Can hillstream loaches live with zebra loaches?

Verdict
Yes

Yes. Hillstream loaches and zebra loaches get along in the same tank. Both are fine at 73–75°F. Plan on at least 30 gal.

Hillstream loachHillstream loach68–75°F · pH 6.5–7.5 Zebra loachZebra loach73–79°F · pH 6–7.5

Why it works

Water side by side

55°60°65°70°75°80°85°90°Both: 73–75°Hillstream loach 68–75°Zebra loach 73–79°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 6.5–7.5Hillstream loach 6.5–7.5Zebra loach 6–7.5
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Hillstream loach · 2.5 inZebra loach · 3.5 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 loachZebra loach
Temperature68–75 °F73–79 °F
pH6.5–7.56–7.5
Adult size2.5 in3.5 in
Minimum tank20 gal30 gal
TemperamentPeacefulPeaceful
Swims atBottomBottom
GroupGroups of 3+Groups of 5+
DietHerbivoreOmnivore

Better tank mates for hillstream loaches

All hillstream loach tank mates

Better tank mates for zebra loaches

All zebra loach tank mates

Questions

Can hillstream loaches live with zebra loaches?

Yes. Hillstream loaches and zebra loaches get along in the same tank. Both are fine at 73–75°F. Plan on at least 30 gal.

What temperature suits both hillstream loaches and zebra loaches?

73–75 °F. Hillstream loaches need 68–75 °F, zebra loaches need 73–79 °F.

What size tank do hillstream loaches and zebra loaches need together?

At least 30 gal, set by the zebra loach. Add space for each extra fish.