Can hillstream loaches live with gold barbs?

Verdict
Yes

Yes. Hillstream loaches and gold barbs make a good pair. Both are fine at 68–75°F. Plan on at least 20 gal.

Hillstream loachHillstream loach68–75°F · pH 6.5–7.5 Gold barbGold barb64–75°F · pH 6–8

Why it works

Water side by side

55°60°65°70°75°80°85°90°Both: 68–75°Hillstream loach 68–75°Gold barb 64–75°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 6.5–7.5Hillstream loach 6.5–7.5Gold barb 6–8
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Hillstream loach · 2.5 inGold barb · 3 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 loachGold barb
Temperature68–75 °F64–75 °F
pH6.5–7.56–8
Adult size2.5 in3.0 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 gold barbs

All gold barb tank mates

Questions

Can hillstream loaches live with gold barbs?

Yes. Hillstream loaches and gold barbs make a good pair. Both are fine at 68–75°F. Plan on at least 20 gal.

What temperature suits both hillstream loaches and gold barbs?

68–75 °F. Hillstream loaches need 68–75 °F, gold barbs need 64–75 °F.

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

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