Mata mata or matamata is a large, freshwater turtle occurring in South America. It is the only surviving species in the genus Chelus.
| Kingdom |
Animalia |
| Phylum |
Chordata |
| Class |
Reptilia |
| Order |
Testudines |
| Suborder |
Pleurodira |
| Family |
Chelidae |
| Subfamily |
Chelinae |
| Genus |
Chelus |
| Scientific Name |
Chelus fimbriata |
| Size |
Up to 45 cm (18 in) |
| Weight |
Around 15 kg (33 lb) |
| Color |
Brown or black outer surface with grayish brown head, neck, limbs and tail |
| Distribution |
The Orinoco and Amazon Basins, northern Bolivia, Ecuador, eastern Colombia, eastern Peru, Venezuela, the Guianas, northern and central Brazil |
| Habitat |
Slow moving backwater streams, stagnant pools, swamps and marshes |
| Diet |
Aquatic invertebrates and fish |
| Breeding Season |
October through December |
| Mode of Reproduction |
Oviparous (egg laying) |
| Clutch Size |
12 to 28 eggs |
| Incubation Period |
Around 7 months |
| Average Lifespan |
Up to 15 years in captivity |
| IUCN Conservation Status |
Least Concern |
Mata Mata Pictures Gallery
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Chelus Fimbriata
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Images of Mata Mata
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Mata Mata Images
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Mata Mata Photos
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Mata Mata Pictures
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Mata Mata Turtle Baby
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Mata Mata Turtle
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Mata Mata
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Mata Mata Turtle Setup
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Mata Mata Turtle Face
