Can pygmy corys live with zebra loaches?

Verdict
Yes

Yes. Pygmy corys 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°Pygmy cory 72–79°Zebra loach 73–79°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 6–7.5Pygmy cory 6–7.5Zebra loach 6–7.5
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Pygmy cory · 1 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

Pygmy coryZebra loach
Temperature72–79 °F73–79 °F
pH6–7.56–7.5
Adult size1.0 in3.5 in
Minimum tank10 gal30 gal
TemperamentPeacefulPeaceful
Swims atMiddleBottom
GroupGroups of 6+Groups of 5+
DietOmnivoreOmnivore

Better tank mates for pygmy corys

All pygmy cory tank mates

Better tank mates for zebra loaches

All zebra loach tank mates

Questions

Can pygmy corys live with zebra loaches?

Yes. Pygmy corys 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 pygmy corys and zebra loaches?

73–79 °F. Pygmy corys need 72–79 °F, zebra loaches need 73–79 °F.

What size tank do pygmy corys and zebra loaches need together?

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