[2][3][4] Its specific name refers to Zongolica, the area in Veracruz state where it occurs.

[3][4] Rhamdia zongolicensis is only known to occur in a single cave, Cueva del Túnel (Cueva del Ostoc), where it lives in stagnant pools.

[5] Rhamdia zongolicensis grows to at least about 15 cm (5.9 in) standard length.

It is related to the surface-dwelling Rhamdia laticauda, considered to be its sister species.

Because the surface species is nocturnal, and thereby adapted to darkness, the cave species shows only few new adaptations: elongated barbels and extreme ability to withstand starvation (at least seven months under experimental conditions).