Mata mata turtles are aquatic turtles that live in shallow waters in southern North America. They use camouflage to capture prey and can grow up to 43.18 centimeters long. They eat fish and invertebrates and can exist in captivity with an appropriately sized enclosure.
Mata mata turtles, Chelus fimbriatus, are aquatic turtles that live in the shallow waters of southern North America. They use extensive camouflage to protect and capture their prey. These turtles can grow 43.18 centimeters long and weigh 13.6 centimeters.
The habitat of this turtle includes southern North America, especially Brazil, the Guianas and Venezuela. They inhabit muddy, shallow ponds, lakes, and slow-moving rivers. Because mata matas don’t swim very well, they don’t live in deeper water 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 below the surface.
Typically, the mata mata turtle’s shell is black or brown with yellow or orange tint, while its skin can vary from an orange-brown to a gray-brown. Seen from above, the mata mata’s head forms a broad triangular shape with a long, thin snout. The tortoise also has distinctive flaps of skin around its neck. When hatched, mata mata turtles may be as little as 3 inches (7.62 centimeters) long, although adults can grow much larger. Their life expectancy is around 10 years.
The ability to remain camouflaged is one of the most significant traits of the mata mata turtle. Their coloration makes them look like rocks when underwater. Additionally, their unusual fringed skin can give them the appearance of seaweed while underwater.
Mata mata turtles eat mainly fish and various invertebrates. The camouflage helps them capture food, as do the flaps of skin on their necks. This extra skin is believed to contain nerves that can sense prey, even in murky water. Turtles wait for food to approach them, open their mouths and spread their throats, sucking the prey into their mouths. The water is drained from the mouth and the prey is swallowed whole.
Often found in zoos, the mata mata turtle can exist in captivity. They require an appropriately sized enclosure that is filled with shallow water. Since these turtles are rarely found on land, very little space should be devoted to dry surfaces. In captivity, mata matas can be fed live bait, such as minnows, but any type of fish will suffice as long as it is of the appropriate size.
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