Mata mata

Description:

Aquatic turtle of the Amazon River Basin. Flattened, leaf-shaped head, and coloration allow the mata mata blend into its surrounding on the bottom of shallow streams in wait for passing fish.

Habitat:

Found in shallow, slow moving streams. The mata mata rarely leaves water for land other than to lay eggs.

Notes:

Its cryptic coloration allows this turtle disappear into its surroundings among the leaf litter on the bottom of a stream. It will wait patiently for fish to pass in front it, and then suck them into its throat with a sudden opening of its mouth. The mata mata will then spit out debris, while swallowing the fish.