Its body is robust and elongated, of a mottled dark gray color. Instead of common scales, the sides are protected by a row of hard bony plates fitted with backward-curved spines that work as a true armor. It has three pairs of barbels at the mouth and sharp spines on its pectoral and dorsal fins that it can lock mechanically to defend itself. When taken out of the water it emits a strident, grunt-like sound, caused by the friction of its pectoral bones. Length: 40 to 60 cm. Weight: 2 to 4 kg.
Behaviour
An omnivore and all-terrain cleaner. It rakes the bottom with its sensory barbels, searching for fruit fallen from riverside trees, seeds, snails, organic remains and small crustaceans. Markedly crepuscular and nocturnal in habit.
How and when to see it
Year-round. Very easy to observe swimming near the docks, walkways or in calm bays at dusk, searching for food near the shore.
Where to see it in the Iberá
The gateways of the Great Iberá Park where armado (granulated catfish) has confirmed presence:
Tours to see it
Verified providers operating at the gateways where armado (granulated catfish) lives. You contact them directly on WhatsApp from the app.
- Esteros Ñe’é
Experiencias con relato local y mirada cultural sobre los esteros.★ 5.0 - Gaucho Argentino
Travesías a caballo por una red de refugios en el Iberá. Cabalgatas de varios días con…★ 5.0 - Irupé Excursiones
Senderismo guiado. Visita guiada a museos, lugares históricos, capillas y senderos del…★ 5.0 - Salvaje Iberá
Senderismo, cicloturismo, safari fotográfico, avistaje de fauna, paseos largos en el día…★ 5.0
Species profile
- Common nameArmado (granulated catfish)
- Scientific namePterodoras granulosus
- GroupFish
- StatusNo data
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