Can hillstream loaches live with pencilfish?

Verdict
Yes, with care

Yes, with care. Hillstream loaches and pencilfish 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 PencilfishPencilfish75–82°F · pH 5–7.5

What to watch

What works

Water side by side

55°60°65°70°75°80°85°90°Both: 75°Hillstream loach 68–75°Pencilfish 75–82°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 6.5–7.5Hillstream loach 6.5–7.5Pencilfish 5–7.5
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Hillstream loach · 2.5 inPencilfish · 2 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 loachPencilfish
Temperature68–75 °F75–82 °F
pH6.5–7.55–7.5
Adult size2.5 in2.0 in
Minimum tank20 gal15 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 pencilfish

All pencilfish tank mates

Questions

Can hillstream loaches live with pencilfish?

Yes, with care. Hillstream loaches and pencilfish 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 pencilfish?

75–75 °F. Hillstream loaches need 68–75 °F, pencilfish need 75–82 °F.

What size tank do hillstream loaches and pencilfish need together?

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