Mata Mata or Snapping turtle?

[Cheetah]

Thanks for everyone's comments and suggestions.

The tank is 120 x 48 x 36, it was originally used by the previous owners as a asian arowana tank. When my company bought the office I converted it to a saltwater trigger and tang tank.

The office being closed 3 days a week plus plenty of vacation time , it became a chore to take care to the point where I hired a maintenance company. I gave up about about a year ago tore down the thing and made it into a fancy gold fish tank.

I'm not a turtle expert nor even a freshwater guy. I've been into SW for the past 15 years. But I picked up a FRT just over a year ago and started a FW tank with great success, i've got other hard to keep FW in the tank, but my FRT is the center piece.

I was hoping in doing a similar setup in the office but finding another FRT at a reasonable price is difficult. I think i've also ruled out the snapper as any fish in the tank would be a snack in short order. The mata-mata I would be ok with once the fish can fit in it's mouth, but i've noticed there typically slow like mollases and aren't the most entertaining to watch.

I'm not concerned about water quality as I plan on having a large sump and drip system running currently. But how would I feed the mata-mata if I plan on being away for a week or so? Just leave a bunch of feeders in the tank and hope for the best?

 

[Miguel]

Yes. With a bunch of adequate sized fish in the tank, it should be okay.

2 words of advice, however: - Prey size should be smaller than one would guess by looking at the size of the mouth;
- Although they can swimm, it is not their favourite pastime and they can also drown. Never let the water level be higher than their stretched neck so that they can easily come up for air, even if they have to somewhat stand on their hind legs.

You will get tired of the matas, though, being a Trigger and an FRT person. Those 2 species "interact" with the owner. Matas do not not.

 

[Geoey]

i would love a gigantic snapper as a pet they are an impressive animal big pond would be needed i would think .

 

[EricIvins]

Yes. With a bunch of adequate sized fish in the tank, it should be okay.

2 words of advice, however: - Prey size should be smaller than one would guess by looking at the size of the mouth;
- Although they can swimm, it is not their favourite pastime and they can also drown. Never let the water level be higher than their stretched neck so that they can easily come up for air, even if they have to somewhat stand on their hind legs.

You will get tired of the matas, though, being a Trigger and an FRT person. Those 2 species "interact" with the owner. Matas do not not.

Why does the shallow water myth continue on? 95% of pet trade Matas are by-catch from Fisherman netting in water between 6-12ft, on average........

 

[Miguel]

Why does the shallow water myth continue on? 95% of pet trade Matas are by-catch from Fisherman netting in water between 6-12ft, on average........

I don't know whether it is a myth, or not....I speak from my experience. I do not find Matas the best swimmers and therefore keep them in shallower waters.

I know most are caught as by products by fishermen in deeper waters. What I do not know is if the particular spot they were caught was shallower than the average fishing depth or not ( for any number of reasons, such as underwater logs or stones )..

 

[cobra blitz]

Speaking from experience here, Matas are ok in deeper waters! Just gotta make sure you have plenty of driftwood and plants.

 

[Cheetah]

Thanks for everyones help.

I've ordered 2 mata mata. Ill post pics when they arrive.

Posted on mobile.monsterfishkeepers.com

 

[snakeguy101]

Thanks for everyone's comments and suggestions.

The tank is 120 x 48 x 36, it was originally used by the previous owners as a asian arowana tank. When my company bought the office I converted it to a saltwater trigger and tang tank.

The office being closed 3 days a week plus plenty of vacation time , it became a chore to take care to the point where I hired a maintenance company. I gave up about about a year ago tore down the thing and made it into a fancy gold fish tank.

I'm not a turtle expert nor even a freshwater guy. I've been into SW for the past 15 years. But I picked up a FRT just over a year ago and started a FW tank with great success, i've got other hard to keep FW in the tank, but my FRT is the center piece.

I was hoping in doing a similar setup in the office but finding another FRT at a reasonable price is difficult. I think i've also ruled out the snapper as any fish in the tank would be a snack in short order. The mata-mata I would be ok with once the fish can fit in it's mouth, but i've noticed there typically slow like mollases and aren't the most entertaining to watch.

I'm not concerned about water quality as I plan on having a large sump and drip system running currently. But how would I feed the mata-mata if I plan on being away for a week or so? Just leave a bunch of feeders in the tank and hope for the best?

in order to feed your mata mata while you are out, just stock the tank with plenty of minnows so that the turtles can suck them up over the next few days. be careful not to use gold fish from pet smart because they will give your turtle a lot of health problems. I have kept mine on big head minnows, shinners, tilapia, channel catfish, mud minnows, and the occasional mouse left over from other feedings. These turtles will eat as much as you put in their tank, no matter what the volume. I generally put 200 minnows in a week or 50 tilapia or 75 channel cat's respective to their size... you get the idea.

be sure that you are not using gravel as a substrate because matas can suck it up along with their food and it can cause an impaction. I use sand as my substrate because it is attractive and readily available but ultimately, boiled peat moss and oak leaves are the best substrate (boiling them makes them sink). hope you find this info helpful, if you have anymore questions, just ask. I have a lot of experience with these turtles.

 

[girl_interrupted]

mata mata for a office.
Alligator snapping turtles are fun but they get big and aggresive.
I dont even think mata matas can bite.
There much more peaceful and mellow

I agree. I don't much like them as it is, and for a peaceful office environment, it might not be a good idea. Just my thoughts.