© Shawn K. Heflick www.ArtByEvolution.com

© David Northcott 

Answer: The matamata (Chelus fimbriatus) inhabits slow moving, blackwater streams, pools, marshes and swamps in its range of northern Bolivia, eastern Peru, Ecuador, eastern Colombia, Venezuela, both Guianas and northcentral Brazil. The matamata is strictly an aquatic species, but prefers standing in shallow water where its snout can reach the surface to breath. The matamata's oblong ridged carapace can measure up to 18 inches as an adult. The full adult weight is around 30 pounds. The face and neck are lined with fleshy tubercules that hang from the turtle making it look very much like floating leaf debris in the water. It's crazy looking, but beautiful!