Mata Mata Growth

[pacu22]

I would like to use this thread to update the growth on my Chelus fimbriatus (mata mata turtle). 2010 hatchling, captive bred in Peru. Being fed rosy minnows. Tank is 10 gallons with dense covering of Amazon frog-bit (turtle loves to hide under it). UVB basking light provided, but I don't think the turtle basks, it prefers to hide under the frog-bit. The waters pH is kept around 5.5. Amazonian leaves are added as needed to keep black water condition. Water temperature at a constant 78 deg.

Day 1: November 24, 2010
Around 2.5" carapace

 

[pacu22]

January 12, 2011
Around 3" carapace

 

[pacu22]

February 22, 2011
Around 3" carapace

 

[pacu22]

May 23, 2011
Around 4" carapace (hard to tell in pic)

 

[Kruz_B]

Nice Mata Mata Turtle. One of my favorite nice Shell.

 

[chanathon]

nice! any plans to get him on frozen foods? Mine would demolish 50 rosey reds in a couple of weeks (same size as yours) but now he attacks cut up prawn and fish filets. Much cheaper! got a pic of the tank he's in?

 

[pacu22]

Nice Mata Mata Turtle. One of my favorite nice Shell.

Thanks!

nice! any plans to get him on frozen foods? Mine would demolish 50 rosey reds in a couple of weeks (same size as yours) but now he attacks cut up prawn and fish filets. Much cheaper! got a pic of the tank he's in?

I will post some pictures of the tank, maybe tomorrow, but no promises. Mine eats about 20 every 2-3 days, and it gets pricey!
It has eaten a dead rosy before, but I hadn't fed it in a few days. Any tricks to getting it on frozen foods? Advice is greatly appreciated

 

[headbanger_jib]

very niiice specimen
and a neat thread too

 

[busterbrown]

Awesome mata mata, I love seeing these guys

 

[gangster]

COolest turtles out there! Very nice.