Can hillstream loaches live with cherry barbs?

Verdict
Yes

Yes, hillstream loaches and cherry barbs can live together. Both are fine at 73–75°F. Plan on at least 20 gal.

Hillstream loachHillstream loach68–75°F · pH 6.5–7.5 Cherry barbCherry barb73–81°F · pH 6–7.5

Why it works

Water side by side

55°60°65°70°75°80°85°90°Both: 73–75°Hillstream loach 68–75°Cherry barb 73–81°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 6.5–7.5Hillstream loach 6.5–7.5Cherry barb 6–7.5
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Hillstream loach · 2.5 inCherry barb · 2 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 loachCherry barb
Temperature68–75 °F73–81 °F
pH6.5–7.56–7.5
Adult size2.5 in2.0 in
Minimum tank20 gal20 gal
TemperamentPeacefulPeaceful
Swims atBottomMiddle
GroupGroups of 3+Groups of 6+
DietHerbivoreOmnivore

Better tank mates for hillstream loaches

All hillstream loach tank mates

Better tank mates for cherry barbs

All cherry barb tank mates

Questions

Can hillstream loaches live with cherry barbs?

Yes, hillstream loaches and cherry barbs can live together. Both are fine at 73–75°F. Plan on at least 20 gal.

What temperature suits both hillstream loaches and cherry barbs?

73–75 °F. Hillstream loaches need 68–75 °F, cherry barbs need 73–81 °F.

What size tank do hillstream loaches and cherry barbs need together?

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