Care Sheet for TurtlesAverage Rating Given To This Care Sheet Is 5.00 (1=lowest, 5=highest) Last Updated: 11/08/2005 |
Main Category: | Aquatic/Land |
Sub Category: | Turtles |
Care Sheet Submitted By: | TurtleBites |
Years Experience: | 5 to 10 Years |
Species: | Mata mata |
Other Species or Phases this Care Sheet May Cover: | N/A |
Care Sheet Information: | This care sheet is intended only to cover the general care of this species. Further research to best develop a maintenance plan with a goal to reproducing whichever species/subspecies you are caring for is essential.
The supremely camouflaged Mata mata is well adapted to living in slow moving detritus filled bodies of water where they are found. Native to South America in both the the Orinoco River and Amazon River basins they are also reported to be found in Trinidad. A Mata mata in its natural environment does not APPEAR to be invisible , it IS invisible. Ones first exposure to a Mata mata usually follows a predictable path. The first reaction is "Turtle? I don’t see a turtle, then Where is it? I don’t see anything, then where?" followed finally by "Wow".
Housing Mata mata
Aquariums are suitable for small to medium 4-10 inch turtles. Larger turtles, up to their maximum size of 18 inches, will need larger stock tanks or custom made ponds with a holding capacity of more than 100 gallons. Water depth should be no deeper than the straight carapace length (SCL) of the smallest turtle. Mata mata will thrive at water temperatures of 76-83 degrees F with a similar air temperature. Abrasive surfaces must be avoided in the enclosures. The pH of the water should be kept in the 5-6 range. Adding peat to the water should achieve this as well as give the turtles something to root around in. Lighting should not be too bright and plenty of hiding places are a must. Plants potted in clay pots work well for cover as well as visual barriers when more than one turtle is kept together. Plants have the added benefit of helping maintain water quality. Females are the more aggressive of the sexes and will bite at smaller turtles of either sex if inclined.
Diet
Mata mata are strict carnivores; fish, invertebrates, and the occasional frog would make up the diet of a wild Mata mata. All Matas that have been under my care have learned to take dead prey items off of forceps. Offering items that have been frozen eliminate most parasite and bacterial infection risks, which are especially prevalent in stocks of overcrowded feeder fish. Frozen thawed fish and shrimp can easily be supplemented with vitamins and calcium. This is especially important with thiamin and vitamin E. Occasionally loading food items with leafy greens and/or sweet potatoes and carrots is highly recommended. Food should be offered 1-2 times weekly for adults and 3-4 times for juveniles. Offer as much as they will eat at each feeding.
Strict carnivore - fish, invertebrates, and the occasional frog
This species does not hibernate in nature. Facilities should be provided for the continued health and well being of the tortoise indoors in cooler conditions.
Medical:
Mata mata are fairly difficult to adjust to captive conditions , at any sign of a disease a veterinarian should be contacted. Please be aware that that drug dosage and administration information available on the Internet or in hobbyist books is often dated, developed for other species, and possibly dangerous, please leave drug advice to trained professionals. |
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