaches live with black skirt tetras?

Yes, hillstream loaches and black skirt tetras can live together. Both are fine at 70–75°F. Plan on at least 20 gal.

What temperature suits both hillstream loaches and black skirt tetras?

70–75 °F. Hillstream loaches need 68–75 °F, black skirt tetras need 70–80 °F.

What size tank do hillstream loaches and black skirt tetras need together?

At least 20 gal, set by the hillstream loach. Add space for each extra fish.