Dwarf chain loach and reticulated hillstream loach?

[Brett]

Hi All,

I have a 55 gallon with 7 reticulated hillstream loaches and 6 leopard danios. I was thinking about adding a school of dwarf chain loaches but am concerned about their “semi aggressive” label and them picking on the hillstream loaches. Anyone with experience?

[CJs Aquatics]

I think the tank would be large enough for the loaches to establish territories. They can be a bit scrappy in my experience but it has rarely led to high undo stress or any real damage, unless your a snail, small enough to fit in there mouth, or they just woke up on the wrong side of the rock. Speaking of, line of sight breaks, hides, (places that each fish can escape to if they are being bullied) and making sure to target feed each species and keep them full would resolve most issues in most cases. I don’t see why it wouldn’t be possible with proper preparation and monitoring.