Palometa picuda
Palometa picuda is a piranha native to the Río Paraguay and Río Paraná drainages in Argentina. It shares water with the better-known dorado and pacú in the warm, tannic rivers of the northeast, and is occasionally caught by anglers targeting other species.
Small, sharp-toothed, and territorial, it's a curiosity catch rather than a primary target.
Scientific Name: Serrasalmus marginatus
Also known as Piraña, Palometa
- Deep, laterally compressed body typical of piranhas; overall silver coloration with a reddish or orange tint on the belly and flanks.
- Most distinctive mark: a thick, black, V-shaped band across the front portion of the tail fin — the clearest field ID for this species among similar piranhas.
- Serrated belly keel and the characteristic piranha underbite with interlocking, razor-edged teeth.
- A modest-sized piranha; most fish run well under a foot in length.
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- Native to Argentina; found in the Río Paraguay and Río Paraná drainages, primarily in the warm northeastern provinces.
- Lives in rivers, backwater pools, and creeks — rivers and streams are its core habitat, both permanent and seasonal.
- Shows a preference for shaded areas with dense marginal or submerged vegetation, and will hold near tangles of roots and branches along the bank.
Key Locations
- Río Paraná and its associated backwaters and pools in the northeastern provinces — the core of its Argentine range.
- Río Paraguay drainage in the Chaco region, where warm, slow-moving waters and dense riparian vegetation suit it well.
Specific Spots
- Shaded undercut banks with overhanging vegetation — this fish gravitates toward cover and low light rather than open water.
- Backwater pools and creek mouths off the main river channel, where current slows and vegetation is dense.
- Submerged root tangles and woody debris; individuals hold feeding territories of a few square meters around this structure.
Palometa picuda FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Palometa picuda?
Cut fish or chunk meat bait on a wire trace is the most reliable approach; small metal spoons or spinners can also draw strikes near cover.
How do you catch Palometa picuda?
Palometa picuda is rarely a primary target; most catches come incidentally while fishing for other species in the Paraná and Paraguay drainages. Anglers who do target them fish cut bait near shaded, vegetated banks and backwater pools, always with a wire or heavy leader to survive the teeth.
What do Palometa picuda eat?
Feeds on fish and likely other animal matter; like many serrasalmids, some individuals may also take plant material. Small cut fish or chunk bait on a wire trace is the practical approach, the teeth will slice through monofilament quickly.
Where do Palometa picuda live?
Native to Argentina; found in the Río Paraguay and Río Paraná drainages, primarily in the warm northeastern provinces. Lives in rivers, backwater pools, and creeks, rivers and streams are its core habitat, both permanent and seasonal.
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