Alligators, Beavers, and Capybaras Are "Fish"

When the Americas were being colonized and explored, many of the animals were unknown to the Europeans. Because many of the explorers were Catholic and bound by the law of the Church, sought clarification on what would be considered "meat" they could eat on Fridays - remember that you would abstain on all Fridays during this time.  Thus, they would send descriptions of the animals back to Rome and ask for clarification.

Interesting to note that because they are primarily water creatures, such animals as beavers, alligators, turtles, otters, manatees, and capybaras were all put under the "fish" title. In parts of South America, capybaras are still a regular item on the dinner table on Fridays in Lent.

I can imagine the letter about the capybaras (to the Pope) went something like this:

Your Holiness,

I have found a large tasty creature we all want to eat on Fridays.  Please advise whether this is would be considered a fish.  It stands several feet tall and looks like a gigantic guinea pig.  It is tasty, just as fish is, and swims in the water, just like fish.  The natives have taken a liking to the animal and if they don't get to eat it during Lent, they might all die.

Please advise whether this huge rodent is a fish.

In The New World,
I am,
Montel Montenegro Montemayor Monterey, S.J.