Source: Wikimedia Commons
Mata Mata
AdvancedChelus fimbriata
A South American aquatic turtle with unique leaf-mimicking appearance. Catches fish by suction with large mouth.
Difficulty
Advanced
Temperature
25〜32℃
Lifespan
15-30 years
Size
30-45cm
Humidity
40〜70%
Diet
Live fish
About
The mata mata (Chelus fimbriata) is a large freshwater turtle found in South America, primarily in the Amazon and Orinoco river basins. It is one of the most distinctive-looking turtles in the world, with a flattened, triangular head, a rough carapace covered in ridges and knobs, and extensive skin flaps and barbels that mimic submerged leaves and bark. Adults reach 30–45 cm in carapace length. The mata mata is a highly specialized sit-and-wait predator: it remains motionless on the riverbed until fish approach, then rapidly expands its throat to create suction that draws prey into its mouth. It is almost entirely aquatic and breathes by extending its long neck to the surface.
Lifespan of the Mata Mata
The Mata Mata lives 15-30 years.
Size of the Mata Mata
The Mata Mata grows to 30-45cm.
Temperature & humidity for the Mata Mata
In captivity it requires shallow water, warm temperatures of 26–30°C, and slightly acidic, tannin-rich water conditions.
Basic Info
Origin
South America, Amazon and Orinoco river basins
Lifespan
15-30 years
Size
30-45cm
Temperature
25〜32℃
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Accepted name: Chelus fimbriata (Schneider, 1783)
Synonyms: Chelys boulengerii Baur, 1890, Testudo bi-spinosa Daudin, 1802, Testudo fimbria Gmelin, 1789, Testudo fimbriata Schneider, 1783, Testudo matamata Bruguière, 1792, Testudo rapara Gray, 1831
Authority databases: GBIF · Reptile Database
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Regulations & Conservation Status
CITES Appendix II
Listed in Appendix II at CoP19 (2022).
Sources: CITES Checklist (Chelus fimbriata Appendix II; CoP19 2022)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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