The Mata Mata Turtle, known for its prehistoric appearance, is a freshwater species found in the slow-moving waters of the Amazon and Orinoco basins in South America. With its camouflaged, leaf-like shell, triangular flat head, and skin flaps, the Mata Mata Turtle is truly one of a kind. These turtles can live for up to 40 years in captivity when properly cared for, with males reaching lengths of 14 inches and females slightly larger, sometimes measuring up to 18 inches. They can weigh between 30 and 50 pounds.
These turtles thrive in tropical climates, preferring warm, shallow, and turbid water with plenty of vegetation and leaf debris. Originating from countries like Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia, and Ecuador, they are well-adapted to blending into their environment. In the wild, Mata Matas use their excellent camouflage to ambush prey, primarily fish. Male and female Mata Matas are somewhat distinguishable, with females being larger on average, but both share the distinct shell structure and textured skin that help them stay hidden in their habitats.
One of the main things to consider before adopting a Mata Mata Turtle is its specific environmental needs. They require a spacious, filtered aquatic enclosure, which can be an intensive setup compared to other turtle species. These turtles are highly sensitive to water quality, temperature, and pH levels. Additionally, their large size and unique feeding requirements mean they’re not low-maintenance pets and require considerable commitment and resources. Mata Matas are best suited to experienced reptile keepers who have the knowledge and resources to meet these needs.
In terms of breeding, Mata Mata Turtles lay their eggs during the dry season. In the wild, they typically lay 12–28 eggs, which hatch after around 200 days. In captivity, successful breeding is rare, as creating the right conditions can be challenging, but some keepers have managed to encourage breeding through careful control of light, temperature, and habitat changes that mimic natural cycles.
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Mata Mata Turtle Care Guide
Owning a Mata Mata Turtle is a long-term investment, with initial and annual costs to consider. The initial setup, including a tank, filtration system, heating equipment, and decorations, can run between $800 and $1,500. Annual expenses such as food, electricity for heating, and maintenance supplies can add up to around $400 to $600. Health costs can also be a factor, as Mata Matas are prone to fungal infections if water quality is not meticulously maintained, which may require veterinary care ranging from $100 to $300 per visit.
Common health issues include respiratory infections, shell infections, and skin problems, often related to poor water quality or inadequate lighting. Symptoms of illness include lethargy, reduced appetite, or visible signs of shell or skin issues. Regular water testing and cleaning are essential to prevent these issues. Grooming includes maintaining water quality, inspecting the turtle’s shell for signs of infection, and ensuring a balanced diet.
Mata Matas have a calm, non-aggressive nature but are mostly sedentary, spending much of their time still in the water waiting to ambush prey. As pets, they are low-energy and are often more interesting to observe than interact with, making them ideal for keepers interested in a more hands-off pet experience.
Yes, Mata Mata Turtles are aquatic. They live in slow-moving rivers and swampy areas in South America. They are excellent at staying hidden underwater and prefer murky water environments.
Mata Mata Turtles are mostly active at night, especially when hunting. They can be considered semi-nocturnal or crepuscular, being most active during evening and night hours.
The Mata Mata Turtle is carnivorous, with a diet that consists mainly of fish in the wild. In captivity, a balanced diet can include a variety of small fish, such as guppies or minnows, as well as shrimp, worms, and other live aquatic creatures. Feeding frequency depends on the turtle’s size and age, with adults typically eating every two to three days, while juveniles may require daily feeding.
Packaged food options are available, and some keepers supplement live food with high-protein turtle pellets from brands like Mazuri or Repashy, available online through specialty pet stores. These turtles benefit from variety, but it’s important to avoid fatty or processed foods that can lead to health problems. Feeder fish should be sourced from reputable suppliers to prevent disease transmission.
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Mata Mata Turtle Enclosure Setup Guide
Setting up a suitable enclosure for a Mata Mata Turtle requires attention to detail, especially to replicate its natural environment. A fully aquatic setup with a large tank is best. A tank of at least 150 gallons is recommended for a single adult, while a breeding pair may require a minimum of 300 gallons. The tank should include a filtration system that can handle large volumes of water, as Mata Matas produce significant waste. Canister filters are highly recommended due to their efficiency in maintaining water quality.
The water should be maintained at a temperature between 75–82°F, and a heater may be necessary depending on your climate. Mata Matas prefer low-flow water conditions, so it’s essential to position the filter outlet to avoid creating strong currents. The enclosure can be decorated with plants like Anubias or Java fern, along with smooth rocks and driftwood to mimic their natural surroundings. However, avoid sharp or rough decorations, as these can damage the turtle’s sensitive skin and shell.
For lighting, a low UVB light can help maintain the turtle’s health, although they’re not basking turtles and don’t require high-intensity lighting. The pH of the water should be kept slightly acidic to neutral, ideally around 6.5 to 7. A tank lid is recommended to prevent any foreign objects from falling into the water and contaminating the environment.
Yes, Mata Mata Turtles can carry Salmonella. The bacteria can live on their skin and in the water. People must clean hands well after contact with the turtle or its habitat.
In the United States, owning a Mata Mata Turtle is generally legal but may require a special permit due to its exotic origin. Import or trade restrictions apply in countries like Australia and Canada.
Things To Consider Before Adopting A Mata Mata Turtle
Mata Mata Turtles are generally not interactive pets and are best admired from a distance. They are sensitive to handling, and frequent handling can stress them out. They may tolerate gentle hand-feeding, but due to their unique suction feeding method, they’re not suited for frequent hand-feeding practices. These turtles should not be allowed to roam around outside their enclosure, as they are purely aquatic and require water to breathe and move comfortably.
For multi-species tanks, caution should be exercised. Small, non-aggressive fish that can cohabit in a low-flow environment may work, but tank mates must be chosen carefully. Mata Matas may view smaller creatures as food, so cohabitation with other species can be risky.
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How Much Does a Mata Mata Turtle Sell For? Adoption Tips
The price of a Mata Mata Turtle varies depending on its size and age. Juveniles can range from $300 to $500, while adults can cost $800 to $1,200 or more in the United States. Prices may also vary by state and store. States like California and Florida have specific regulations regarding the sale and ownership of Mata Mata Turtles, so it’s important to check local laws before purchasing. In other countries like the UK, Canada, China, and Japan, prices and availability can vary, with some countries having restrictions on ownership due to conservation status.
When purchasing a Mata Mata, reputable online stores like Reptile City or local exotic pet stores can be good sources, as they often provide health guarantees. Look for turtles with clear eyes, smooth shells without discoloration or spots, and active behavior. Avoid purchasing Mata Matas from uncertified sellers to ensure you’re not inadvertently supporting illegal trade.
Overall, the Mata Mata Turtle requires significant care and investment, but for dedicated turtle enthusiasts, it can be a fascinating pet with unique behaviors and characteristics that make it well worth the effort.
More Mata Mata Turtle Facts
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