The mata mata turtle for sale is one of the neatest-looking turtles on the planet. It looks like debris found at the bottom of a vernal pool, such as leaves. In the wild someone might walk right past a large specimen. The carapace contains brown, red and black coloration. The species has a wide head and a pointy nose. Its neck has a rigid texture to help with the camouflage. Hatchling mata matas are more brightly colored and appear whitish or yellowish like a tropical leaf.

Mata Mata Turtle Size | baby mata mata turtles for sale

Mata mata turtles can measure more than 2 feet long. However, the typical size ranges from 16 to 20 inches long for full-sized adults.

Mata Mata Turtle Life Span

Exact details for the mata mata turtle life span is not really known, but most documentation shows the turtle’s average life is anywhere from 40 to 75 years. Some turtles can live more than 100 years if given the right care.

Mata Mata Turtle Caging

Mata mata turtle like slightly acidic water with a pH near 5 or 6. Increase acidity by adding sphagnum moss, which is very acidic. Shallow water is a good idea. A water depth of 8 to 10 inches for an adult, or 3 to 4 inches for a hatchling, is sufficient. Although these turtles spend much of their time in the water, they don’t swim around much. They lie still on the bottom most of the time.

Larger mata mata turtles, 16 inches and longer, require larger tubs or setups at least 4 feet by 4 feet. Smaller turtles can do well in smaller enclosures. The enclosure should allow for adequate room for the mata mata to move around. Make sure you have good filtration with these turtles. Oxygen flow is key because it helps fight unwanted bacteria in the water. Water should be changed regularly and kept as clear as possible.

Aquatic plants or artificial plants can be added for hiding places, which help reduce a mata mata’s stress. A log, branch or rock is a good idea for a basking area. Avoid using big rocks in the enclosure because this can cause cuts and scrapes that can lead to shell rot.

Mata Mata Turtle Lighting and Temperature | albino mata mata turtle for sale

Water temperatures around 80 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit are fine. Mata mata turtles are found in tropical environments, so they require higher temperatures. Position a basking light, such as a 75- to 150-watt heat bulb, about one foot above a basking spot. Add an additional UVB-emitting bulb for ultraviolet light. The basking area should be in the mid- to upper 90s.

Mata Mata Turtle Food | baby mata mata turtle for sale

Mata mata turtles are carnivores and prefer live fish. Minnows, platies, mollies, guppies, goldfish and sunfish are a fine selection. I have seen some turtles take night crawlers, as well. It is unusual to have them feed on commercial foods. You can keep the enclosure stocked with fish at all times and allow the mata mata to feed freely.

Be sure to put plenty of feeders fish in the mata mata’s enclosure. It can be difficult for your mata mata to try to catch one or two fish when it is hungry. Try to keep it stocked with 30 or 40 fish at a time. It will eat many at first and then a few here and there throughout the next 4 or 5 days depending on the size of your mata mata. A full size mata mata around can eat feeder (small) goldfish or larger rosies (minnows).

Mata Mata Turtle Handling and Temperament

I would advise against handling imported mata mata turtles until you get this species established and comfortable. This means the turtle is eating, active, and does not show any signs of illness or bad health. Mata mata turtles hatched in captivity can be handled a little more often, but small hatchlings should start eating and show signs of growth before you do much handling.

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A popular pet tortoise, Russian tortoise for sale are one of the most readily available tortoise species. They are small, making them easy for most people with limited space to keep. They are also feisty, eager to eat and more active than some other tortoises. When allowed to burrow, Russian tortoises also have one of the highest tolerances for temperature extremes. They are one of the few species that can be kept outdoors in Las Vegas, Nev. year round. These factors make Russian tortoises attractive for new tortoisekeepers and a fun tortoise for seasoned veterans.

Russian tortoise care

Russian tortoises are fairly easy to care for, however, do your homework before you buy a Russian tortoise! Having the proper habitat, substrate, lighting, heating, and hides is the key to success.

Russian tortoise UVB Lighting

Providing your Russian tortoise for sale with UVB lighting is key to raising a healthy Russian tortoise hatchling for sale. UVB should be provided via a t5 HO tube style lamp. Using a 10% or 10.0 UVB lamp is fine so long as your light is around 15-20″ from the shell of the tortoise. A 12% lamp is even better however, it needs to be mounted 24″ above the tortoises and will have a great output and coverage area. We recommend using an Arcadia brand tortoise UVB light.

Baby Russian tortoise for sale – Humidity

Humidity is a big deal for any species of baby tortoise for sale, and the baby Russian tortoise is no different. Keep the humidity in the range of 65-70% for yearlings to juveniles, 50-60% for adults, and as high as 75-80% for captive bred Russian tortoise hatchlings. Using a reptile fogger will help keep the humidity up. Some people put it on the same timer as the lights, keep it filled at night. Because it is tied to the same timer, the fogger can simulate morning dew each morning when it comes on with the UVB lighting and the hot spot.

baby Russian tortoise Lifespan

Baby Russian tortoises live a long time! Did you know a Russian tortoise can live 50-100 years! That is correct, 100 years! That means you need to be prepared to own your tortoise for your entire life, and even maybe give it to a younger family member when you get old!

Russian tortoise food & diet

Feeding your new baby Russian tortoise for sale a varied diet is the best way to go. Here at the tortoise town tortoise farm, we offer a wide variety of high quality fresh greens and veggies. Using Romaine, Collard Greens, Mustard Greens, Endive, Squash, Zucchini, Bell Peppers, Kale, Shredded Carrots, the occasional tomato, we make a daily “chopped salad”. Also, to supplement more Vitamin D3 during the winter with our indoor tortoise habitats, we use Mazuri tortoise chow. Tortoise chow works best when soaked in water and softened. Some people also add their supplements right to the water so it is soaked up with the tortoise pellets.

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