Can chinese algae eaters live with zebra loaches?

Verdict
Yes

Yes. Chinese algae eaters and zebra loaches make a good pair. Both are fine at 74–79°F. Plan on at least 75 gal.

Chinese algae eaterChinese algae eater74–80°F · pH 6–8 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: 74–79°Chinese algae eater 74–80°Zebra loach 73–79°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 6–7.5Chinese algae eater 6–8Zebra loach 6–7.5
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Chinese algae eater · 10 inZebra loach · 3.5 in0"2"4"6"8"10"
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

Chinese algae eaterZebra loach
Temperature74–80 °F73–79 °F
pH6–86–7.5
Adult size10.0 in3.5 in
Minimum tank75 gal30 gal
TemperamentSemi-aggressivePeaceful
Swims atBottomBottom
GroupAlone or in pairsGroups of 5+
DietHerbivoreOmnivore

Better tank mates for chinese algae eaters

All chinese algae eater tank mates

Better tank mates for zebra loaches

All zebra loach tank mates

Questions

Can chinese algae eaters live with zebra loaches?

Yes. Chinese algae eaters and zebra loaches make a good pair. Both are fine at 74–79°F. Plan on at least 75 gal.

What temperature suits both chinese algae eaters and zebra loaches?

74–79 °F. Chinese algae eaters need 74–80 °F, zebra loaches need 73–79 °F.

What size tank do chinese algae eaters and zebra loaches need together?

At least 75 gal, set by the chinese algae eater. Add space for each extra fish.