A new species of Pimelodella is described from several right‐bank tributaries of the Rio Madeira basin in Amazonas and Rondônia states, Brazil. The new species differs from all congeners by the supraoccipital process not reaching the anterior nuchal plate, 43–45 total vertebrae, maxillary barbels reaching between adpressed anal‐fin terminus and caudal‐fin origin, epiphyseal branch of supraorbital laterosensory canal emerging as two distantly‐positioned pores and a conspicuous black mark at distal third of dorsal fin, between dorsal‐fin spine and third branched ray. A detailed description of the cephalic laterosensory system of the new species is provided and contrasted with other Siluriformes and Ostariophysi. A discussion regarding homology of the catfish upper pectoral girdle bones is offered in light of modifications of the postotic and supratemporal lateral‐line canals. Based on the placement of the pterotic branch of the postotic canal, it is concluded that the extrascapula is fused to the pterotic in Siluriformes. Results presented herein offer an example of how lateral‐line morphology can be used as a compelling source of evidence to help determine homology of cranial and upper pectoral girdle bones.