Matamata Turtle

Fascinating facts about the Matamata Turtle

• The lateral line along its neck detects vibrations in the water with extraordinary sensitivity, alerting it to approaching fish before they are visible.
• It cannot eat on land at all — its neck is too stiff to direct food to its mouth out of water. It must swallow prey fully submerged.
• Despite being entirely aquatic, females must travel inland to lay eggs. They have been found over 100 metres from the nearest water source.

At a glance

About the Matamata Turtle

The Matamata is one of the most bizarre-looking turtles on Earth. Its flat, jagged head and heavily ridged shell are virtually indistinguishable from dead leaves and bark when motionless on a riverbed. It does not bite or chase prey — it simply opens its enormous mouth and creates a powerful vacuum that sucks fish in whole.

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