Matamata Turtle Skull Replica
$136.00
Matamata turtle skull replica is 4.3 x 3.3 x 1.5 in. The Chelus fimbriatus skull is a museum-quality polyurethane resin cast of a CAS specimen.
- Description
- Additional information
Description
Matamata turtle skull replica measures 4.3 x 3.3 x 1.5 inches. The Chelus fimbriatus skull is a museum-quality polyurethane resin cast of a California Academy of Sciences specimen. 2-part skull (separate cranium and mandible). 1:1 scale. Made in USA. Hyoid measures 7.5 inches long.
Slow-moving muddy waters across the Amazon and Orinoco river basins host this highly unique freshwater turtle. Eastern Guiana river systems also hold active native populations of these bottom dwelling turtles.
Bizarre camouflage defines their surreal appearance, making them look like a jagged pile of rotting leaf debris. Younger individuals have bright salmon-pink or reddish-brown skin tones mixed with dark green mottling. Faded yellow, washed-out brown, pale orange, and dark gray shades replace the bright pink hues as the animal matures.
Three prominent raised ridges run straight down the entire length of the rugged top shell. Thick green river algae blanket the outer shell surface, which helps the reptile vanish completely into its murky surroundings.
Scientific Classification
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Reptilia
- Order: Testudines
- Suborder: Pleurodira
- Family: Chelidae
- Subfamily: Chelinae
- Genus: Chelus
- Species: C. fimbriata
- Binomial name: Chelus fimbriata
- Conservation status: Least concern
Matt, the matamata turtle skull replica, rests completely still at the bottom of the shallow river. He blends perfectly into a pile of dead oak leaves and watches the clean water ripple above his head.
Snappy, the alligator snapping turtle skull replica, anchors himself next to a large piece of sunken driftwood. He opens his heavy jaws wide and wiggles his small pink tounge to lure a curious fish into his mouth.
Trix, the Trionyx turtle skull replica, burrows her body deep into a patch of soft, warm river mud. She stretches her long, snorkel-shaped nose just above the surface to catch a quiet breath of air.
Gretta, the Ganges gavila skull replica, floats lazily near the surface. She wags her long, thin tail and slices through the slow current to join her friends for the afternoon.
Additional information
| Weight | 3 lbs |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 4.3 in |
| World Turtle Day - May 23rd | World Turtle Day is an annual observance held every May 23rd. It began in 2000 and is sponsored by American Tortoise Rescue. The day was created as a yearly observance to help people celebrate and protect turtles and tortoises and their disappearing habitats, as well as to encourage human action to help them survive and thrive. |
