Dentectus barbarmatus is the only species of the monotypic genus Dentectus, a genus of armored catfish.[1] [2]
This species is endemic to Venezuela where it is found in the upper Orinoco drainage.[1] There is very little ecological and behavioral information on this species.[1]
This species reaches 13.7cm (05.4inches) SL. Although it has been placed within the Pseudohemiodon group based on its strongly depressed body, filamentous lips with long fringed barbels, and small, spoon-shaped and dentition, Dentectus also shows unique derived features such as the presence of plates along the outer margin of its maxillary barbels, and a unique mouth structure that distinguishes it from all other genera.[1]