Taking Care of Your Pet Mata Mata Turtle
Taking Care of Your Pet Mata Mata Turtle
Commonly known as the Mata Mata turtle, the Chelus fimbriata
is a South American species of snapping turtle. They are commonly found
in the Orinoco River and Amazon River basin. One of the weirdest types
of turtles, the Mata Mata turtle looks roughly like a pile of dried and
decayed wood and leaves.
It is characterized by a big triangular
head, an elongated neck covered with scales, spikes and horns. Three
barbels protrude under its chin and two sets of filamentous barbels jut
out of the upper jaw. Its upper jaw is slightly angular and extends into
a long snorkel-shaped muzzle. The snorkel muzzle is probably used in
the same manner as a scuba diver's snorkel. The brown or black carapace
(upper shell) is quadrilateral and can reach 18 inches in an adult. The
carapace is flat with extensive keels and serration. Three keels run
parallel along the stretch of its shell, growing from each scute and end
into a lump like formation. A wide smiley face, complemented with such
enigmatic structure makes it look quite villainous, almost like Batman's
Joker. The plastron is unattached and smaller than its carapace. Chelus fimbriata hatchlings are vividly colored, identifiable by a brown shell and bright red-black stripes on their body.
How to Prepare a Home for Your Mata Mata Turtle
Mata
Mata turtles inhabit slow moving rivulets and shallow ponds, marshes,
stagnant pools, and wetlands around the Amazon River and tributaries in
Columbia, Ecuador, Peru and Brazil. Though Mata Mata is an aquatic
species it tends to avoid deep water bodies. Shallow water with plenty
of natural debris and a little vegetation is ideal for them. Their
physical structure has evolved to offer an impressive camouflage in such
an environment. These turtles are expert in just idling around. This is
probably the reason they shun deeper water bodies, lest they might just
doze off and sink to the bottom. They sit amid the debris, floating in
the water and you will notice them only if they move, and THAT, my
friend, rarely happens. These turtles sit still like rocks and rarely
move. They are extremely cautious of movement in water. Even if they
sense their favorite treat around them they will keep lounging. They
will simply expand their neck and open their mouth sucking in the treat
with some water. They swallow the treat, expelling the excess water. On
such moments the lazy bugger will surprise you with incredulous speed.
The Chelus fimbriata
prefer spending most of the day dipped in shallow water. A 300 gallon
water tank, measuring 4`x4`, would be perfect for an adult male Mata
Mata Turtle. The water depth should not exceed 8 to 10 inches. Although
they aren't the most active species, you should provide enough space to
permit free movement.
They belong to the Tropics; therefore it is
advised to simulate a similar atmosphere in the aquarium. The ideal
temperature for their simulated habitat should be around 80-90 degrees
Fahrenheit. The temperature at the basking area should be around 100
degrees Fahrenheit. If it is possible you should allow your turtles some
time in the natural sunlight. In case this isn't possible it is
advisable to fit a UVB light above the basking area.
How to Feed Your Mata Mata Turtle
The
Mata Mata turtles are violent carnivores and prefer to prey on live
meat. Alive fish are their delicacy of choice. Mollies, goldfish,
Minnows, guppies and sunfish also appeal to its taste-buds. Unlike many
other turtles the Mata Mata isn't a gobbler, it eats only when it is
hungry.
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