Matamata turtle
Chelus fimbriata
Where at Shedd?
Amazon Rising
| Diet | Small, whole fish |
|---|---|
| Size | Length of shell: Up to 16 inches (40 cm) |
| Type | Reptiles |
| Range | North Central South America. Introduced to Florida, United States |
| Habitat | Rivers, swamps |
About the Matamata turtle
The matamata’s disappearing act is simple: It disguises itself as a pile of sodden plant debris. With a lumpy, moss-coated shell, this turtle sits still on the river bottom all day long. As it waits for prey to approach, the matamata occasionally stretches its lengthy, muscular neck to the surface of the water to breathe.
Did you know?
- With its pointed snout, triangular head and leaf-brown shell, the turtle camouflages itself among leaves and branches.
- To catch small fish, the matamata opens its huge mouth and expands its throat. As water rushes in, the fish is swept in too.
- The chin and neck have nerves that respond to motion and vibration which may aid in detecting fish.