Can hillstream loaches live with rainbow sharks?

Verdict
Yes, with care

Yes, with care. Hillstream loaches and rainbow sharks can share a tank, but watch one thing. Rainbow sharks chase other bottom fish out of their patch.

Hillstream loachHillstream loach68–75°F · pH 6.5–7.5 Rainbow sharkRainbow shark72–80°F · pH 6.5–7.5

What to watch

What works

Water side by side

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

Size to scale

Hillstream loach · 2.5 inRainbow shark · 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 loachRainbow shark
Temperature68–75 °F72–80 °F
pH6.5–7.56.5–7.5
Adult size2.5 in6.0 in
Minimum tank20 gal55 gal
TemperamentPeacefulSemi-aggressive
Swims atBottomBottom
GroupGroups of 3+One per tank
DietHerbivoreOmnivore

Better tank mates for hillstream loaches

All hillstream loach tank mates

Better tank mates for rainbow sharks

All rainbow shark tank mates

Questions

Can hillstream loaches live with rainbow sharks?

Yes, with care. Hillstream loaches and rainbow sharks can share a tank, but watch one thing. Rainbow sharks chase other bottom fish out of their patch.

What temperature suits both hillstream loaches and rainbow sharks?

72–75 °F. Hillstream loaches need 68–75 °F, rainbow sharks need 72–80 °F.

What size tank do hillstream loaches and rainbow sharks need together?

At least 55 gal, set by the rainbow shark. Add space for each extra fish.