Fun Mata Mata Turtle Facts For Kids
Mata mata turtle [chelus fimbriata], are freshwater turtles that are found in South America. They prefer to be in slow-moving streams, stagnant pools, marsh areas, and swamps. They have a rough shell.
They have elongated necks with bumps in them. They have a triangular and flattened head which is brown or black in colour and has a wide mouth and a long snout. The appearance of these turtle's shells resembles a piece of bark, and its head resembles fallen leaves.
It is an aquatic species but it prefers to be in shallow waters. Each of its forefoot has five claws. Their hunting skills are that they camouflage perfectly.
A new species of mata mata turtle was also found and was named C.orinocensis. The underside of a matas’ shell is unpigmented and the shape of its shell is more oval than the Chelus fimbriata that has a dark underside and rectangular shell.
Chelus fimbriata is found in the Amazon and Mahury regions, whereas C.ornicosensis is found in Orinoco and Río Negro basins. Here are some amazing key facts about the mata mata turtle for your personal use.
Afterwards, spare some time and read our animal fact files on Florida softshell turtle facts and hawksbill sea turtle facts.