As of 2007, 31 genera and 78 species are in this family.[1]Wertheimeria is considered to be the sister taxon to all other doradids.[6] This family is monophyletic and contains the subfamilies Doradinae, Astrodoradinae and Wertheimerinae.[3]
Doradids are easily recognized by a well-developed nuchal shield in front of the dorsal fin, as well as well-developed bony lumps along the lateral line that form thorny scutes.[1] Also, doradids typically have three pairs of barbels (no nasal barbels), an adipose fin, and four to six rays on the dorsal fin with a spine on the anterior (first) ray.[7] These fish are sometimes called "talking catfish" because of their ability to produce sound by moving their pectoral spine or vibrating their swim bladder.[7] Sizes range from 3.5 cm (1.4 in) SL in Physopyxis lyra to 120 cm (47 in) FL and 20 kg (44 lb) in Oxydoras niger.[6]
^Birindelli, J.L.O. & Sabaj Pérez, M. (2011): Ossancora, new genus of thorny catfish (Teleostei: Siluriformes: Doradidae) with description of one new species. Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, 161: 117–152.
^ abBirindelli, J.L.O. (2014): Phylogenetic relationships of the South American Doradoidea (Ostariophysi: Siluriformes). Neotropical Ichthyology 12(3): 451–564.
