The phylogeny of the catfish family Ariidae is hypothesised based on examination of material from almost all regions of the family's circumglobal distribution yet concentrating on Salmi Shelf taxa. Morphological and osteological characters were investigated to determine which would usefully contribute to construction of a phylogeny for the family: 57 characters were selected and 35 rejected. Reasons for acceptance or rejection, and selection of outgroup, are provided. The cladograms resulting from phylogenetic analyses, and the distribution of character states within the family revealed the significant influence of homoplasy: acceptance of such is a necessary step however, to arriving at a reasonable phylogeny for this apparently straightforward yet incredibly diverse catfish family. Monophyly of the family was confirmed chiefly on the basis of thirteen characters. Twenty-three genera are recognised, including three new genera, Amissidens, Cryptarills and Plicofollis. The genera are diagnosed, their relationships discussed, and their species composition and geographical distribution are stated. The difficulty of assigning some taxa is revealed by placing them as incertae sedae; and the lack of access to some material is acknowledged as a hindrance to completion of a global revision.