[5] Anotomys leander is the only member of its genus, which belongs the tribe Ichthyomyini, subfamily Sigmodontinae and family Cricetidae.

[5] Their habitat is primarily wetlands that have streams, but also includes grassy paramo and mossy elfin forest edge.

The aquatic rat possess several distinctive characteristics, many of which can also be found in closely related ichthyomyines.

[6] This genus hunts along the edge of streams using their vibrissae and once prey is caught the rodent takes it to a safe place (sometimes a burrow) on land to eat.

Because they rely on a partially aquatic habitat, water pollution, such as oil spills, also poses a serious threat.