The Complete Four-Eye Turtle Care Guide

The Four Eye Turtle (Sacalia quadriocellata beali) for sale  is a unique freshwater turtle species gaining popularity in the exotic pet trade. With their distinctive facial markings and small size, four-eye turtles can make for engaging reptile pets when properly cared for. This article will cover everything needed to successfully keep healthy and happy four-eye turtles.

An Overview of Four-Eye Turtles

Native to freshwater marshes, ponds and flooded forests of Bangladesh and Northeast India, the four-eye turtle gets its name from the distinctive markings on its head that resemble four eyes. These features help camouflage them in the dappled light of their natural habitat.

Four Eye Turtle (Sacalia quadriocellata beali) for sale are a manageably small species, reaching just 4-6 inches as adults. Their carapace is olive to brownish black marked with yellow spots and streaks. With attentive care, four-eye turtles can live 20+ years in captivity.

Four-Eye Turtle Habitat Requirements

Four Eye Turtle (Sacalia quadriocellata beali) for sale need the following habitat setup:

• Enclosure - Minimum 75 gallon aquarium or plastic tub. Use at least a 40 gallon for hatchlings.
• Water temperature - Maintain water between 75-80°F using a submersible heater and thermometer.
• Basking area - Provide raised dry platform or ramp for basking under heat and UVB light.
• Lighting - Needed for vitamin D3. Use Reptisun 5.0 UVB fluorescent bulbs. Replace annually.
• Filtration - Use a heavy-duty canister filter rated for 2-3x total water volume. Turtles are messy!
• Plants - Add aquatic plants like anarchis, hornwort, water lettuce to help filter water.
• Substrate - Bare bottom tanks are easiest to keep clean. Add large rocks and logs as basking platforms.

Keep water quality pristine with frequent partial water changes and filter cleanings. Chlorine-free water conditioner is essential.

Four-Eye Turtle Diet and Nutrition

Four Eye Turtle (Sacalia quadriocellata beali) for sale need an omnivorous diet including:

• Protein sources - Offer turtle pellets, blackworms, guppies, river shrimp, crickets, mealworms.
• Vegetables - Dark leafy greens like kale, collard, mustard. Add squash, zucchini, sweet potato.
• Fruits - Melons, berries, and mango can be provided occasionally in small amounts.
• Supplements - Dust food 3x weekly with calcium and vitamin D3 powder for shell health.

Variety is important. Feed commercial foods as just part of the diet along with vegetables and some fruits.

Four-Eye Turtle Health and Common Issues

Watch for these signs of illness in four-eye turtles:

• Lethargy and loss of appetite - Can indicate metabolic disorder, infection, parasites. Have vet run tests.
• Swollen eyes, runny nose - Potential vitamin A deficiency. Improve diet and UVB lighting.
• Shell abnormalities - Result of poor nutrition, dehydration. Ensure balanced diet, access to UVA/UVB lighting, and calcium supplements.
• Buoyancy issues - Usually a sign of respiratory infection. Keep water temperature in ideal range between 75-80°F.
• Diarrhea - Have vet check for parasites, bacterial infection. Review diet.

Schedule an annual vet exam to check for parasites, assess overall health, and run tests if any issues arise. Start four-eye turtles off healthy with an initial exotic vet visit too. Proper husbandry and nutrition will prevent most health problems.

With the right setup and care, four-eye turtles can make personable and unique reptile pets. Be sure to research their needs fully before deciding if they are the right fit for your family.