The fringed turtle, or matamata, or matamata (lat. Chelus fimbriatus) is a South American freshwater turtle of the genus Chelus from the snake-necked family. The carapace length is up to 40 cm. It has serrated edges and three longitudinal serrated keels formed by sharp conical tubercles on each shield.Matamata headThe matamata's bizarre appearance is given by its flattened triangular head with a soft proboscis and a long neck with rows of leathery festoons. Similar growths are also present on the throat and chin. All this serves as excellent camouflage for the animal, making it look like a mossy tree trunk.

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