Cats that aren't afraid of the water

A new non-native catfish has been discovered in the Myakka River in Florida, according to this article in the Venice Gondolier (Bonus points to the Venice Gondolier for using the scientific name!). Known as the armored or mailed cat (Hoplosternum littorale), this South American species was first noted in the river this past February. Researchers are watching the fish carefully, concerned about their impact on native fish and snails. This isn't the first time a strange catfish has shown up in the Myakka: the vermiculated sailfin catfish (Pterygoplichthys disjunctivus) was spotted last year, though that tropical species is expected to have been harmed by a January cold snap.