How difficult is it to keep Beale's Eyed Turtle?

Advanced. This is an advanced-level species. It requires specialized equipment and advanced husbandry skills with precise environmental control.

How large does Beale's Eyed Turtle get?

Beale's Eyed Turtle typically reaches Maximum carapace length about 16-18 cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.

What should I feed Beale's Eyed Turtle?

Beale's Eyed Turtle feeds on: Mainly carnivorous (crayfish, worms). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.

What is the typical price for Beale's Eyed Turtle?

The price of Beale's Eyed Turtle varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Beale's Eyed Turtle

Advanced

Sacalia bealei

A turtle of southern Chinese mountain streams with two pairs of black-centered eyespots on the back of the head and black speckles on a flat, yellowish-brown shell. It is nocturnal, nervous and rare.

Difficulty

Advanced

Temperature

25〜32℃

Lifespan

Few data on lifespan in captivity

Size

Maximum carapace length about 16-18 cm

Humidity

40〜70%

Diet

Mainly carnivorous (crayfish, worms)

About

Beale's eyed turtle is a geoemydid of the genus Sacalia from southern China (Guangdong, Fujian, Jiangxi, Hunan, Guangxi and elsewhere), where it is very rare in Hong Kong; records from northern Vietnam and Hainan are considered erroneous. The somewhat flattened, smooth carapace is yellowish brown to brown with black spots or vermiculations, and the head is olive green. Two pairs of black-centered eyespots on the back of the head give it its Japanese name. Maximum carapace length is about 16-18 cm. The related four-eyed turtle (S. quadriocellata) also has eyespots, and the English name "four-eyed turtle" is confusingly applied to both, so the scientific name must be checked. It is nocturnal and prefers heavily forested mountain streams with many large stones, feeding on crayfish and worms, and it accepts meat in captivity. It is timid and nervous and flails wildly with its claws when picked up. Females lay one clutch of about six eggs a year. Hunting for folk medicine and habitat loss have reduced it to a species of international conservation concern. It is not common in the Japanese trade and is a different genus from Japan's native Japanese pond turtle.

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Size of the Beale's Eyed Turtle

The Beale's Eyed Turtle grows to Maximum carapace length about 16-18 cm.

Basic Info

Origin

Southern China (Guangdong, Fujian, Jiangxi, Hunan, Guangxi and elsewhere)

Lifespan

Few data on lifespan in captivity

Size

Maximum carapace length about 16-18 cm

Temperature

25〜32℃

References & Sources

Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team

The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.

Primary sources

Taxonomy & Authority

Accepted name: Sacalia bealei (Gray, 1831)

Synonyms: Cistuda bealei Gray, 1831

Authority databases: GBIF · The Reptile Database: Sacalia bealei · GBIF: Sacalia bealei

Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.

Regulations & Conservation Status

CITES Appendix II

Listed in CITES Appendix II. International trade requires an export permit from the country of origin, but no registration is needed to keep or transfer the animal within Japan. It has been listed since 12 June 2013. Despite "ishigame" in its Japanese name, it belongs to a different genus from Japan's native Japanese pond turtle (Mauremys japonica).

Sources: Species+ (CITES): Sacalia bealei

Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.