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What is the Mata Mata?

B. Koch
B. Koch

Mata mata turtles, Chelus fimbriatus, are aquatic turtles that live in the shallow waters of northern South America. They use extensive camouflage for protection and to capture their prey. These turtles may grow to be 17 inches (43.18 centimeters) long and weigh 30 pounds (13.6 centimeters).

This turtle’s habitat includes northern South America, especially Brazil, the Guianas, and Venezuela. They inhabit muddy, shallow ponds, lakes, and slow moving rivers. Since mata matas do not swim very well, they do not live in deeper waters, and instead of swimming, they usually walk on the bottom of a stream or other shallow body of water. They are especially well adapted to these shallow waters, as they have a tubular nose extension that allows them to breathe while the rest of their body is just under the surface.

The mata mata’s habitat includes northern South America, especially Brazil, the Guianas, and Venezuela.
The mata mata’s habitat includes northern South America, especially Brazil, the Guianas, and Venezuela.

Typically, the shell of the mata mata turtle is black or brown with yellow or orange coloring, while its skin may range from an orange-brown to a grey-brown. Viewed from above, the head of the mata mata forms a broad triangle shape with a long, slender snout. The turtle also has distinctive flaps of skin around its neck. When they hatch, mata mata turtles may be only 3 inches (7.62 centimeters) long, though adults may become much larger. Their life expectancy about 10 years.

The ability to remain camouflaged is one of the most significant traits of the mata mata turtle. Their coloring causes them to look like rocks when they are under the water. In addition, their unusual, fringed skin can give them the appearance of algae while they are underwater.

Mata mata turtles eat primarily fish and various invertebrates. Camouflage helps them to capture food, as do the flaps of skin on the neck. This extra skin is believed to contain nerves that can sense prey, even in murky waters. The turtles wait for food to come close to them, open their mouths, and expand their throats, sucking the prey into their mouths. The water is drained out of the mouth, and the prey is swallowed whole.

Often found in zoos, the mata mata turtle can exist in captivity. They require an enclosure of the appropriate size that is filled with shallow water. Since these turtles are rarely found on shore, very little space must be devoted to dry surface areas. In captivity, mata matas can be fed live bait fish, such as minnows, yet any type of fish will suffice as long as it is of the appropriate size.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Mata Mata?

The Mata Mata is a freshwater turtle known for its distinctive appearance, with a triangular, flattened head and a body resembling a piece of bark. Native to South America, particularly the Amazon and Orinoco basins, it is an aquatic species that relies on its camouflage to ambush prey, primarily feeding on fish.

How does the Mata Mata catch its prey?

The Mata Mata is an ambush predator that uses its unique, camouflaged appearance to blend into the surrounding vegetation. It catches prey by creating a vacuum when it opens its mouth quickly, sucking in water and the unsuspecting fish, which it swallows whole without chewing, due to its specially adapted mouth.

Can Mata Matas live on land?

Mata Matas are primarily aquatic and spend most of their life in water. They are not adept at moving on land due to their heavy, flattened bodies and prefer shallow, slow-moving waters where they can reach the surface to breathe. They do, however, emerge to lay eggs on land.

What is the size of a Mata Mata turtle?

Adult Mata Mata turtles can grow quite large, with shell lengths reaching up to 45 centimeters (18 inches) and some individuals weighing up to 15 kilograms (33 pounds). Their size makes them one of the larger freshwater turtle species in their native habitat.

Is the Mata Mata turtle endangered?

As of my knowledge cutoff in 2023, the Mata Mata turtle is not listed as endangered. However, like many species, it faces threats from habitat destruction, pollution, and the illegal pet trade. Conservation efforts are important to ensure its survival in the wild.

How do Mata Mata turtles reproduce?

Mata Mata turtles mate in the water, and females lay eggs on land, typically in a sandy or muddy bank. A clutch can contain 12 to 28 eggs, which hatch after about 200 days. The sex of the hatchlings is determined by the incubation temperature, a common trait among many reptiles.

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    • The mata mata’s habitat includes northern South America, especially Brazil, the Guianas, and Venezuela.
      By: bogdanserban
      The mata mata’s habitat includes northern South America, especially Brazil, the Guianas, and Venezuela.