The family Amphiliidae has three subfamilies, Amphiliinae, Leptoglanidinae (previously misspelled Leptoglaninae), and Doumeinae.

[3] The Amphiliidae have been previously thought to be a basal taxon in the superfamily Loricarioidea, but some authors place their relationships elsewhere.

The pectoral and ventral fins are large, and the first ray of each is usually broad, flexible, and filamentous.

[2] The small mouth is located on the underside of the head, and has thick lips bearing several soft lumps (papillae).

The lips, together with tentacles, and with minute spines on the fin rays, enable the fish to grip solid surfaces, so they can hold on in fast-moving streams.