Can hillstream loaches live with rosy barbs?

Verdict
Yes

Yes. Hillstream loaches and rosy barbs get along in the same tank. Both are fine at 68–75°F. Plan on at least 30 gal.

Hillstream loachHillstream loach68–75°F · pH 6.5–7.5 Rosy barbRosy barb64–77°F · pH 6–7.5

Why it works

Water side by side

55°60°65°70°75°80°85°90°Both: 68–75°Hillstream loach 68–75°Rosy barb 64–77°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 6.5–7.5Hillstream loach 6.5–7.5Rosy barb 6–7.5
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Hillstream loach · 2.5 inRosy barb · 4 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 loachRosy barb
Temperature68–75 °F64–77 °F
pH6.5–7.56–7.5
Adult size2.5 in4.0 in
Minimum tank20 gal30 gal
TemperamentPeacefulSemi-aggressive
Swims atBottomMiddle
GroupGroups of 3+Groups of 6+
DietHerbivoreOmnivore

Better tank mates for hillstream loaches

All hillstream loach tank mates

Better tank mates for rosy barbs

All rosy barb tank mates

Questions

Can hillstream loaches live with rosy barbs?

Yes. Hillstream loaches and rosy barbs get along in the same tank. Both are fine at 68–75°F. Plan on at least 30 gal.

What temperature suits both hillstream loaches and rosy barbs?

68–75 °F. Hillstream loaches need 68–75 °F, rosy barbs need 64–77 °F.

What size tank do hillstream loaches and rosy barbs need together?

At least 30 gal, set by the rosy barb. Add space for each extra fish.