Papuan Eel-catfish - (Plotosus papuensis)

🐟 Papuan Eel-Catfish – (Plotosus papuensis) – Unique Freshwater Catfish for Sale

The Papuan Eel-Catfish is an unusual and striking freshwater species native to New Guinea and parts of Indonesia. With its elongated eel-like body, distinctive barbels, and fascinating behavior, it’s a true centerpiece for advanced aquarists. This species thrives in large, well-filtered aquariums with sandy substrates and ample hiding spaces, offering both visual appeal and unique biological interest.

🔎 Quick Facts – Papuan Eel-Catfish

• 📛 Common Name: Papuan Eel-Catfish
• 🔬 Scientific Name: Plotosus papuensis
• 🌍 Origin: New Guinea, Indonesia
• 🎨 Appearance: Long, slender body with subtle mottled patterns and whiskered face
• 📏 Max Size: 20–24 inches (50–60 cm)
• 💎 Availability: Exotic freshwater catfish for sale

😇 Behavior & Temperament

• ⚠️ Semi-aggressive; may prey on smaller fish
• 🌙 Nocturnal, more active at night or during feeding
• 🪵 Likes burrowing and hiding in caves, PVC tubes, or driftwood

🏠 Tank Requirements

• 📦 Minimum Tank Size: 125+ gallons
• 🪵 Provide caves, rock structures, and driftwood for cover
• 🏖️ Fine sand substrate to protect delicate barbels
• 💡 Low to moderate lighting

💧 Water Parameters

• 🌡️ Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
• ⚗️ pH: 6.8–7.8
• 💧 Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard

🍽️ Diet (Carnivorous)

• 🦐 Frozen and live foods such as shrimp, bloodworms, and earthworms
• 🐟 Chopped fish and high-quality sinking carnivore pellets
• 🚫 Avoid small tankmates that can be eaten

📋 Overview Table – Papuan Eel-Catfish Care

⚠️ Important Biological Note – The Dendritic Organ
There is nothing wrong with this catfish near its anal fin — what you are seeing is the Dendritic Organ.

• The Dendritic Organ is a small, fleshy external structure located on the ventral caudal surface of Plotosidae catfishes.
• Present in both males and females from early development, it sits near the urogenital papilla.
• Its parenchymal cells form glandular acini, surrounded by a stratified squamous epithelium.
• Morphological studies of the gills and Dendritic Organ in Plotosus lineatus show similarities to ionocytes in fish gills and rectal gland cells in elasmobranchs.
• Do not attempt to remove it — it is 100% essential to the fish’s survival and no treatment is necessary.

✨ Highlight:
The Papuan Eel-Catfish combines the mystique of an eel with the whiskered charm of a catfish. Its rare biology, including the unique Dendritic Organ, makes it a fascinating addition for serious fishkeepers who value both science and beauty in their aquariums.