Can hillstream loaches live with clown plecos?

Verdict
Yes

Yes. Hillstream loaches and clown plecos make a good pair. Both are fine at 73–75°F. Plan on at least 20 gal.

Hillstream loachHillstream loach68–75°F · pH 6.5–7.5 Clown plecoClown pleco73–82°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°Clown pleco 73–82°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 6.5–7.5Hillstream loach 6.5–7.5Clown pleco 6.5–7.5
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Hillstream loach · 2.5 inClown pleco · 3.5 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 loachClown pleco
Temperature68–75 °F73–82 °F
pH6.5–7.56.5–7.5
Adult size2.5 in3.5 in
Minimum tank20 gal20 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 clown plecos

All clown pleco tank mates

Questions

Can hillstream loaches live with clown plecos?

Yes. Hillstream loaches and clown plecos make a good pair. Both are fine at 73–75°F. Plan on at least 20 gal.

What temperature suits both hillstream loaches and clown plecos?

73–75 °F. Hillstream loaches need 68–75 °F, clown plecos need 73–82 °F.

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

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