Can tiger barbs live with hillstream loaches?

Verdict
Yes

Yes. Tiger barbs and hillstream loaches make a good pair. Both are fine at 72–75°F. Plan on at least 30 gal.

Tiger barbTiger barb72–81°F · pH 6–7.5 Hillstream loachHillstream loach68–75°F · pH 6.5–7.5

Why it works

Water side by side

55°60°65°70°75°80°85°90°Both: 72–75°Tiger barb 72–81°Hillstream loach 68–75°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 6.5–7.5Tiger barb 6–7.5Hillstream loach 6.5–7.5
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Tiger barb · 3 inHillstream loach · 2.5 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

Tiger barbHillstream loach
Temperature72–81 °F68–75 °F
pH6–7.56.5–7.5
Adult size3.0 in2.5 in
Minimum tank30 gal20 gal
TemperamentSemi-aggressivePeaceful
Swims atMiddleBottom
GroupGroups of 6+Groups of 3+
DietOmnivoreHerbivore

Better tank mates for tiger barbs

All tiger barb tank mates

Better tank mates for hillstream loaches

All hillstream loach tank mates

Questions

Can tiger barbs live with hillstream loaches?

Yes. Tiger barbs and hillstream loaches make a good pair. Both are fine at 72–75°F. Plan on at least 30 gal.

What temperature suits both tiger barbs and hillstream loaches?

72–75 °F. Tiger barbs need 72–81 °F, hillstream loaches need 68–75 °F.

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

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