Can zebra plecos live with pencilfish?

Verdict
Yes

Yes. Zebra plecos and pencilfish make a good pair. Both are fine at 79–82°F. Plan on at least 30 gal.

Zebra plecoZebra pleco79–88°F · pH 6–7.5 PencilfishPencilfish75–82°F · pH 5–7.5

Why it works

Water side by side

55°60°65°70°75°80°85°90°Both: 79–82°Zebra pleco 79–88°Pencilfish 75–82°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 6–7.5Zebra pleco 6–7.5Pencilfish 5–7.5
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Zebra pleco · 3.5 inPencilfish · 2 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

Zebra plecoPencilfish
Temperature79–88 °F75–82 °F
pH6–7.55–7.5
Adult size3.5 in2.0 in
Minimum tank30 gal15 gal
TemperamentPeacefulPeaceful
Swims atBottomMiddle
GroupAlone or in pairsGroups of 6+
DietCarnivoreOmnivore

Better tank mates for zebra plecos

All zebra pleco tank mates

Better tank mates for pencilfish

All pencilfish tank mates

Questions

Can zebra plecos live with pencilfish?

Yes. Zebra plecos and pencilfish make a good pair. Both are fine at 79–82°F. Plan on at least 30 gal.

What temperature suits both zebra plecos and pencilfish?

79–82 °F. Zebra plecos need 79–88 °F, pencilfish need 75–82 °F.

What size tank do zebra plecos and pencilfish need together?

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