Pixel Wild
Amazonian Mata Mata
Amazonian Mata Mata
Chelus fimbriata
Reptilia
RARE

Stats

Lifespan
15-40 yrs
Size
Large
Diet
Carnivore
Activity
Nocturnal
Social
Solitary
Biome
Freshwater wetland
Range
South America
Movement
Swimming
Breeding
Egg-laying
Defense
Camouflage
Status
Rare

About

The mata mata is a bizarre Amazonian freshwater turtle that lies motionless on the riverbed disguised as dead leaves and debris. Instead of chewing, it strikes with a rapid throat expansion that creates a vacuum powerful enough to suck in an entire fish.

Life cycle

  1. 1.
    hatchling
    A coin-sized hatchling digs out of the nest and makes its own way to water or shelter.
  2. 2.
    juvenile
    A juvenile turtle's shell hardens and grows yearly rings as it forages on its own.
  3. 3.
    adult
    Fully grown with adult shell size and markings.

Learn more

Taxonomy

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Reptilia
Order
Testudines
Family
Chelidae
Genus
Chelus
Species
Chelus fimbriata