Can hillstream loaches live with pygmy corys?

Verdict
Yes

Yes. Hillstream loaches and pygmy corys make a good pair. Both are fine at 72–75°F. Plan on at least 20 gal.

Hillstream loachHillstream loach68–75°F · pH 6.5–7.5 Pygmy coryPygmy cory72–79°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°Pygmy cory 72–79°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 6.5–7.5Hillstream loach 6.5–7.5Pygmy cory 6–7.5
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Hillstream loach · 2.5 inPygmy cory · 1 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 loachPygmy cory
Temperature68–75 °F72–79 °F
pH6.5–7.56–7.5
Adult size2.5 in1.0 in
Minimum tank20 gal10 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 pygmy corys

All pygmy cory tank mates

Questions

Can hillstream loaches live with pygmy corys?

Yes. Hillstream loaches and pygmy corys make a good pair. Both are fine at 72–75°F. Plan on at least 20 gal.

What temperature suits both hillstream loaches and pygmy corys?

72–75 °F. Hillstream loaches need 68–75 °F, pygmy corys need 72–79 °F.

What size tank do hillstream loaches and pygmy corys need together?

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