Mata mata
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The mata mata, mata-mata, or matamata is a South American species of freshwater turtle found in the Amazon basin and river system of the eastern Guianas. It was formerly believed to also occur in the
2009 Chelus fimbriatus
Top view of the mata mata turtle
Head, in profile
On exhibit at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
Chelus orinocensis
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Chelus orinocensis, the Orinoco mata mata, is a species of freshwater turtle found in northern South America in the Orinoco, upper Rio Negro–Branco and Essequibo basins, and in Trinidad. It was split
Mata mata
…occur in the Orinoco basin, western Guianas and upper Rio Negro–Branco system, but in 2020 these populations were found to belong to a separate species, Chelus orinocensis (Orinoco mata mata). Subsequently, some authorities have modified the common name of Chelus fimbriata to Amazon mata mata. These two are the only extant…
Chelus orinocoensis Los Llanos, Venezuela