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.

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.