Turtles appear in a variety of sizes and forms, but most people associate turtles with small little fellas swimming around in ponds. However, other turtles, such as the matamata, might be a little larger and more distinctive in appearance.
Matamatas are a South American species that may weigh up to 38 pounds. These aren’t the little pond turtles we’re used to seeing. They can have a variety of appearances depending on where they’re located, but they always have enormous wedge-shaped heads, broad jaws, and tiny eyes, making them exceedingly odd-looking but somehow attractive. They have the appearance of huge slugs rather than turtles, but there’s a reason for it.
Matamatas are able to mix with mud and moss as well as their environment to keep themselves safe due to their odd appearance. In fact, their heads are formed like leaves, which aids in the “I’m not a turtle, I’m simply part of the environment” illusion.
Because matamatas don’t travel around frequently, blending in helps them with their lifestyle. They’re sedentary animals that, rather of foraging for food, suck up any passing fish into their jaws like a vacuum.
In other words, these turtles blend in so that they may capture fish just where they are and never have to move. To be honest, it’s relatable.
Whether they resemble snails, huge leaves, or just enormous blobs, matamatas are generally thought to be fairly amazing.
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