A new place for the mata mata: Build thread

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
Heres an update when I took him out for checking on him, as this one is completely nocturnal after moving to his new enclosure, I just don't get to see him during the day.



IMG_20211105_122642.jpg

IMG_20211105_122829.jpg

IMG_20211105_122751.jpg

IMG_20211105_122807.jpg
 
  • Like
  • Love
Reactions: PhishMon84, 1 2many, deeda and 1 other person
FJB said:
Very nice. Excellent setup.
Where do you get the 'popsoil balls?
Cheers!
Click to expand...
I get them from a plant nursery here that bakes them


These are used as a potting media for aroids and called leica
 
This is a great thread. I have two mata mata myself and would love it if you can explain the process of getting them off live feeder fish. I see yours just eats what you tossed in. Was there training involved or just making them hungry and leaving food overnight?
 
pga7602 said:
This is a great thread. I have two mata mata myself and would love it if you can explain the process of getting them off live feeder fish. I see yours just eats what you tossed in. Was there training involved or just making them hungry and leaving food overnight?
Click to expand...
Thank you

How old is your mata mata ??

I got 3 of my mata mata at a very small size.
In the beginning I feed them live fish, after they get settled i stop leaving live fish in their tank, instead once in a few days I catch a live fish in tongs and feed. In the beginning they take time to understand that it's food in the tongs, so you gotta be patient.

Once they associate the tongs with food, every time you bring the tongs they will strike each time you hold something in the tongs.

Although they strike they might not readily accept new foods, my fimbriatus is a brat and will regurgitate tilapia. Here's a video of rejecting tilapia

It's a slow process but will work eventually.

I have never trained a large specimen, as I see that as they grow larger they get more and more shy and nocturnal.
 
  • Like
Reactions: tlindsey
headbanger_jib said:
Thank you

How old is your mata mata ??

I got 3 of my mata mata at a very small size.
In the beginning I feed them live fish, after they get settled i stop leaving live fish in their tank, instead once in a few days I catch a live fish in tongs and feed. In the beginning they take time to understand that it's food in the tongs, so you gotta be patient.

Once they associate the tongs with food, every time you bring the tongs they will strike each time you hold something in the tongs.

Although they strike they might not readily accept new foods, my fimbriatus is a brat and will regurgitate tilapia. Here's a video of rejecting tilapia

It's a slow process but will work eventually.

I have never trained a large specimen, as I see that as they grow larger they get more and more shy and nocturnal.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the quick response. One is 6 inches and the other is 10 inches. Shell size that is.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom