All four species were formerly classified in the genus
Monopterus until a 2020 study found significant genetic and osteological differences between them and the rest of
Monopterus, including unique and highly divergent characteristics in the
gill arch skeleton. This led to the species being classified in a new genus
Rakthamichthys, with "raktham" meaning "blood-red" in
Malayalam, as a reference to their distinctive coloration. == Species ==