Zaireichthys zonatus is a species of loach catfish endemic to the Democratic Republic of the Congo where it is found in the rapids just below Pool Malebo. It grows to a length of 2.5 cm. Its body has vertical bands with darkened margins. The humeral process of the pectoral girdle is short and with a few fine denticulations at its tips. The dorsal and pectoral fins have strong and stout spines. Z. zonatus is found only at the edges of a sandy areas, although their habitat is very rocky.