Four-eyed turtle (Sacalia quadriocellata)

Short answers

Four-eyed turtle: How big does the enclosure need to be?

120×50 cm aqua-terrarium.

Four-eyed turtle: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 20–26 °C (COOL), basking spot 28 °C, at night 16–20 °C.

Four-eyed turtle: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Essential (UVB 5.0).

Four-eyed turtle: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 30–40 years.

Four-eyed turtle: Is it suitable for beginners?

No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).

Climate

Daytime temperature

20–26 °C (COOL)

Night temperature

16–20 °C

Basking spot

28 °C

Humidity

Semi-aquatic, 80–90 %

UVB

Essential (UVB 5.0)

Enclosure

Minimum size

120×50 cm aqua-terrarium

Substrate

A shallow water section (10–20 cm), leaf litter, a damp land section, hiding places

Feeding

Food

Earthworms, snails, insects, a little fruit

Feeding interval

3×/week

Key facts

Adult size

12–18 cm

Life expectancy

30–40 years

Origin

Southern China, northern Vietnam, Laos – mountain streams

Protection status

CITES II; IUCN "Endangered"

Brumation

A cool rest period of 8–10 weeks

Cohabitation

Keep singly or as a pair. Two males harass each other and the females; under constant courtship a female visibly loses condition. A pair only works if the male can be removed when harassing the female - a second enclosure belongs in the plan. With more space, one male to several females spreads out the courtship.

Notes

Four eye-like spots on the back of the head. A cool mountain-stream species – temperatures above 27 °C are tolerated poorly. Very shy; it needs plenty of hides and subdued light.

Do you keep this species?

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• Japanese pond turtle (Mauremys japonica) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Four-eyed turtle (Sacalia quadriocellata) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (120×50 cm aqua-terrarium), substrate (A shallow water section (10–20 cm), leaf litter, a damp land section, hiding places), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.