Can oscars live with hillstream loaches?
Verdict
No
No. Oscars and hillstream loaches should not share a tank. An adult oscar eats fish that fit in its mouth, and at 2.5 inches hillstream loaches do.
What to watch
- Deal breakerAn adult oscar eats fish that fit in its mouth, and at 2.5 inches hillstream loaches do.
- Watch outThey only share 74–75°F. Keep the heater set there and steady.
What works
- pH 6.5–7.5 suits both.
- They use different parts of the tank: oscars the mid, hillstream loaches the bottom.
Water side by side
Size to scale
Care at a glance
| Oscar | Hillstream loach | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 74–81 °F | 68–75 °F |
| pH | 6–8 | 6.5–7.5 |
| Adult size | 12.0 in | 2.5 in |
| Minimum tank | 75 gal | 20 gal |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive | Peaceful |
| Swims at | Middle | Bottom |
| Group | Alone or in pairs | Groups of 3+ |
| Diet | Carnivore | Herbivore |
Better tank mates for oscars
Common plecoYes
Clown loachYes
Black ghost knifeYes
BichirYes
Elephant nose fishYes
Chinese algae eaterYes
Better tank mates for hillstream loaches
All hillstream loach tank mates
Questions
Can oscars live with hillstream loaches?
No. Oscars and hillstream loaches should not share a tank. An adult oscar eats fish that fit in its mouth, and at 2.5 inches hillstream loaches do.
What temperature suits both oscars and hillstream loaches?
74–75 °F. Oscars need 74–81 °F, hillstream loaches need 68–75 °F.
What size tank do oscars and hillstream loaches need together?
At least 75 gal, set by the oscar. Add space for each extra fish.