Can rosy barbs live with zebra loaches?

Verdict
Yes

Yes. Rosy barbs and zebra loaches make a good pair. Both are fine at 73–77°F. Plan on at least 30 gal.

Rosy barbRosy barb64–77°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: 73–77°Rosy barb 64–77°Zebra loach 73–79°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 6–7.5Rosy barb 6–7.5Zebra loach 6–7.5
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Rosy barb · 4 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

Rosy barbZebra loach
Temperature64–77 °F73–79 °F
pH6–7.56–7.5
Adult size4.0 in3.5 in
Minimum tank30 gal30 gal
TemperamentSemi-aggressivePeaceful
Swims atMiddleBottom
GroupGroups of 6+Groups of 5+
DietOmnivoreOmnivore

Better tank mates for rosy barbs

All rosy barb tank mates

Better tank mates for zebra loaches

All zebra loach tank mates

Questions

Can rosy barbs live with zebra loaches?

Yes. Rosy barbs and zebra loaches make a good pair. Both are fine at 73–77°F. Plan on at least 30 gal.

What temperature suits both rosy barbs and zebra loaches?

73–77 °F. Rosy barbs need 64–77 °F, zebra loaches need 73–79 °F.

What size tank do rosy barbs and zebra loaches need together?

At least 30 gal, set by the rosy barb. Add space for each extra fish.