Mark Terry
The mata mata turtle, or matamata, is a fascinating species of freshwater turtle native to the Amazon and Orinoco basins in South America. With a distinctive appearance, including a large, triangular head and a long, snorkel-like snout, these turtles can grow to impressive sizes. In this article, we will explore just how big mata mata turtles can get and provide insight into their unique characteristics and behaviour.
What You'll Learn
Mata mata turtles can grow to nearly 45 cm (1.5 ft) in length
The mata mata turtle, also known as the matamata or mata-mata turtle, is a large species of freshwater turtle native to South America, specifically the Amazon and Orinoco basins. These turtles are known for their distinctive appearance, with a large, triangular head and a long, snorkel-like snout.
One of the most striking features of the mata mata turtle is its size. While the adult carapace (shell) can reach impressive lengths of up to 95 cm (37 inches), the turtles themselves typically grow to a length of nearly 45 cm (1.5 feet) and weigh around 15-17 kg (33-38 pounds). This makes them quite large compared to other turtle species, and it is important to consider their size when keeping them as pets.
In captivity, mata mata turtles typically require more space than a standard tank can provide, and an indoor pond or large vivarium may be more appropriate to accommodate their size. The tank or pond should be designed to allow the turtle to move around freely and provide ample space for growth. A general rule of thumb is to provide 10 litres of water for each inch of the turtle's length.
Due to their size and fully aquatic nature, mata mata turtles can be a significant commitment as pets. They require specific water conditions, including a low pH and the presence of tannins, to mimic their natural Amazonian environment. Additionally, proper filtration and regular water changes are crucial to maintaining water quality and the health of the turtle.
The mata mata turtle's size also makes it a popular choice for the exotic pet trade. However, it is important to consider the ecological implications of removing these turtles from their natural habitats, as it can disrupt local ecosystems and strain populations. Captive-bred mata mata turtles are a more ecologically responsible option and help to reduce the impact on wild populations.
In summary, mata mata turtles can grow to impressive sizes, reaching nearly 45 cm (1.5 feet) in length. This size is an important consideration in their care and contributes to their popularity in the exotic pet trade. However, their size and specific requirements also make them a challenging species to keep as pets, and it is essential to be well-informed before bringing one into your home.
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They can weigh up to 21 kg (46 lb)
The mata mata turtle is a large, sedentary turtle species native to South America. It is characterised by its large, triangular, flattened head with a long, snorkel-like snout. The adult mata mata can reach impressive sizes, with a maximum recorded weight of 21 kg (46 lb). This makes it one of the heavier turtle species, and its weight is comparable to that of a small human child.
The mata mata's carapace (shell) is a significant contributor to its overall weight. The shell can measure up to 95 cm (37 inches) in length and is described as oblong or oval-shaped. It has a distinctive appearance due to its rough, knobby texture and the spherical cones projecting from it. This unique carapace can weigh quite a bit, especially considering that it accounts for a large portion of the turtle's overall weight.
In addition to their impressive weight, adult mata mata turtles also have substantial length. They can grow to be quite long, with reported lengths of up to 24 inches from head to tail. This length includes their large, triangular head and long snout, which are prominent features of their anatomy.
The mata mata's weight and size are important factors in its overall biology and behaviour. Their large size can make them challenging to care for in captivity, often requiring more space than a typical turtle tank. In the wild, their weight and size may also influence their hunting strategies and interactions with potential predators.
The mata mata turtle's weight and size are just a few of the fascinating aspects of this unique species. Their distinctive appearance, combined with their weight and dimensions, contribute to their intriguing nature and make them a captivating subject for those interested in turtles and wildlife.
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Their shell is brown or black, while the underside is yellow or brown
The mata mata turtle's shell is a striking feature, with its rough, rugged terrain of knobs and bumps. This carapace, or upper shell, is brown or black, with a deep, dark brown hue. The plastron, or underside, of the shell is a shade of yellow or brown. The turtle's shell is oblong in shape, and the growth of algae on it is a natural occurrence due to the turtle's sedentary lifestyle. This algal cloak enhances the turtle's camouflage, allowing it to seamlessly blend into its surroundings.
The shell's colour and texture are well-suited to the turtle's natural habitat and behaviour. The mata mata is a large, sedentary turtle that favours slow-moving waters such as streams, swamps, marshes, and stagnant pools. It spends much of its time motionless in shallow waters, with its snout just above the surface to breathe. Its shell, resembling a piece of bark, helps it to camouflage with the surrounding vegetation. This, along with its head, which looks like fallen leaves, enables it to ambush its prey.
The underside of the shell, or plastron, is cream to yellow or brown in colour. It is reduced, narrowed, hingeless, shortened towards the front, and deeply notched at the rear with narrow bridges. These features may be adaptations to help the turtle camouflage with its environment, breaking up its outline and making it harder for predators to spot.
The colour and pattern of the shell change as the turtle matures. Juvenile mata mata turtles have a dark brown to mahogany shell, while the underside is a bright salmon colour. As they age, the salmon colour fades to yellow or brown, and the throat transitions from reddish-brown to tan or brown.
The shell of the mata mata turtle is not just a protective covering but also a vital part of its camouflage and sensory system. With its unique appearance and behaviour, the mata mata turtle is a fascinating creature well-adapted to its aquatic habitat.
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They are not adept swimmers and prefer to walk underwater
The mata mata turtle is a fascinating species native to South America, particularly the Amazon and Orinoco basins. While they are aquatic turtles, they are not adept swimmers and exhibit a unique preference for walking underwater. This behaviour is closely linked to their favoured habitat and hunting strategy.
Mata mata turtles typically inhabit shallow waters, where they can easily stand and raise their snouts above the surface to breathe. This behaviour is a result of their adaptation to their specific environment. By standing in shallow waters, they can access fresh air without expending the energy required for swimming.
The mata mata's large, flat, triangular head with a long, snorkel-like snout is well-suited for this purpose. Their heads remain mostly submerged, with just the tip of their snout emerging from the water's surface. This minimises movement and helps them conserve energy.
Mata mata turtles are not built for speed or agility in the water. Their webbed feet, with five claws on each forefoot, are designed more for gripping and walking than for swift swimming. Their overall body shape is also not streamlined for efficient swimming, further contributing to their preference for walking underwater.
In captivity, mata mata turtles require a substrate to 'walk on', such as a gravel mix or smooth pebbles, to provide traction and facilitate their natural movement. The addition of rocks, wood pieces, and foliage not only provides leverage for movement but also creates a more natural and secure environment for these turtles.
The hunting strategy of the mata mata turtle further explains their preference for walking underwater. They are ambush predators, employing a unique suction feeding technique. They remain motionless in the water, blending seamlessly with their surroundings thanks to their camouflage and stillness. When unsuspecting prey comes close, they thrust out their heads, open their large mouths wide, and create a low-pressure vacuum that instantly sucks in the prey. This hunting technique is highly effective in the shallow waters they favour, where they can stand and strike with precision.
In summary, mata mata turtles are not adept swimmers and prefer to walk underwater due to a combination of factors, including their body structure, habitat preference, and hunting strategy. Their unique characteristics and behaviours make them intriguing members of the freshwater turtle family.
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They are native to the Amazon and Orinoco basins in South America
The mata mata turtle is native to the Amazon and Orinoco basins in South America. They are found in the slow-moving waters of the northern part of the continent, including Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, and Bolivia. Their range also extends to the island of Trinidad.
Mata mata turtles favour specific habitats within these regions. They are aquatic turtles that prefer slow-moving waters such as streams, swamps, marshes, and rivers. They are often found in shallow waters, where they can stand and raise their snouts to the surface to breathe. This behaviour is unique among turtles and reflects their adaptation to their environment.
The Amazon basin, one of the primary habitats of the mata mata turtles, is known for its vast rainforest and diverse ecosystems. The Amazon River, the second-longest river in the world, flows through this basin and provides a vital habitat for the turtles and countless other species. The Orinoco basin, on the other hand, is home to the other species of mata mata, the Orinoco mata mata (Chelus orinocensis). This basin covers a large area in northern South America, including parts of Venezuela and Colombia.
The mata mata turtles have specific habitat preferences within these basins. They are typically found in calm, slow-moving bodies of water with shallow areas. They are well-camouflaged in their natural environment, resembling a pile of rotting leaves or a piece of bark, which helps them ambush their prey. The Amazon and Orinoco basins provide the ideal conditions for the mata mata turtles to thrive and exhibit their unique characteristics.
The Amazon and Orinoco basins are known for their rich biodiversity, and the presence of mata mata turtles adds to this diversity. These turtles play an important ecological role as efficient ambush predators, feeding mainly on fish and aquatic invertebrates. Their presence helps control the populations of these species, contributing to the overall health of the ecosystems in these basins.
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Frequently asked questions
An adult mata mata turtle can grow up to 24 inches from head to tail and weigh up to 46 pounds. In captivity, they typically reach lengths between 16 and 20 inches.
Under human care, mata mata turtles can live for up to 15 years. In the wild, some have been known to live for over 30 years.
The cost of acquiring a mata mata turtle typically ranges from $250 to $550. This price can vary depending on factors such as the turtle's age, size, health, and lineage.
Mata mata turtles are native to South America, particularly the Amazon and Orinoco basins, and can be found in countries such as Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, and Bolivia. They favour slower-moving water sources such as streams, swamps, marshes, and rivers.
Mata mata turtles are carnivorous and feed mainly on fish and aquatic invertebrates such as worms, mussels, crustaceans, and insects. On rare occasions, they may also feed on small birds, amphibians, or mammals that venture into the water.
