Skip to content
PESA
ExploreYour catchSavedLog in
PESA
Join for free
Log in
Join for free
Armado (thorny catfish)
Freshwater species

Armado (thorny catfish)

An armored catfish, covered in bony plates and spines, that lives on the bottoms of the Paraná and the Río de la Plata.

In season
Which species?
Where?
Pterodoras granulosusPeak seasonDEC–FEBSIZE1–4 kgFOUND IN49 spots
Where to fishSeasonBait & tackleClosed seasonFAQ

Where to fish

Guides for armado (thorny catfish)

José Berloni
Soy guía hace mas de 30 años
Ask
L
Los Patos Pesca
Fishing guide
Ask
L
Las Calandrias
Fishing guide
Ask
A

Season

JANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJULAUGSEPOCTNOVDEC
  • Off
  • In season

Recent Armado (thorny catfish) catches

Nobody has posted a armado (thorny catfish) report yet. Post yours and get the catch card.

Be the first →

Habitat

Bottoms of the Paraná and Río de la Plata; it withstands turbidity and slow current.

Baits and lures

Worm, dough and cut bait on the bottom.

Recommended gear

Bottom fishing with cut bait or worm and medium hooks. Watch out for the dorsal and pectoral spines when handling it.

Fishing techniques

Fondo con carnada, de costa y embarcado. Cuidado al manipularlo: tiene espinas filosas.

Closed season & regulations

Closed seasons, minimum size and bag limits for armado (thorny catfish) are set by each province and change every year. The current rule is on each spot's page: confirm it before heading out.

Shops & clubs in the area

N
Náutica Paranacito
Náutica y bajada en Villa Paranacito, base…
C
Club de Pesca Náutico Baradero
C
Club Náutico San Pedro
A
Alumco Pesca
N

Ready to chase armado (thorny catfish)? Find guides who target this species and message them.

Plan your trip here→

Do you guide armado (thorny catfish) trips? Join for free and show up here →

Frequently asked questions about armado (thorny catfish)

Can you fish for Armado (thorny catfish) right now, in October?

Yes: October falls within the armado (thorny catfish) season. Its best time of year is dec–feb. Before heading out, check the fishing rule for the spot: closed seasons are set by each province.

What's the best time to fish Armado (thorny catfish)?

The best time for armado (thorny catfish) is dec–feb. Check each place's page for the bite calendar and to respect current closed seasons.

Where can you fish Armado (thorny catfish) in Argentina?

Some of the best places to fish armado (thorny catfish) are Río Baradero y costanera de Baradero, Río San Javier frente a Helvecia / muelle flotante, Puerto Valle, Boca del arroyo del Medio. On PESQA you get the map, access info, seasons and verified guides for each one.

Which provinces have Armado (thorny catfish)?
Aquellos Viejos Vagones
Fishing guide
Ask
R
Robles de Melo
Fishing guide
Ask
See all armado (thorny catfish) guides →
Do you guide armado (thorny catfish) trips? Join for free and show up here →

Drag the map and use + / − to explore the spots.

An armored catfish, covered in bony plates and spines, that lives on the bottoms of the Paraná and the Río de la Plata. Gregarious and hardy, it tolerates turbidity and slow current, and gives off a characteristic grunt when lifted from the water. It is fished on the bottom with worm or cut bait.

Best places

See all
Ambient photo
Campana
Buenos Aires
San Pedro
Buenos Aires
Ambient photo
Villa Paranacito (Delta)
Entre Ríos · 13 guides
Concordia
Entre Ríos · 1 guide
Reconquista
Santa Fe
Victoria (Entre Ríos)
Entre Ríos · 1 guide
Baradero
Buenos Aires
Zárate
Buenos Aires
Ituzaingó (Yacyretá)
Corrientes · 2 guides
Colón (río Uruguay)
Entre Ríos
Gualeguaychú
Entre Ríos
San Nicolás de los Arroyos
Buenos Aires
Fish for armado (thorny catfish) by province
Armado (thorny catfish) in Entre RíosArmado (thorny catfish) in Buenos AiresArmado (thorny catfish) in Santa FeArmado (thorny catfish) in CorrientesArmado (thorny catfish) in JujuyArmado (thorny catfish) in Chaco
  • Peak
  • The season runs from October to March
    Peak activity in dec–feb. Check the regulations and closed seasons in each province before heading out.
    Náutica San Pedro
    Guardería náutica y bajada de lanchas sobre…
    E
    El Remanso

    PESQA lists spots with armado (thorny catfish) in Entre Ríos, Buenos Aires, Santa Fe, Corrientes, Jujuy, Chaco.

    What bait is used for Armado (thorny catfish)?

    Worm, dough and cut bait on the bottom.

    See the other 10 questionsShow less
    What gear is used to fish Armado (thorny catfish)?

    Bottom fishing with cut bait or worm and medium hooks. Watch out for the dorsal and pectoral spines when handling it.

    How do you fish for Armado (thorny catfish)?

    Fondo con carnada, de costa y embarcado. Cuidado al manipularlo: tiene espinas filosas.

    Who can take me fishing for Armado (thorny catfish)?

    PESQA lists 8 guides working spots with armado (thorny catfish), among them José Berloni, Los Patos Pesca, Las Calandrias. Each has a page with services, area and contact details.

    Where do you look for Armado (thorny catfish) in the water?

    Bottoms of the Paraná and Río de la Plata; it withstands turbidity and slow current.

    Is there a closed season, minimum size or bag limit for Armado (thorny catfish)?

    Closed seasons, minimum size and bag limits for armado (thorny catfish) are set by each province and change every year. The current rule is on each spot's page: confirm it before heading out.

    How big does Armado (thorny catfish) get?

    1–4 kg

    What does armado (thorny catfish) look like?

    An armored catfish, covered in bony plates and spines, that lives on the bottoms of the Paraná and the Río de la Plata. Gregarious and hardy, it tolerates turbidity and slow current, and gives off a characteristic grunt when lifted from the water. It is fished on the bottom with worm or cut bait.

    Is Armado (thorny catfish) a freshwater or saltwater species?

    Armado (thorny catfish) is a freshwater species: rivers, lagoons and reservoirs.

    When is the worst time to go after Armado (thorny catfish)?

    Outside dec–feb the bite for armado (thorny catfish) slows down. The weakest months are apr–sep.

    What is the scientific name of Armado (thorny catfish)?

    The scientific name of Armado (thorny catfish) is Pterodoras granulosus.

    PESA

    The platform where anglers across Argentina and Latin America plan their next trip.

    Share PESQA
    WhatsApp · +54 9 11 6676-1000Instagram · @pesqa.ar
    Explore
    PlacesThe BiteSpeciesPesquedexGuidesLodgingMarinas and tackle shopsClubsCatches
    For your business
    Join for freeHow it worksPlans and pricingCorporate eventsBusiness dashboard
    Your account
    Log inCreate accountMy PESQAMagazine
    PESQA
    About usContactTermsPrivacyCancellationsWithdrawal button
    ExplorePlacesThe BiteSpeciesPesquedexGuidesLodgingMarinas and tackle shopsClubsCatches
    For your businessJoin for freeHow it worksPlans and pricingCorporate eventsBusiness dashboard
    Your accountLog inCreate accountMy PESQAMagazine
    PESQAAbout usContactTermsPrivacyCancellationsWithdrawal button
    © 2026 PESQA · Made on the shores of the Río de la Plata−34.6037, −58.3816 · Buenos Aires · English (EN)
    PESQA · CUIT 27-40306723-2 · Provincia de Buenos Aires · hola@pesqa.arQR Data Fiscal - Formulario Nro 960