Can hillstream loaches live with red tail sharks?

Verdict
Yes, with care

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

Hillstream loachHillstream loach68–75°F · pH 6.5–7.5 Red tail sharkRed tail shark72–79°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°Red tail shark 72–79°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 6.5–7.5Hillstream loach 6.5–7.5Red tail shark 6.5–7.5
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Hillstream loach · 2.5 inRed tail shark · 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 loachRed tail shark
Temperature68–75 °F72–79 °F
pH6.5–7.56.5–7.5
Adult size2.5 in5.0 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 red tail sharks

All red tail shark tank mates

Questions

Can hillstream loaches live with red tail sharks?

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

What temperature suits both hillstream loaches and red tail sharks?

72–75 °F. Hillstream loaches need 68–75 °F, red tail sharks need 72–79 °F.

What size tank do hillstream loaches and red tail sharks need together?

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