No matter how much we think we already know, it seems that there will always be new things in this world that challenge our way of thinking. One such thing is a newly discovered species of catfish that has been found climbing around the rivers of Venezuela. That’s right, I said climbing. This catfish is challenging scientist’s methods of classification, and defying their attempts to explain its existence.

Some of you may have heard of a species of catfish that can walk (Astroblepidae), because of its bony pectoral fins and special muscles it has developed. The species found in Venezuela is very similar to these fish; however, it has another set of characteristics found only in armored catfish (Loricariidae). These Venezuelan catfish have a thick epidermis, armored skulls, and their mouths are more like that of suckers; all of which are traits of the armored catfish. The mystery doesn’t stop there, though. These new catfish also have a special armored plate on their stomach with tiny backward facing spikes, a trait never before seen on any species of fish.

These Venezuelan catfish will use their mouth to suction themselves to a rock, and then use their stomach plating to hang on while they move their mouth a little further up the rock, moving much like a caterpillar. In this manner, they can inch their way up a vertical face. The rivers in Venezuela are not flat, meandering streams like we have here in the US. They are full of roaring rapids and towering waterfalls. If a fish cannot navigate these water features, it is confined to one pool for its whole life. They could not spread their territory, nor search for more fertile waters. The armor-like skin of these fish helps them withstand intense pressure, despite their small size. It seems that they were specifically designed to navigate these waterfalls, and they excel at it!

So, what does all this mean. Scientists struggle to explain how these fish developed such specific traits. It seems that someone actually took the best parts from two different species, and pieced together this fish so it could live in this specific area. To me, this Venezuelan catfish speaks of the wonderfully creative works of God. God is not bound by our scientific rules, and He is able to create things that are specifically designed to accomplish a certain purpose. He doesn’t need evolution or trial and error, for He knows His purposes and how to accomplish them. These specific traits on this catfish could not have come together by chance. God gave this catfish unique abilities, so that it could live and thrive in this unique environment. So, that forces us to ask the question: what purpose did He have in mind when He created me?

Psalm 148 shows us that all of creation serves to praise the Creator, and clearly this catfish shows us a glimpse of God’s creative abilities which defy our understanding. If we are created, then we are also to praise God. Colossians 3:17 teaches that everything we do or say should praise God. Is this true of your life today? Are you glorifying God in your words and actions? What about when school piles up? When you boyfriend/girlfriend dumps you, how do you react? Are you still praising God, and greatful for all that HE has done for you... These are tough questions, but ones that we must ask ourselves.

Psalm 150:6 says “let everything that has breath praise the Lord”. If even a small catfish, lost in the Venezuelan jungles, can serve to show God’s glory, then we certainly should be able to as well. Remember your Creator, and seek to praise Him with every part of your life today!