Mata Mata Turtle - Rare

4 to 6 inch Mata Mata, Chelus fimbriatus , in stock and on sale!

Anyone who has ever seen a live Mata Mata, is not likely to ever forget them. Their striking look has no comparison anywhere.

A true aquatic turtle from the Amazons, the Mata Mata (Spanish for "kill kill") likes to sit in shallow water, passing as a tree and bark material, waiting for any small fish to swim by. It then is able to strike out with lightning speed to swallow the small fish whole.

A picture is worth 1000 words, and this is certainly never more true than with the Mata Mata turtle. However, a brief introduction to the species follows.

To protect this rare species, special permits must be obtained for the importation of this species, and they must be farmed raised. This is why it is increasingly hard to find them anywhere in the market. As is our trademark, we are able to obtain these magnificent animals and are happy to offer them at this bargain price for a limited time.

Though this turtle is a beautiful and rare specimen, it is not particularly difficult to care for. It is a true aquatic turtle, that likes to be able to rest in shallow water where it can reach the surface to breath. It can eat a wide variety of small live foods (shrimp, feeder guppies, etc), and of course needs tropical temperature (cold will kill it) like other Amazonian species. Besides this, it does not have any special requirements, is able to tolerate a wide range of water parameters, and tank or pond environments.

An ideal home would hae a deeper area where the matamata can swim, plus a shallower "beach" area where the turtle can rest and easily raise its head to the surface.