Can platies live with zebra loaches?

Verdict
Yes

Yes. Platies 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°Platy 70–80°Zebra loach 73–79°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 7–7.5Platy 7–8.2Zebra loach 6–7.5
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Platy · 2.5 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

PlatyZebra loach
Temperature70–80 °F73–79 °F
pH7–8.26–7.5
Adult size2.5 in3.5 in
Minimum tank10 gal30 gal
TemperamentPeacefulPeaceful
Swims atMiddleBottom
GroupGroups of 3+Groups of 5+
DietOmnivoreOmnivore

Better tank mates for platies

All platy tank mates

Better tank mates for zebra loaches

All zebra loach tank mates

Questions

Can platies live with zebra loaches?

Yes. Platies 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 platies and zebra loaches?

73–79 °F. Platies need 70–80 °F, zebra loaches need 73–79 °F.

What size tank do platies and zebra loaches need together?

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