Auchenipterichthys is a genus of driftwood catfishes in family Auchenipteridae, found across the western and central Amazon basin - the atlas's 4 species are recorded from Brazil, Peru, and Guyana. Unlike most catfish, auchenipterids are active, free-swimming fish that move well up into open water rather than staying pinned to the substrate, and many are most active at dusk and after dark. Atlas species run from about 11 to nearly 9 in, with the smooth, scaleless, often dark-barred or spotted body typical of the family.
Known in the trade as woodcats, species such as the zebra driftwood catfish (A. longimanus) and the Zamora woodcats (A. coracoideus and A. punctatus) are established, hardy aquarium fish - peaceful in groups, undemanding on diet, and active mainly after lights-out. Auchenipterids are also biologically notable for internal fertilization: males develop a modified anal fin used to transfer sperm, unusual among catfish, and some species show reversed sexual dimorphism with females growing larger than males. All four atlas species are currently assessed Least Concern.