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Description:
Matamatas can grow up to 18 inches long. It is one of the
neatest looking turtles on the planet. It looks like debris
found at the bottom of a vernal pool, such as leaves. Their
carapace contains brown, red and black, with a wide head and
a pointy nose. Their neck has a rigid texture to help keep
them camoflauged. Hatchlings are more brightly colored and
appearing a whitish or yellowish color like a tropical
leaf. In the wild, one might walk right past a large 18
inch specimen |
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Distribution:
These turtles are found in South America, mainly found in
and around the Amazon River. Countries that they roam are
Brazil, Peru, Venezuela and Guiana.
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Habitat:
Mainly seen in slow moving waters.
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Housing: Matamatas
like slightly acidic water with a ph near 5 or 6, this can
be done by adding sphagnum moss which is very acidic.
Shallow water is a good idea with this species. 8-10 inches
for an adult would be sufficient and 3-4 for a hatchling.
These turtles are found in tropical environments so
therefore require warmer temperatures. Temperatures around
80 - 90 degrees should be fine. Larger turtles will require
larger tubs or set-ups, where smaller turtles can do well in
smaller enclosures such as 20-50 gallon aquariums. They dont
swim around much and will actually lay still at the bottom
at times. Make sure you have good filtrartion with these
turtles. Oxygen flow is key to all turtles as it helps
fight unwanted bacteria in the water.
A log or branch would be a good idea for a basking area with
a basking light about one foot above it. A 75 - 150 watt
heat bulb would be a good idea with some kind of UVB light
in addition. Try to avoid using big rocks in the enclosure
as it can cause cuts and scrapes which can turn to shell
rot.
Artificial plants can be added to help comfort and reduce
the stress of your matamata.
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Feeding:
These turtles are carnivores and prefer live fish, it is
very unusual to have them feed on brand name foods.
Minnows, platies, mollies, guppies, goldfish and sunfish
would be a fine selection. I have seen some take
nightcrawlers as well. |
Breeding:
Not many people have actually been able to breed this
species in the United States. Your best bet would be to
keep them outside in warmer weather conditions. Florida
would be a good place to keep matamatas outside. Try to
simulate their natural habitat. Breeding season is usually
the spring time as it is for most turtles. Make sure you
provide plenty of egg laying areas as these turtles can be
very picky to where they drop them.
Most of the turtles which have been captive born came from
dropped eggs in crates during importing or right after being
imported.
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Illnesses:
Matamatas can be difficult species to adjust to captivity
once taken from the wild. If you have any problems, try
contacting your local vet. Your best bet is to have do all
you can to prevent your turtle from getting sick. Make sure
you have your enclosure ready to go before obtaining it so
it isnt stressed out any more than it has to be. Ph levels
should be checked regularly and make sure you have great
filtration along with proper lighting and diet.
Some of these imported turtles will come in with parasites.
A good method to deparasitize would be to try panacur.
Try squirting some of the paste-like substance into a dead
fish such as a minnow or goldfish.
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AL ROACH |
