Sacalia bealei (Beal’s Eyed Turtle)
Home > Turtle Database > Sacalia bealei (Beal’s Eyed Turtle)
Sacalia bealei, commonly known as Beal’s Eyed Turtle, is a freshwater species native to China. It is named for the distinctive eye-like markings on its head, which help it blend into its surroundings. This elusive turtle prefers slow-moving streams and is rarely seen in the wild.
Native Turtle Species Map – Find Turtles by Region
Scientific Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Testudines
Family: Geoemydidae
Genus: Sacalia
Species: Sacalia bealei
Common Names
Beal’s Eyed Turtle
This Hilarious Turtle Book Might Know Your Pet Better Than You Do
Let’s be real—most turtle care guides feel like reading a textbook written by a sleep-deprived zookeeper.
This one’s not that.
Told from the snarky point of view of a grumpy, judgmental turtle, 21 Turtle Truths You’ll Never Read in a Care Guide is packed with sarcasm, sass, and surprisingly useful insights.
And hey—you don’t have to commit to the whole thing just yet.
Grab 2 free truths from the ebook and get a taste of what your turtle really thinks about your setup, your food choices, and that weird plastic palm tree.
It’s funny, it’s honest, and if you’ve ever owned a turtle who glares at you like you’re the problem—you’ll feel seen.
Identification
Description
Beal’s Eyed Turtle has an olive-brown shell with subtle patterning, offering effective camouflage. Its head features two prominent eye-like markings, giving it a unique appearance. The plastron is yellowish with dark blotches, and the skin is generally brown or gray.
Sexual Dimorphism
Females are typically larger with a more domed carapace, while males have longer, thicker tails and a slightly concave plastron. Males also tend to have brighter head markings.
Check more turtles from the Sacalia genus
Native Origin and Distribution
Geographical Range
This species is found in southern China, particularly in the provinces of Fujian, Guangdong, and Guangxi.
Preferred Habitat
Beal’s Eyed Turtle prefers clear, slow-moving streams with rocky or sandy bottoms. It thrives in forested areas where vegetation provides cover and maintains water quality.
Behavior
Feeding Habits
This species is omnivorous, feeding on insects, small fish, crustaceans, and aquatic plants. It is more active at dusk and dawn, foraging in shallow water.
Predators
Juveniles are vulnerable to predation by birds, larger fish, and mammals. Adults have fewer natural predators but may fall victim to habitat destruction and human activity.
Reproduction
Breeding Season
Mating typically occurs in late spring and early summer when water temperatures rise.
Reproductive Method
Females lay small clutches of eggs in moist, sandy soil near water sources. Hatchlings emerge after about 60 to 80 days, depending on temperature conditions.
Conservation
Extinction Status
Beal’s Eyed Turtle is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
Threats
Its population is declining due to habitat destruction, water pollution, and illegal collection for the pet trade. Deforestation and dam construction further threaten its natural environment.
Conservation Measures
China has implemented protective regulations, and some captive breeding programs exist to prevent further decline. Conservationists also work to restore suitable habitats and monitor wild populations.
Economic Importance
This species has limited economic value but is sometimes captured for the pet trade. Conservation efforts aim to reduce illegal collection and promote awareness of its ecological role.
Interesting Facts
- The eye-like spots on its head may help deter predators by mimicking larger eyes.
- It is a shy and secretive species, rarely basking in the open.
- Unlike many other freshwater turtles, it prefers cooler, shaded waters in forested regions.
About Author
Muntaseer Rahman started keeping pet turtles back in 2013. He also owns the largest Turtle & Tortoise Facebook community in Bangladesh. These days he is mostly active on Facebook.
