Can neon tetras live with zebra loaches?

Verdict
Yes

Yes. Neon tetras and zebra loaches get along in the same tank. Both are fine at 73–79°F. Plan on at least 30 gal.

Neon tetraNeon tetra72–79°F · pH 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: 73–79°Neon tetra 72–79°Zebra loach 73–79°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 6–7Neon tetra 6–7Zebra loach 6–7.5
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

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

Neon tetraZebra loach
Temperature72–79 °F73–79 °F
pH6–76–7.5
Adult size1.5 in3.5 in
Minimum tank10 gal30 gal
TemperamentPeacefulPeaceful
Swims atMiddleBottom
GroupGroups of 6+Groups of 5+
DietOmnivoreOmnivore

Better tank mates for neon tetras

All neon tetra tank mates

Better tank mates for zebra loaches

All zebra loach tank mates

Questions

Can neon tetras live with zebra loaches?

Yes. Neon tetras and zebra loaches get along in the same tank. Both are fine at 73–79°F. Plan on at least 30 gal.

What temperature suits both neon tetras and zebra loaches?

73–79 °F. Neon tetras need 72–79 °F, zebra loaches need 73–79 °F.

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

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