matamata turtle

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DJC776;1140535; said:
Is the consensus is that goldfish are bad for them?

Well It would seems that, my Matas are the one that are impossible to get to eat prekilled regularly, but I love them just the same.

But don't take my word for it on the goldfish/feeders ask your exotic wildlife vet or call local Aqurium. If you don't have one try calling the Animal medical center in NYC, it's a hospital one square block in size, and 8 -10 stories high strictly for animals. Once was there to get shots for my Ferrets when someone from NJ I think brought in a full grown Tiger in a Van. That was something to see. :WHOA:
 
I think the phone call would cost a little too much lol although would have loved to have seen the tiger................

One of the LFS has a large (16" shell) pair of matamatas which they have had for about 5 years. These are fed on dead goldfish and koi and have thrived on that diet.
 
I've been thinking about getting a Matamata but want to know what their attitudes are like and what would happen if I got bit by one? I have kept slider turtles for a while and I am ready to step it up.
 
loconorc;1131203; said:
30 bucks for a mata is a big pointer towards BAD DEAL. Thats about 200 dollars less than the typical cost. Search the classifieds at kingsnake.com if you really want one. They require a fairly simple landless setup, but get about as big as a common snapper. Get a quality animal, 30 bucks is awfully suspicious. If you want care information, try and order the January 2005 issue of REPTILES magazine, it has an excellent article.

Know what youre getting into, and use your head.
lol its probly 300.00 not 30.00
 
Matas won't bite you.....
 
Its odd that he would sell you a 5 incher for 30 dollars they cost 100 plus to import at 4 inches and nobody commercially breeds them in the United States.

If they are indeed Mata Mata tell him you want all of them for 30 each and I will send you money and give you a free one for your trouble :)
 
Miguel;1140757; said:
Gold fish are bad for all types of live feeding due to mass production issues ( of the goldfish ).

The goldfish are bad because of thiamase it inhibits vit b absorption
 
I think allmost all good points on caring for this turt have been mensioned;) Just one more thing dont keep your mata with big fish they will freak her out and will eat all of her food before she even gets to it. They like big shallow water aquariums with lots of warmth and hidding places. The best food you can give her is small feeder fish you raised and gutloaded yourself. Mosquito fish, gupy and small characins are ideal, all healty and fat. Tilapia and other ciclid fry is also good. Grass shrimp, earthworms, silversides, scallops and insect larvae is good for variety. Keep the water quality and temperature like you would in a discus tank:)
 
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