Can hillstream loaches live with chinese algae eaters?

Verdict
Yes, with care

Yes, with care. Hillstream loaches and chinese algae eaters can share a tank, but watch one thing. They only share 74–75°F. Keep the heater set there and steady.

Hillstream loachHillstream loach68–75°F · pH 6.5–7.5 Chinese algae eaterChinese algae eater74–80°F · pH 6–8

What to watch

What works

Water side by side

55°60°65°70°75°80°85°90°Both: 74–75°Hillstream loach 68–75°Chinese algae eater 74–80°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 6.5–7.5Hillstream loach 6.5–7.5Chinese algae eater 6–8
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Hillstream loach · 2.5 inChinese algae eater · 10 in0"2"4"6"8"10"
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 loachChinese algae eater
Temperature68–75 °F74–80 °F
pH6.5–7.56–8
Adult size2.5 in10.0 in
Minimum tank20 gal75 gal
TemperamentPeacefulSemi-aggressive
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 chinese algae eaters

All chinese algae eater tank mates

Questions

Can hillstream loaches live with chinese algae eaters?

Yes, with care. Hillstream loaches and chinese algae eaters can share a tank, but watch one thing. They only share 74–75°F. Keep the heater set there and steady.

What temperature suits both hillstream loaches and chinese algae eaters?

74–75 °F. Hillstream loaches need 68–75 °F, chinese algae eaters need 74–80 °F.

What size tank do hillstream loaches and chinese algae eaters need together?

At least 75 gal, set by the chinese algae eater. Add space for each extra fish.