Hillstream Loach tank mates
Sewellia lineolata
5 rated pairings from the Hillstream Loach care guide. Compatibility here means water, temperament, tank zone and adult size all line up — the note on each card says why. Hillstream Loach needs at least 20 gallons on its own; every companion adds to that.
Excellent matches
2 · Same water, complementary zones, no conflict.
Otocinclus
Otocinclus vittatus
10 gal min · 1.5" adult · Peaceful
Similar algae-grazing herbivores with peaceful temperament and comparable water parameter needs
Amano Shrimp
Caridina multidentata
10 gal min · 2" adult · Peaceful
Excellent algae eaters that share similar grazing behavior and water parameter requirements
Good matches
3 · Compatible with normal care — watch space and numbers.
Emerald Dwarf Rasbora
Danio erythromicron
10 gal min · 1" adult · Peaceful
Small, peaceful fish that occupy mid-water zones and prefer similar cool, clean water conditions
Celestial Pearl Danio
Danio margaritatus
10 gal min · 1" adult · Peaceful
Tiny, peaceful danios that thrive in cool water and won't compete for bottom space
Red Cherry Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi
5 gal min · 1.2" adult · Peaceful
Small, peaceful invertebrates that benefit from high water flow and similar cool temperatures
Also recommended alongside Hillstream Loach
Species whose own guides list Hillstream Loach as a tank mate.
Panda Garra
Garra flavatra
30 gal min · 3.5" adult · Peaceful
Borneo Sucker Loach
Gastromyzon punctulatus
20 gal min · 2" adult · Peaceful
Butterfly Hillstream Loach
Beaufortia kweichowensis
30 gal min · 2.5" adult · Peaceful
Canadian Waterweed
Elodea canadensis
Chinese Hillstream Loach
Pseudogastromyzon myersi
20 gal min · 2.5" adult · Peaceful
Planning this tank?
Run the whole stock list through the calculator — it checks bioload and schooling numbers, not just pairings.