Matamata

The matamata is a rare type of turtle found in South America. This turtle is similar to the North American snapping turtle in the way that it comes across it's food - instead of hunting, it lies in wait. It has excellent camouflage, and blends in very well with the shallow muddy water where it makes it's home. It's shell is knobbly, and it's pointy head resembles a leaf. It has tiny eyes can barely see. However, this turtle has more than just camouflage on it' side. The matamata has large external eardrums, which it uses to hear it's prey. Also, it has sensory skin flaps located on it's neck to help it feel vibrations in the water. The matamata's nose is also unique - it is shaped like a snorkel to help it breathe when submerged. This turtle is carnivorous, and it's diet consists mainly of small fish and invertebrates.