Can hillstream loaches live with electric blue acaras?

Verdict
Yes

Yes. Hillstream loaches and electric blue acaras make a good pair. Both are fine at 72–75°F. Plan on at least 30 gal.

Hillstream loachHillstream loach68–75°F · pH 6.5–7.5 Electric blue acaraElectric blue acara72–82°F · pH 6.5–7.5

Why it works

Water side by side

55°60°65°70°75°80°85°90°Both: 72–75°Hillstream loach 68–75°Electric blue acara 72–82°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 6.5–7.5Hillstream loach 6.5–7.5Electric blue acara 6.5–7.5
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Hillstream loach · 2.5 inElectric blue acara · 6 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 loachElectric blue acara
Temperature68–75 °F72–82 °F
pH6.5–7.56.5–7.5
Adult size2.5 in6.0 in
Minimum tank20 gal30 gal
TemperamentPeacefulSemi-aggressive
Swims atBottomMiddle
GroupGroups of 3+Alone or in pairs
DietHerbivoreOmnivore

Better tank mates for hillstream loaches

All hillstream loach tank mates

Better tank mates for electric blue acaras

All electric blue acara tank mates

Questions

Can hillstream loaches live with electric blue acaras?

Yes. Hillstream loaches and electric blue acaras make a good pair. Both are fine at 72–75°F. Plan on at least 30 gal.

What temperature suits both hillstream loaches and electric blue acaras?

72–75 °F. Hillstream loaches need 68–75 °F, electric blue acaras need 72–82 °F.

What size tank do hillstream loaches and electric blue acaras need together?

At least 30 gal, set by the electric blue acara. Add space for each extra fish.