Freshwater
Turtle
More details
Mata Mata Turtle (Chelus fimbriata)
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Pro
Description
A prehistoric-looking ambush predator, the Mata Mata Turtle is known for its flat, leaf-like head, camouflaged shell, and bizarre, still-hunting behavior. It's a striking but sensitive species best kept by experienced aquarists or herpetologists.
Difficulty Level
Expert Only
Region
Mata Mata Turtle (Chelus fimbriata)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Requires warm, soft, low-flow water and a complex enclosure with proper depth and temperature zones.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Wild-caught specimens still enter trade; captive-bred individuals are preferred to protect native populations.
Origin
Native to the Amazon and Orinoco river basins in South America, including parts of Brazil, Peru, Colombia, and Venezuela. Prefers slow-moving, murky waters with dense leaf litter and submerged roots.
Visual & Functional Appeal
One of the most visually distinct turtles in the world. Its rugged, jagged carapace, fleshy neck flaps, and snorkel-like nose help it blend perfectly into leaf-littered bottoms. Often motionless, it appears more like driftwood than a living creature.
Purpose
Serves as a living conversation piece in large, naturalistic enclosures. Offers insight into evolutionary adaptation, camouflage, and suction-feeding mechanisms in turtles.
Importance
While not suitable for beginner hobbyists, it holds value for advanced turtle keepers and institutions focusing on education, conservation, or public display. Demonstrates unique predator-prey behavior.
Included Resources
Needs a filtered tank with a minimum of 100 gallons, soft acidic water, and stable heat. Subdued lighting, large surface area, and ample cover are essential. A sandy or leaf-litter substrate is ideal.
Best Use Cases
Species-only tanks, educational exhibits, or bioactive enclosures designed to mimic blackwater Amazonian streams. Compatible only with non-aggressive fish too large to swallow.
Conservation Context
While not currently endangered, habitat destruction and over-collection for the pet trade are concerns. Ethical sourcing and captive breeding are increasingly important.
Ideal Aquatic Animals
• None recommended as tankmates
• Possible companions: armored catfish, large peaceful characins, or similar low-activity species with caution
Region (A)
• Latitude: -3.4653° S
• Longitude: -62.2159° W
(Amazon Basin, Brazil)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 3.4168° N
• Longitude: -76.5229° W
(Orinoco Basin, Colombia)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Mata Mata Turtle (Chelus fimbriata)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Requires warm, soft, low-flow water and a complex enclosure with proper depth and temperature zones.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Wild-caught specimens still enter trade; captive-bred individuals are preferred to protect native populations.
Origin
Native to the Amazon and Orinoco river basins in South America, including parts of Brazil, Peru, Colombia, and Venezuela. Prefers slow-moving, murky waters with dense leaf litter and submerged roots.
Visual & Functional Appeal
One of the most visually distinct turtles in the world. Its rugged, jagged carapace, fleshy neck flaps, and snorkel-like nose help it blend perfectly into leaf-littered bottoms. Often motionless, it appears more like driftwood than a living creature.
Purpose
Serves as a living conversation piece in large, naturalistic enclosures. Offers insight into evolutionary adaptation, camouflage, and suction-feeding mechanisms in turtles.
Importance
While not suitable for beginner hobbyists, it holds value for advanced turtle keepers and institutions focusing on education, conservation, or public display. Demonstrates unique predator-prey behavior.
Included Resources
Needs a filtered tank with a minimum of 100 gallons, soft acidic water, and stable heat. Subdued lighting, large surface area, and ample cover are essential. A sandy or leaf-litter substrate is ideal.
Best Use Cases
Species-only tanks, educational exhibits, or bioactive enclosures designed to mimic blackwater Amazonian streams. Compatible only with non-aggressive fish too large to swallow.
Conservation Context
While not currently endangered, habitat destruction and over-collection for the pet trade are concerns. Ethical sourcing and captive breeding are increasingly important.
Ideal Aquatic Animals
• None recommended as tankmates
• Possible companions: armored catfish, large peaceful characins, or similar low-activity species with caution
Region (A)
• Latitude: -3.4653° S
• Longitude: -62.2159° W
(Amazon Basin, Brazil)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 3.4168° N
• Longitude: -76.5229° W
(Orinoco Basin, Colombia)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Mata Mata Turtle (Chelus fimbriata)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Requires warm, soft, low-flow water and a complex enclosure with proper depth and temperature zones.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Wild-caught specimens still enter trade; captive-bred individuals are preferred to protect native populations.
Origin
Native to the Amazon and Orinoco river basins in South America, including parts of Brazil, Peru, Colombia, and Venezuela. Prefers slow-moving, murky waters with dense leaf litter and submerged roots.
Visual & Functional Appeal
One of the most visually distinct turtles in the world. Its rugged, jagged carapace, fleshy neck flaps, and snorkel-like nose help it blend perfectly into leaf-littered bottoms. Often motionless, it appears more like driftwood than a living creature.
Purpose
Serves as a living conversation piece in large, naturalistic enclosures. Offers insight into evolutionary adaptation, camouflage, and suction-feeding mechanisms in turtles.
Importance
While not suitable for beginner hobbyists, it holds value for advanced turtle keepers and institutions focusing on education, conservation, or public display. Demonstrates unique predator-prey behavior.
Included Resources
Needs a filtered tank with a minimum of 100 gallons, soft acidic water, and stable heat. Subdued lighting, large surface area, and ample cover are essential. A sandy or leaf-litter substrate is ideal.
Best Use Cases
Species-only tanks, educational exhibits, or bioactive enclosures designed to mimic blackwater Amazonian streams. Compatible only with non-aggressive fish too large to swallow.
Conservation Context
While not currently endangered, habitat destruction and over-collection for the pet trade are concerns. Ethical sourcing and captive breeding are increasingly important.
Ideal Aquatic Animals
• None recommended as tankmates
• Possible companions: armored catfish, large peaceful characins, or similar low-activity species with caution
Region (A)
• Latitude: -3.4653° S
• Longitude: -62.2159° W
(Amazon Basin, Brazil)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 3.4168° N
• Longitude: -76.5229° W
(Orinoco Basin, Colombia)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Mata Mata Turtle (Chelus fimbriata)
Region
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