One can gauge the age of these tortoises by examining the growth lines present on each scute. The scutes themselves are conical, and the growth rings are easy to see. The Mata Mata has a long, flat neck and head. The head is shaped like a broad triangle. The head and neck are covered with ridges, warts, tufts and other protuberances.
Tufts are flaps of skin.
The exact purpose of the tufts is a subject of debate. These tufts possess many nerve cells, which convey sensory information to the turtle, the debate seems to be how the turtles use and process this information. Their mouths are extremely wide, this adaptation allows them to swallow food whole. Its snout is long and slender. Atop the snout are two very small eyes.