The first species of the genus, S. parahybae, was described in 1877 by Franz Steindachner under the name Platystoma parahybae. Later, Carl H. Eigenmann and Rosa Smith Eigenmann described Steindachneridia, named for Steindachner, for this species and for S. amblyurum (designated as the type species) in 1888. The next year, Eigenmann and Eigenmann described S. doceanum. In 1918, Miranda Ribeiro described S. scriptum and S. scriptum punctatum; later, S. punctatum was studied and considered to be a species of its own. However, because Steindachneria was already being used, these fish were transferred to Steindachneridion in 1919.[1] The most recent species, S. melanodermatum, was described by Garavello in 2005.[1] This genus currently includes six extant species.[1]
Two fossil species of Steindachneridion have been found. The first to be described, S. iherengi (Woodward, 1898) was first described to Arius, but subsequently moved to Steindachneridion; though originally considered to be of Pleistocene age, it was later found to be actually of Oligocene age.[1] The second fossil species to be described was S. silvasantosi Figueiredo & Costa-Carvalho, 1999.[1]
The phylogenetic placement of Steindachneridion and its relationship to other pimelodid genera is unresolved.[1] These fish have been classified with Sorubim-like fish such as Brachyplatystoma and Pseudoplatystoma.[1][2] They have also been classified as being more closely related to Phractocephalus and Leiarius.[1]
Steindachneridion species originate from South America and are restricted to eastern Brazilian coastal drainages, plus the upper Paraná and Uruguay River basins.[1] S. amblyurus originates from the Jequitinhonha River basin.[4] S. doceanum originates from the Doce River basin.[5] S. melanodermatum originates from Iguaçu River in Brazil.[6] S. parahybae originates from Paraíba do Sul and Jequitinhonha River basins.[7] S. punctatum originates from the upper Paraná River and the Uruguay River basins.[8] S. scriptum originates from the Uruguay River.[9]
The large species of Steindachneridion always occur in swift-flowing, clear-water rivers running over large stony beds.[1] These fish are naturally scarce in their habitats.[1]
Steindachneridion species are large fish, reaching 100 cm (40 in) in total length or more.[1] S. doceanum reaches 42 cm (17 in) in standard length.[5] S. melanodermatum reaches a length of about 53.2 cm (21 in) SL.[6] S. punctatum reaches about 70 cm (28 in) SL.[8]