Mata mata turtle | Facts & Information

Origin

It is one of the most interesting aquatic turtles in the world due to its unique shape. It can be found in swampy regions of Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru, Columia, Venezuela and Brazil.

It was first described in 1741 by French naturalist Pierre Barrere.

The scientific name has undergone a number of changes being changed over 10 times over time. Today the name means"frog with bangs".

Over time it had several names: needle nose, leafhead, etc.

Feeding turtle mata mata

The mata mata turtle is a lazy carnivore that prefers to wait for food instead of hunting. It is a nocturnal predator. It uses camouflage and attacks using the ambush method. The shell resembles autumn leaves.

It prefers muddy waters because it can better capture its prey. Fish are the main source of food.

Besides fish, it feeds on birds, insects or rodents that come to drink water.

Its advantage is that it rarely comes to the surface for air because it can hold its breath for a very long time. The prey is usually swallowed whole head first.

Features Turtle mata mata

Mata Mata tortoise has a weight of 15kg and a shell diameter of 40 – 50 cm. It is one of the largest turtles in the world. The head is triangular in shape and the neck is long and flexible.

The fingers of the limbs, United with a membrane that helps the Frog swim, end with long claws.

The mata mata turtle is lazy and does not swim much. It can be found at shallower depths because it needs air to breathe.

It can also be bred in captivity. Its development is very slow. If you want to breed a mata Mata turtle in captivity, you need to keep in mind that the water temperature should be around 25-28 degrees and the water should not be deep so that the frog can breathe easily.

It is recommended to populate with other animals, but pay attention to small animals because they will be eaten if they fall into the water.

Be careful with handling. She doesn't like to be caressed and manipulated. It should not be taken out of the water too often and should not be dropped because it is sensitive. Shocks can be fatal.

Breeding turtle mata mata

The mata mata turtle breeds quite rarely in captivity. In the wild, males court females through head movements, closing and opening their mouths.

After the mating period, the female lays 12-28 eggs. Eggs hatch after 200 days kept at a temperature of 29 degrees.

Life expectancy is 15 years.