[1] There are currently 18 recognized species in this genus:[2] Loricariichthys is distributed in most major freshwater drainages east of the Andes and north of Buenos Aires.

[3] Loricariichthys is widely distributed in the Amazon basin, the Paraná system, and coastal rivers of the Guiana and Brazilian Shields.

[1] An accessory respiration organ, consisting of a double respiratory purse connected to the distal end of the esophagus, is present in a number of species of Loricariichthys.

[3] The lower lip of immature males and females has two thick, cushionlike structures, which are covered with small papillae and have irregular fringes along the posterior edge.

Males use this enlarged lower lip to clasp and carry a cluster of developing eggs.