Can cardinal tetras live with zebra loaches?

Verdict
Yes

Yes, cardinal tetras and zebra loaches can live together. Both are fine at 76–79°F. Plan on at least 30 gal.

Cardinal tetraCardinal tetra76–84°F · pH 4.6–7 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: 76–79°Cardinal tetra 76–84°Zebra loach 73–79°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 6–7Cardinal tetra 4.6–7Zebra loach 6–7.5
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Cardinal tetra · 2 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

Cardinal tetraZebra loach
Temperature76–84 °F73–79 °F
pH4.6–76–7.5
Adult size2.0 in3.5 in
Minimum tank20 gal30 gal
TemperamentPeacefulPeaceful
Swims atMiddleBottom
GroupGroups of 6+Groups of 5+
DietOmnivoreOmnivore

Better tank mates for cardinal tetras

All cardinal tetra tank mates

Better tank mates for zebra loaches

All zebra loach tank mates

Questions

Can cardinal tetras live with zebra loaches?

Yes, cardinal tetras and zebra loaches can live together. Both are fine at 76–79°F. Plan on at least 30 gal.

What temperature suits both cardinal tetras and zebra loaches?

76–79 °F. Cardinal tetras need 76–84 °F, zebra loaches need 73–79 °F.

What size tank do cardinal tetras and zebra loaches need together?

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