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 #1780065

 Mata Mata Information

I need to know all the information about mata mata turtles, Please post as much information, set ups, pictures of your mata mata, etc.
Thinking about getting one and need as much information as possible.
Thanks!

 #1780100

 Mata Mata Information

here’s some sites
http://www.unc.edu/~
http://www.centralpe

 #1780850

 Mata Mata Information

 #1780891

 Mata Mata Information

Here’s a quote from a website I found.

In captivity it requires an aquarium with a large surface area but not much depth. Perhaps because their large size or the nature of their normal environment, adults rarely swim, preferring to walk along the bottom. Therefore, the water should be shallow enough that the turtle can stretch its neck up and breathe without moving off of the bottom of the tank, yet deep enough that the animal is fully submersed at all times. The tank does not need to have excess items; Matamatas rarely bask, and so basking logs or rocks are not needed. Land sections also usually not required unless breeding is expected, in which case an area for egg deposition is a necessity. The feeding of a captive Matamata is relatively straightforward. Most animals require live prey of an appropriate size - the turtle must be able to swallow the fish whole. Bait fish such as minnows are the usual food offered to Matamatas. Although goldfish could be used, some people have reported having problems when turtles are fed exclusively on goldfish. Food fish should probably be kept in a separate aquarium for a few days or longer prior to feeding to the turtle. This allows time to flush out any drugs or chemicals in the fish’s system, allows time for it to be fed a high-protein, high-vitamin fish food (analogous to "nutrient-loading" crickets and other insects prior to offering to insectivorous herps), and allows time to observe the fish for signs of disease. Matamatas have been captive bred. However, captive breeding is still the exception rather than the rule, perhaps due in part to the tendency towards keeping only one animal for exhibition purposes instead of maintaining a captive breeding group. Prior to mating the male turtle will extend its heads towards the female while opening and closing its mouth. After mating, female Matamatas in their natural environment will lay one to two dozen eggs. This generally occurs in the months of October through December, depending on location. These brittle-shelled eggs are almost round and about 3.5 centimeters in diameter. A rather long incubation time of just over 200 days at 28 to 29 degrees C. has been reported for Matamata eggs hatched in captivity.

 #1780946

 Mata Mata Information

Also here is a pic of a matamata tank

Apparently they used a very shallow storage container.

 #1781847

 Mata Mata Information

 #1781866

 Mata Mata Information

 #1781900

 Mata Mata Information

Yeah, figured, but that was the only pic i could find.

 #1788242

 Mata Mata Information

 #1788443

 Mata Mata Information

You have to be able to click on the pic and it be on its own page then copy the url. Then when you are typing the message click on image maker and past in the url.