Can kuhli loaches live with firemouth cichlids?

Verdict
Yes

Yes, kuhli loaches and firemouth cichlids can live together. Both are fine at 75–86°F. Plan on at least 30 gal.

Kuhli loachKuhli loach75–86°F · pH 5.5–7 Firemouth cichlidFiremouth cichlid75–86°F · pH 6.5–8

Why it works

Water side by side

55°60°65°70°75°80°85°90°Both: 75–86°Kuhli loach 75–86°Firemouth cichlid 75–86°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 6.5–7Kuhli loach 5.5–7Firemouth cichlid 6.5–8
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Kuhli loach · 3.5 inFiremouth cichlid · 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

Kuhli loachFiremouth cichlid
Temperature75–86 °F75–86 °F
pH5.5–76.5–8
Adult size3.5 in6.0 in
Minimum tank20 gal30 gal
TemperamentPeacefulSemi-aggressive
Swims atBottomBottom
GroupGroups of 6+Alone or in pairs
DietOmnivoreOmnivore

Better tank mates for kuhli loaches

All kuhli loach tank mates

Better tank mates for firemouth cichlids

All firemouth cichlid tank mates

Questions

Can kuhli loaches live with firemouth cichlids?

Yes, kuhli loaches and firemouth cichlids can live together. Both are fine at 75–86°F. Plan on at least 30 gal.

What temperature suits both kuhli loaches and firemouth cichlids?

75–86 °F. Kuhli loaches need 75–86 °F, firemouth cichlids need 75–86 °F.

What size tank do kuhli loaches and firemouth cichlids need together?

At least 30 gal, set by the firemouth cichlid. Add space for each extra fish.