Can hillstream loaches live with firemouth cichlids?

Verdict
Yes, with care

Yes, with care. Hillstream loaches and firemouth cichlids can share a tank, but watch one thing. They only share 75°F. Keep the heater set there and steady.

Hillstream loachHillstream loach68–75°F · pH 6.5–7.5 Firemouth cichlidFiremouth cichlid75–86°F · pH 6.5–8

What to watch

What works

Water side by side

55°60°65°70°75°80°85°90°Both: 75°Hillstream loach 68–75°Firemouth cichlid 75–86°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 6.5–7.5Hillstream loach 6.5–7.5Firemouth cichlid 6.5–8
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Hillstream loach · 2.5 inFiremouth cichlid · 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 loachFiremouth cichlid
Temperature68–75 °F75–86 °F
pH6.5–7.56.5–8
Adult size2.5 in6.0 in
Minimum tank20 gal30 gal
TemperamentPeacefulSemi-aggressive
Swims atBottomBottom
GroupGroups of 3+Alone or in pairs
DietHerbivoreOmnivore

Better tank mates for hillstream loaches

All hillstream loach tank mates

Better tank mates for firemouth cichlids

All firemouth cichlid tank mates

Questions

Can hillstream loaches live with firemouth cichlids?

Yes, with care. Hillstream loaches and firemouth cichlids can share a tank, but watch one thing. They only share 75°F. Keep the heater set there and steady.

What temperature suits both hillstream loaches and firemouth cichlids?

75–75 °F. Hillstream loaches need 68–75 °F, firemouth cichlids need 75–86 °F.

What size tank do hillstream loaches and firemouth cichlids need together?

At least 30 gal, set by the firemouth cichlid. Add space for each extra fish.