Can otocinclus live with zebra loaches?

Verdict
Yes

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

Why it works

Water side by side

55°60°65°70°75°80°85°90°Both: 73–79°Otocinclus 72–79°Zebra loach 73–79°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 6–7.5Otocinclus 6–7.5Zebra loach 6–7.5
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Otocinclus · 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

OtocinclusZebra loach
Temperature72–79 °F73–79 °F
pH6–7.56–7.5
Adult size2.0 in3.5 in
Minimum tank20 gal30 gal
TemperamentPeacefulPeaceful
Swims atBottomBottom
GroupGroups of 6+Groups of 5+
DietHerbivoreOmnivore

Better tank mates for otocinclus

All otocinclus tank mates

Better tank mates for zebra loaches

All zebra loach tank mates

Questions

Can otocinclus live with zebra loaches?

Yes. Otocinclus 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 otocinclus and zebra loaches?

73–79 °F. Otocinclus need 72–79 °F, zebra loaches need 73–79 °F.

What size tank do otocinclus and zebra loaches need together?

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