What is Mata mata?
[[File:2009 Chelus fimbriatus.JPG|thumb|This is a mata mata (''Chelus fimbriatus'')]] The '''mata mata''' (''Chelus fimbriata''), also known as the '''matamata''', is a type of [[Fresh water|freshwater]] turtle that lives in [[South America]]. It is one of two species in the genus ''[[Chelus]]'', the other being ''[[Chelus orinocensis]]''. == Description == The mata mata is a large [[turtle]] with a flat [[head]] that is shaped like a triangle. It has many [[Tubercle|tubercles]]. The [[shell]] looks like a piece of [[bark]], and its [[head]] looks like a leaf. == As pets == Mata mata turtles can be kept as pets. Mata matas, however, are not active hunters and like the [[alligator snapping turtle]], they need less space than a large, active species. == References == # [http://scienceblogs.com/tetrapodzoology/2011/04/giant_fossil_matamata_turtles.php Giant fossil matamata turtles (matamatas part V)] [https://web.archive.org/web/20111011173155/http://scienceblogs.com/tetrapodzoology/2011/04/giant_fossil_matamata_turtles.php Archived] 2011-10-11 at the [[Wayback Machine]], Tetrapod Zoology # [http://www.tortoise.org/archives/matamata.html Matamata, ''Chelus fimbriatus''], California Turtle & Tortoise Club [[File:Chelus fimbriatus close.jpg|thumb|Head of chelus fimbriata]] [[Category:IUCN Red List least concern species]] [[Category:Turtles]] [[Category:Reptiles of South America]] [[Category:Animals of South America]]