Scientific Name: Chelus fimbriata
Found In: South America/Tropical river systems, particularly ox-bow lakes, ponds, and creeks that are slow-moving with soft, muddy bottoms
Size: The carapace (top shell) of adults averages at 1.5 feet in length and 33 pounds
Diet: Carnivore. Diet consists of fish and aquatic invertebrates
Threat Level: Least Concern. The exotic pet trade is the major threat to this species
Facts: The skin flaps and other protusions on the head of this species aid in detecting vibrations in the water to catch prey and avoid predators.
![Mata mata at the Virginia Zoo](https://i0.wp.com/virginiazoo.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/GettyImages-648390828.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&ssl=1)