Caring for your pet Tortuga Mata Mata
Commonly known as the Mata Mata turtle, the Chelus fimbriata It is a South American species of snapping turtle. They are commonly found in the Orinoco River and the Amazon River basin. One of the strangest types of turtles, the Mata Mata tortoise looks more or less like a pile of dry, rotten wood and leaves.
It is characterized by a large triangular head, an elongated neck covered in scales, spikes, and horns. Three barbels protrude below your chin and two sets of filamentous barbels protrude from the upper jaw. Its upper jaw is slightly angular and extends into a long snout shaped like a snorkel. The snorkel muzzle is probably worn in the same way as a diver’s snorkel. The brown or black carapace (upper carapace) is a quadrilateral and can reach 18 inches in an adult. The carapace is flat with extensive and serrated keels. Three keels run parallel along the span of its carapace, growing from each shield and ending in a lump-like formation. A wide, smiling face, complemented by such an enigmatic structure, makes her look quite villainous, almost like the Joker from Batman. The plastron is loose and smaller than its shell. Chelus fimbriata hatchlings are vividly colored, identifiable by a brown carapace and bright red-black stripes on their body.
How to prepare a home for your Mata Mata turtle
Mata Mata turtles inhabit slow-moving streams and shallow ponds, salt marshes, stagnant ponds, and wetlands around the Amazon River and tributaries in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Brazil. Although Mata Mata is an aquatic species, it tends to avoid deep water bodies. Shallow water with lots of natural debris and some vegetation is ideal for them. Its physical structure has evolved to offer impressive camouflage in that environment. These turtles are adept at lounging around. This is probably why they avoid deeper bodies of water, ballast can fall asleep and sink to the bottom. They sit in the rubble, floating in the water and you’ll only notice them if they move, and THAT, my friend, rarely happens. These turtles sit still like rocks and rarely move. They are extremely cautious with movement in the water. Even if they feel their favorite treat around them, they will still rest. They will simply expand their neck and open their mouths sucking on the treat with a little water. They swallow the treat, expelling excess water. In those moments, the lazy bastard will surprise you with a speed of disbelief.
Tea Chelus fimbriata I prefer to spend most of the day submerged in shallow water. A 300 gallon water tank, measuring 4`x4`, would be perfect for an adult male Mata Mata turtle. The depth of the water should not exceed 8 to 10 inches. Although they are not the most active species, you must provide enough space to allow free movement.
They belong to the tropics; therefore it is recommended to simulate a similar atmosphere in the aquarium. The ideal temperature for your simulated habitat should be around 80-90 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature in the sunbathing area should be around 100 degrees Fahrenheit. If possible, you should leave your turtles for a little time in natural sunlight. In case this is not possible, it is advisable to place a UVB light on the sunbathing area.
How to feed your turtle Mata Mata
Mata Mata tortoises are violent carnivores and prefer to feed on live meat. Live fish are his favorite delicacy. Mollies, goldfish, minnows, guppies, and sunfish also attract your taste buds. Unlike many other turtles, the Mata Mata is not a devourer, it only eats when it is hungry.