The gill opening is much larger than that of most loricariids.

The gill openings are narrow and restricted to the sides.

They have a single nostril and seven gill openings on either side.

The gill openings are relatively narrow and the eyes are small.

The gill openings are very small for the species' great size.

The gill openings are not as large as those in Rhinelepis.

They also have a pointed snout with a large gill opening and their head and body is usually dark brown.

In addition, the gill openings on either side of the head have fused together to form a single opening across the throat.

Those gill openings back of the head and not yet reached by the growth are breathing orifices.

The gill openings are small and inclined at an angle.