Can hillstream loaches live with bristlenose plecos?

Verdict
Yes

Yes. Hillstream loaches and bristlenose plecos make a good pair. Both are fine at 73–75°F. Plan on at least 30 gal.

Hillstream loachHillstream loach68–75°F · pH 6.5–7.5 Bristlenose plecoBristlenose pleco73–81°F · pH 6.5–7.5

Why it works

Water side by side

55°60°65°70°75°80°85°90°Both: 73–75°Hillstream loach 68–75°Bristlenose pleco 73–81°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 6.5–7.5Hillstream loach 6.5–7.5Bristlenose pleco 6.5–7.5
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Hillstream loach · 2.5 inBristlenose pleco · 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 loachBristlenose pleco
Temperature68–75 °F73–81 °F
pH6.5–7.56.5–7.5
Adult size2.5 in5.0 in
Minimum tank20 gal30 gal
TemperamentPeacefulPeaceful
Swims atBottomBottom
GroupGroups of 3+Alone or in pairs
DietHerbivoreHerbivore

Better tank mates for hillstream loaches

All hillstream loach tank mates

Better tank mates for bristlenose plecos

All bristlenose pleco tank mates

Questions

Can hillstream loaches live with bristlenose plecos?

Yes. Hillstream loaches and bristlenose plecos make a good pair. Both are fine at 73–75°F. Plan on at least 30 gal.

What temperature suits both hillstream loaches and bristlenose plecos?

73–75 °F. Hillstream loaches need 68–75 °F, bristlenose plecos need 73–81 °F.

What size tank do hillstream loaches and bristlenose plecos need together?

At least 30 gal, set by the bristlenose pleco. Add space for each extra fish.