The Heptapteridae are a family of catfish that originate from the Americas. Most species are restricted to South America, but Imparfinis lineatus, Nemuroglanis panamensis and Pimelodella chagresi are native to Panama, and Rhamdia species occur as far north as Mexico. The name Heptapteridae is derived from Greek, hepta meaning seven and pteron meaning fin. The Heptapteridae include a few troglobitic species in the genera Pimelodella, Rhamdia, and Taunayia, as well as in an undescribed genus.