Can firemouth cichlids live with zebra loaches?

Verdict
Yes

Yes. Firemouth cichlids and zebra loaches make a good pair. Both are fine at 75–79°F. Plan on at least 30 gal.

Firemouth cichlidFiremouth cichlid75–86°F · pH 6.5–8 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: 75–79°Firemouth cichlid 75–86°Zebra loach 73–79°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 6.5–7.5Firemouth cichlid 6.5–8Zebra loach 6–7.5
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Firemouth cichlid · 6 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

Firemouth cichlidZebra loach
Temperature75–86 °F73–79 °F
pH6.5–86–7.5
Adult size6.0 in3.5 in
Minimum tank30 gal30 gal
TemperamentSemi-aggressivePeaceful
Swims atBottomBottom
GroupAlone or in pairsGroups of 5+
DietOmnivoreOmnivore

Better tank mates for firemouth cichlids

All firemouth cichlid tank mates

Better tank mates for zebra loaches

All zebra loach tank mates

Questions

Can firemouth cichlids live with zebra loaches?

Yes. Firemouth cichlids and zebra loaches make a good pair. Both are fine at 75–79°F. Plan on at least 30 gal.

What temperature suits both firemouth cichlids and zebra loaches?

75–79 °F. Firemouth cichlids need 75–86 °F, zebra loaches need 73–79 °F.

What size tank do firemouth cichlids and zebra loaches need together?

At least 30 gal, set by the firemouth cichlid. Add space for each extra fish.