Can pictus catfish live with zebra loaches?

Verdict
Yes

Yes. Pictus catfish and zebra loaches get along in the same tank. Both are fine at 73–79°F. Plan on at least 55 gal.

Pictus catfishPictus catfish72–79°F · pH 6–7.5 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°Pictus catfish 72–79°Zebra loach 73–79°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 6–7.5Pictus catfish 6–7.5Zebra loach 6–7.5
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Pictus catfish · 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

Pictus catfishZebra loach
Temperature72–79 °F73–79 °F
pH6–7.56–7.5
Adult size5.0 in3.5 in
Minimum tank55 gal30 gal
TemperamentSemi-aggressivePeaceful
Swims atBottomBottom
GroupGroups of 3+Groups of 5+
DietCarnivoreOmnivore

Better tank mates for pictus catfish

All pictus catfish tank mates

Better tank mates for zebra loaches

All zebra loach tank mates

Questions

Can pictus catfish live with zebra loaches?

Yes. Pictus catfish and zebra loaches get along in the same tank. Both are fine at 73–79°F. Plan on at least 55 gal.

What temperature suits both pictus catfish and zebra loaches?

73–79 °F. Pictus catfish need 72–79 °F, zebra loaches need 73–79 °F.

What size tank do pictus catfish and zebra loaches need together?

At least 55 gal, set by the pictus catfish. Add space for each extra fish.