Can black neon tetras live with zebra loaches?

Verdict
Yes

Yes. Black neon tetras and zebra loaches make a good pair. Both are fine at 73–79°F. Plan on at least 30 gal.

Black neon tetraBlack neon tetra73–81°F · pH 5.5–7.5 Zebra loachZebra loach73–79°F · pH 6–7.5

Why it works

Water side by side

55°60°65°70°75°80°85°90°Both: 73–79°Black neon tetra 73–81°Zebra loach 73–79°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 6–7.5Black neon tetra 5.5–7.5Zebra loach 6–7.5
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Black neon tetra · 1.5 inZebra loach · 3.5 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

Black neon tetraZebra loach
Temperature73–81 °F73–79 °F
pH5.5–7.56–7.5
Adult size1.5 in3.5 in
Minimum tank15 gal30 gal
TemperamentPeacefulPeaceful
Swims atMiddleBottom
GroupGroups of 6+Groups of 5+
DietOmnivoreOmnivore

Better tank mates for black neon tetras

All black neon tetra tank mates

Better tank mates for zebra loaches

All zebra loach tank mates

Questions

Can black neon tetras live with zebra loaches?

Yes. Black neon tetras and zebra loaches make a good pair. Both are fine at 73–79°F. Plan on at least 30 gal.

What temperature suits both black neon tetras and zebra loaches?

73–79 °F. Black neon tetras need 73–81 °F, zebra loaches need 73–79 °F.

What size tank do black neon tetras and zebra loaches need together?

At least 30 gal, set by the zebra loach. Add space for each extra fish.