In the slow-flowing waters of the Amazon and Orinoco basins in South America lives one of the world's most bizarre creatures: the mata mata turtle (Chelus fimbriata).
This freshwater reptile – sometimes spelt mata-mata or matamata – is known for its leaf-like shell, flat head and snorkel-like snout. Perfectly camouflaged in murky waters, it’s an ambush predator that uses suction to catch fish. Despite its fierce appearance, it is harmless to humans.
What do mata mata turtles look like?
The mata mata is instantly recognisable thanks to its extraordinary shell and head. The carapace is rough, knobbly and deeply ridged with a leaf-like outline that seems more bark than bone. Its overall shape resembles a piece of driftwood or an ancient rock rather than a reptile.
The limbs are flattened and fringed with webbed skin flaps that enhance its incredible camouflage. The head is triangular with a long snorkel-like snout and many tiny tubercles that break up the outline.
In adults, shell length can reach around 45cm with males often slightly smaller than females. The skin is mottled brown and black with hints of ochre, offering perfect concealment among submerged debris.
Where do mata mata turtles live?
Mata mata turtles live in slow-moving or still freshwater habitats across the Amazon and Orinoco basins in South America. They favour shallow, tannin-rich blackwater rivers, flooded forests, oxbow lakes and marshes where fallen leaves, branches and floating detritus provide natural cover.
Their range extends through parts of Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela and the Guianas. These turtles thrive in warm muddy waters of around 24-30 °C and generally avoid open water or fast currents.
What do mata mata turtles eat?
The mata mata’s feeding strategy is a masterpiece of stealth. It is an ambush predator that lies virtually motionless, its head and body blending perfectly into the environment. When small fish or aquatic invertebrates drift nearby it opens its mouth so quickly it creates a suction that draws prey inside.
It consumes mostly fish but will also eat prawns, tadpoles or any suitably sized animal that ventures close.
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How do they mate?
During the mating season, which typically begins as water levels drop in the dry season, males will search for females by sniffing water, sand and mud.
After mating, females move to soft sandy or muddy banks to lay around 6 to 28 eggs, where incubation lasts roughly 180 days, dependant on temperature. Warmer conditions tend to produce more females. Hatchlings emerge in the rainy season ready to slip immediately into watery shelter.
Conservation status
The mata mata is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, though habitat destruction, pollution and local collection for the pet trade pose real threats.
Fun facts about mata mata
Mata mata turtles are often mistaken for freshwater frogs or lumps of wood. Their long snorkel-like noses enable them to breathe at the surface without revealing their bodies.
Unlike most turtles, they rarely swim; instead they walk along riverbeds or remain nearly motionless, relying on camouflage to avoid detection. Their primitive appearance gives them a fossil-like aura.
They can survive long periods without feeding thanks to a slow metabolism adapted to low food availability.
Top image: Matamata (Chelus fimbriatus). Credit: Getty
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