Matamata
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Chelus fimbriatus
Snorkel nose
The Matamata usually lives at the bottom of streams. It uses its long, pointed nose to reach the surface to breathe.
Huge mouth
The Matamata opens its mouth when a small fish is near, creating a vacuum that literally sucks the fish in.
Habitat/Range
Shallow, non- or slow-moving waters in northern South America and the island of Trinidad
Wild Diet
Fish
Predators
Birds of prey (hatchlings), Fish (hatchlings), Small mammals (eggs and hatchlings), and Humans (adults)
Reproduction
Up to 28 eggs are laid in mud banks and sand bars. The eggs hatch in 7 to 8 months.
Conservation
STABLE
Still relatively common throughout parts of its range.
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