Can hillstream loaches live with pictus catfish?

Verdict
Yes

Yes. Hillstream loaches and pictus catfish get along in the same tank. Both are fine at 72–75°F. Plan on at least 55 gal.

Hillstream loachHillstream loach68–75°F · pH 6.5–7.5 Pictus catfishPictus catfish72–79°F · pH 6–7.5

Why it works

Water side by side

55°60°65°70°75°80°85°90°Both: 72–75°Hillstream loach 68–75°Pictus catfish 72–79°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 6.5–7.5Hillstream loach 6.5–7.5Pictus catfish 6–7.5
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Hillstream loach · 2.5 inPictus catfish · 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 loachPictus catfish
Temperature68–75 °F72–79 °F
pH6.5–7.56–7.5
Adult size2.5 in5.0 in
Minimum tank20 gal55 gal
TemperamentPeacefulSemi-aggressive
Swims atBottomBottom
GroupGroups of 3+Groups of 3+
DietHerbivoreCarnivore

Better tank mates for hillstream loaches

All hillstream loach tank mates

Better tank mates for pictus catfish

All pictus catfish tank mates

Questions

Can hillstream loaches live with pictus catfish?

Yes. Hillstream loaches and pictus catfish get along in the same tank. Both are fine at 72–75°F. Plan on at least 55 gal.

What temperature suits both hillstream loaches and pictus catfish?

72–75 °F. Hillstream loaches need 68–75 °F, pictus catfish need 72–79 °F.

What size tank do hillstream loaches and pictus catfish need together?

At least 55 gal, set by the pictus catfish. Add space for each extra fish.