Hemiancistrus species are mainly found in tropical and subtropical South America east of the Andes, but there is also species (‘H.’ landoni) in Pacific coast drainages of Colombia and Ecuador. The genus exhibits a large distribution area ranging from the Panama, in Central America, to southern Brazil. Many Hemiancistrus originate from the Guyanas, the Negro and Orinoco and the southern Amazonian tributaries. These fish prefer flowing water habitats of medium to large rivers.
