Mata mata

File:2009 Chelus fimbriatus.JPG

This is a mata mata (Chelus fimbriatus)

The mata mata (Chelus fimbriata), also known as the matamata, is a type of freshwater turtle that lives in South America. It is one of two species in the genus Chelus, the other being Chelus orinocensis.

Description

The mata mata is a large turtle with a flat head that is shaped like a triangle. It has many tubercles. The shell looks like a piece of bark, and its head looks like a leaf.

As pets

Mata mata turtles can be kept as pets. Mata matas, however, are not active hunters and like the alligator snapping turtle, they need less space than a large, active species.

Mata Mata Media

• Mata Mata 1911.jpg

  Top view of the mata mata turtle

• Mata mata NC.jpg

  Mata mata turtles on exhibit at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, the United States

References

1. Giant fossil matamata turtles (matamatas part V) Archived 2011-10-11 at the Wayback Machine, Tetrapod Zoology
2. Matamata, Chelus fimbriatus, California Turtle & Tortoise Club

File:Chelus fimbriatus close.jpg

Head of chelus fimbriata