[3] This fish grew to about 13.8 centimetres (5.4 in) and was endemic to Colombia where it occurred in the Lake Tota basin.

The disappearance is possibly linked to the release of 100,000 imported rainbow trout eggs into Lake Tota in 1936.

[5] Specimens of R. totae are described as having eight rings of connective fat encircling the body and two large sections of fat tissue on the posterior part of the back and head.

No other trichomycterid has comparable organization of adipose tissue.

[6] This species is listed on Re:wild's top 25 most wanted lost species and currently a search using environmental DNA (eDNA) by the organization of SHOAL to hopefully find this species.