Mata mata water depth? Too deep?

[Talon1992]

So I just got a new Matamata, a little bit older than a hatchling. I'd say he's about 6 inches, maybe more. This is the current set up I have for him. I have read in some places that the water should be very shallow, and in others that water depth is it really an issue and that it is a myth that Matamata's need to be kept in shallow waters. Any thoughts from a fellow Matamata owners? Incidentally, the leaves are Mulberry and Maple.

 

[krichardson]

I'm no mata expert or owner,though I'd like to be some day, but that looks like a safe depth for the turtle given it's size.The slanted rock looks well placed too.Where did you get the mata from,if you don't mind?

 

[Talon1992]

I'm no mata expert or owner,though I'd like to be some day, but that looks like a safe depth for the turtle given it's size.The slanted rock looks well placed too.Where did you get the mata from,if you don't mind?

Thank you for the prompt reply! I got him from backwater reptiles. I've heard mixed things about them in the past but I haven't had any issues with them. I may add a little bit more sand just to put myself at ease though

 

[krichardson]

I have heard of them.What are the leaves for?

 

[Talon1992]

I have heard of them.What are the leaves for?

I like to replicate their natural habitat as close as possible, so that's my first reason for using the leaves. They also give the cleaner shrimp something to nibble on. But more importantly I use the leaves as well as the Driftwood to help keep the pH down. I also kind of like the hue it gives the water, reminds me of the amazon, haha

 

[krichardson]

Ah,I see.That one leaf to the left looks like cuttlefish lol.

 

[Talon1992]

Ah,I see.That one leaf to the left looks like cuttlefish lol.

Ah,I see.That one leaf to the left looks like cuttlefish lol.

Funny that you should say that, I actually have a cuttlebone in the tank haha

 

[Frank Castle]

So I just got a new Matamata, a little bit older than a hatchling. I'd say he's about 6 inches, maybe more. This is the current set up I have for him. I have read in some places that the water should be very shallow, and in others that water depth is it really an issue and that it is a myth that Matamata's need to be kept in shallow waters. Any thoughts from a fellow Matamata owners? Incidentally, the leaves are Mulberry and Maple.

View attachment 1220342

the water should be just below his nose-level when he is on all-fours and the neck is fully extended. This is how they live naturally in the wild.

 

[Talon1992]

the water should be just below his nose-level when he is on all-fours and the neck is fully extended. This is how they live naturally in the wild.

Sounds good. I just picked up some more sand, plenty to raise the level so he can reach easier

 

[Deadliestviper7]

As far as tankmates u have more options than with other turtles as Mata turtles don't take chunks out of things,good tankmates include:Suriname toads,American bullfrogs,any of the North American watersnakes if u have the proper basking area for them,American eel,and jade perch.