Loricarioidea is currently diagnosed by the derived presence of a reduced gas bladder, encapsulated in expansions of the parapophysis of the first vertebrae, and of odontodes, small dermal denticles.
Loricarioidea is currently identified by the presence of a diminished gas bladder, enclosed within expansions of the parapophysis of the first vertebrae, and odontodes, small skin scales with teeth-like structures.