Mata Mata Turtle Pet Ownership: Is It Advisable?

The mata mata turtle is a fascinating creature native to the Amazon basin and river system of South America. With its distinctive appearance, behaviour, and dietary habits, it is no surprise that this species has piqued the interest of many. But are they good pets? As fascinating as they are, mata mata turtles are not the most suitable pets for everyone. They are challenging to care for, requiring specific environmental conditions, a specialised diet, and a substantial amount of space. They are also fully aquatic, spending most of their time submerged in water, and are not fond of being handled or interacted with.

Mata mata turtles are expensive and can cost between $250 to $550

The cost of acquiring a mata mata turtle is a significant investment, and it is important to be aware of the ongoing expenses that come with owning one as a pet. These turtles require a carefully designed and maintained habitat, including an indoor pond or a large tank, specific water conditions, filtration systems, lighting, and dietary needs. These factors can add up quickly and should be carefully considered before bringing a mata mata turtle into your home.

The specialised care that mata mata turtles require is another factor that contributes to their expense. These turtles are fully aquatic and require a significant amount of space to move around freely. They are not adept swimmers and need a substrate to "walk on", such as a gravel mix, to provide traction. The water conditions for mata mata turtles can be challenging to get right, and the water quality must be carefully monitored and maintained.

In addition to the initial cost of the turtle, the ongoing expenses of food, supplements, and veterinary care should also be taken into account. Mata mata turtles are carnivorous and require a varied diet of live prey, such as fish, worms, mussels, and insects. They also need calcium and vitamin supplements, which can be tricky to administer due to their aquatic nature. Regular veterinary check-ups are important to ensure the turtle's health and detect any potential issues early on.

Overall, the mata mata turtle's expense is not limited to its purchase price. The cost of creating and maintaining a suitable habitat, as well as providing for its specialised care and dietary needs, can quickly add up. Therefore, it is crucial for potential owners to carefully consider the financial commitment required to provide a healthy and comfortable life for their pet mata mata turtle.

They are not social and prefer to be left alone

Mata mata turtles are not social creatures and prefer to be left alone. They are quintessential loners, cherishing their solitude and rarely venturing out of their comfort zones. They are not territorial, but their preference for solitude is undeniable. They are not enthusiastic about human interaction and are averse to being lifted from their watery haven.

Mata mata turtles are not adept swimmers and are more akin to statues standing in shallow waters. They have a preference for waters shallow enough to simply stand in, allowing them to effortlessly raise their snouts to the surface to breathe. This behaviour is a testament to the turtle's unique lifestyle and its adaptations to its specific environment.

Mata mata turtles are efficient ambush predators, dining mainly on fish in the wild. They remain largely motionless and camouflaged in the muddy waters they inhabit, allowing them to ambush their prey. They are not active hunters and are more of a "display pet" rather than a "fun pet".

In captivity, mata mata turtles require a wet, humid aquarium that mimics their native swamps and rainforests. They need a specific environment with warm, acidic water, a high tannin content, and moderate to heavy filtration. They also require a substrate to "walk on", such as a gravel mix, to give them traction.

Overall, mata mata turtles are not social creatures and prefer to be left alone. They are solitary, passive, and averse to human interaction, making them more suitable as a "display pet" rather than a traditional pet that requires handling and interaction.

They are not good swimmers and require a substrate to 'walk on'

Mata mata turtles are not strong swimmers. They prefer to walk on the soft, muddy beds of shallow pools of water, among leaf and plant debris. In captivity, they require a substrate to walk on, such as a gravel mix, to give them traction. They can also use rocks, wood pieces, and foliage to gain leverage for movement and create a more natural setting.

In the wild, mata mata turtles inhabit slow-moving streams, swamps, marshes, and stagnant pools. They are found in the Amazon basin and river system of the eastern Guianas in northern South America, including Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, and Bolivia. They are also found on the island of Trinidad.

Mata mata turtles are an aquatic species, but they are better suited for walking in shallow waters rather than swimming in open water. Their large, flat head features a long, snorkel-like snout that allows them to breathe by extending it above the water surface while remaining submerged. This behaviour is adapted to their specific environment and unique lifestyle.

In captivity, it is important to provide mata mata turtles with a suitable substrate, such as gravel, sand, or smooth pebbles, that allows them to walk and traverse easily. A dry zone or basking area is also essential, which can be created using smooth rocks or substantial logs. Aquatic or faux plants can offer hiding spots and help reduce stress levels.

The water conditions for mata mata turtles can be challenging to maintain, requiring a low pH and the presence of tannins from leaf litter, peat, and wood. The water temperature should be between 25-27 degrees Celsius, and filtration is necessary to ensure adequate water quality. An external filtration system is preferred over an internal one due to the size and destructive potential of the turtles.

They are carnivorous and eat a variety of fish, worms, mussels and insects

The mata mata turtle is a fascinating creature with a unique diet to match. As a carnivorous species, they feed on a variety of fish, worms, mussels and insects. In the wild, their diet consists mainly of fish, which they capture with remarkable efficiency. Mata mata turtles employ a special technique called "suction feeding", where they remain motionless and camouflaged in muddy waters, waiting for unsuspecting prey to come close. With lightning speed, they thrust out their long necks, open their large mouths, and create a low-pressure vacuum that sucks the prey into their mouths. The water is then expelled, and the fish is swallowed whole, as the structure of their mouths prevents them from chewing.

In captivity, the diet of mata mata turtles should be carefully curated to ensure they receive adequate nutrition. While their preferred food is live prey, they can be offered a diverse selection of foods, including earthworms, guppies, goldfish, minnows, mollies, and mussels. It is important to provide a sufficient quantity of food, as these turtles are slow feeders. Additionally, the fish in their diet provides a good source of calcium due to the ingestion of bones.

The mata mata turtle's carnivorous diet also extends beyond fish to include aquatic worms and insects. In the wild, they feed on small invertebrates, such as worms, mussels, crustaceans, and insects. This diverse diet contributes to their overall health and well-being.

As exotic pets, mata mata turtles require specific dietary considerations. While they can be fed a variety of live prey, it is important to ensure they receive the necessary calcium and vitamin supplements. The challenge lies in finding suitable supplements, as many are in the form of dust, which is not ideal for aquatic turtles. Specialized supplements like Beaphar Turtle Vit or Zoo Meds Dr. Turtle Slow Release Calcium Block are recommended to meet their nutritional needs.

The mata mata turtle's diet, both in the wild and in captivity, showcases their carnivorous nature and adaptability as predators. Their unique feeding technique and preference for live prey highlight the importance of providing a diverse and nutritious diet to support their health and development.

They are sensitive to their environment and require specific water conditions

The mata mata turtle is native to the freshwater habitats of South America, including the Amazon basin and river system of the eastern Guianas. They are an aquatic species, but they are not adept swimmers. Instead, they prefer to walk in shallow waters and require a substrate to 'walk on', such as a gravel mix, to give them traction.

Water conditions for the mata mata turtle can be quite challenging to get right. They require specific water conditions, including a low pH level of 5–5.5, warm water temperature, and tannins from leaf litter, peat, and wood. The water temperature for these turtles should range from 25–27°C, and the pH level should be slightly acidic, with a range of 5–5.5. To achieve this, you can use RO water as a source of low-pH freshwater and an aquarium heater to maintain the ideal temperature.

Additionally, filtration is necessary to maintain good water quality, and it is recommended to invest in an external filtration system rather than a smaller internal filter. When choosing a filter, it is important to incorporate a break in any falling water by using wood or rock to minimise disruption to the tank. Regular water changes are also essential, and it is recommended to replace about a third of the water volume weekly.

The mata mata turtle's environment should also include a variety of rocks, wood pieces, and foliage to provide good leverage for movement and create a more natural setting. These turtles will hide among the decor, and covered areas from surface foliage will make them feel more secure.

Frequently asked questions