Beal's Four-Eyed Turtle

 

 

SCIENTIFIC NAME

Sacalia bealei

ADULT SIZE

Up to 6"

DIET

In the wild, they feed upon carrion, snails, beetle larvae, earthworms, water plants and fruits.

TEMPERATURE RANGE (°F)

Air Temperature:  Low to mid 80's

Basking Temperature:  High 80's to low 90's

Water Temperature:  Low to mid 70's

HABITAT

Woodland streams and brooks.

DISTRIBUTION

Southern China from Fujian to eastern Guangdong Province.

BEGINNER TURTLE

Yes

CAPTIVE HABITAT

A large, dry, land area needs to be provided for them to scamper about as well as a substantial amount of shallow swimming room. UVB lighting and a heat lamp over the land area is required. A submersible heater is also recommended. Their swimming area needs to be relatively shallow, being deep enough to cover the top of the shell, plus about 1 inch. Filtration is a must for their water as they tend to pass waste more frequently in the water.

RECOMMENDED ENCLOSURE

Recommended size for a single adult Sacalia bealei would be a 40 gallon aquarium as a minimum (55 or larger preferred). This will provide adequate walking area as well as swimming area, in addition to assisting the filtration in maintaining good water quality. For additional Sacalia bealei, I would recommend adding 30 gallons of tank space per additional turtle at a minimum, opting for the long versions of the aquarium as opposed to the high or "show" models.

Stock Tanks and Rubbermaid containers work extremely well for this species of turtle. The same space recommendations remain roughly the same, however, they require more space for walking, so height is not a requirement, permitting they can not escape.

CAPTIVE DIET

In captivity, they do well on Mazuri and ReptoMin, Reptile/Pond 10, Cichlid Sticks, snails, crickets, veggies and assorted worms and insects.

COMMUNITY HABITAT

Sacalia bealei's make them a great turtle for a community habitat with other species with similar needs from their region.