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 occur as far north as Mexico. Heptapteridae is derived from Greek, hepta meaning seven and pteron meaning fin.The diversity of this family is poorly known, and many species are yet to be described. So far, some 211 species have been described.