Centromochlus is a genus of small driftwood catfish in the family Auchenipteridae, found across the western Amazon basin, with atlas records from Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, and Venezuela. The 11 species covered here are diminutive by catfish standards, ranging from about 1.5–5.5 in, with the flattened head and broad, whisker-like barbels typical of the family. They are nocturnal and secretive, sheltering by day in crevices, hollow wood, and dense root tangles and emerging after dark to forage.
A few Centromochlus species have a modest following among specialist catfish keepers: Centromochlus orca, the orca catfish, is sought after for its bold black-and-white pattern reminiscent of its namesake whale, while Centromochlus perugiae, the honeycomb tatia, and Centromochlus heckelii, Heckel's driftwood catfish, also turn up occasionally in the trade. Most are peaceful, shy fish that appreciate driftwood and shaded hiding spots. Conservation data are sparse for the genus, with 7 of the 11 atlas species still Not Evaluated and the remaining 4 rated Least Concern.