[3] It was described by Patricia J. Kailola in 1990, originally under the genus Arius.

[1] It is endemic to Papua New Guinea, being only known from the Sepik and Ramu Rivers.

Its maximum known weight is 5 kg (11 lb).

[3] The diet of Neoarius coatesi includes Macrobrachium prawns, aquatic insects and worms, detritus, bark, seeds and bony fish such as Ophieleotris aporos.

[4] It has been recorded spawning all year round.