Sacalia

A small but fascinating group of freshwater turtles found in parts of Southeast Asia, especially southern China, Laos, and Vietnam. These turtles are known for their beautiful and unusual markings, particularly the distinctive spots on the sides of their heads that look like extra eyes — a trait that inspired the “four-eyed” nickname. These eye-like spots may help confuse predators, making the turtle appear more alert and harder to sneak up on. Their carapaces, or upper shells, are typically dark brown or olive and have a slightly domed shape with subtle ridges, helping them blend in perfectly with the leaf litter and forest floor.

One of the key features of Sacalia turtles is their quiet and secretive nature. They live in slow-moving streams, forested wetlands, and shallow, rocky rivers where they can hide among rocks and fallen leaves. Unlike some turtles that bask openly in the sun, Sacalia turtles are shy and tend to avoid open areas, making them hard to spot in the wild. They are mostly active at dawn and dusk, and they are omnivores — meaning they eat a little bit of everything. Their diet includes insects, worms, snails, soft plants, fruits, and fallen leaves. They play a helpful role in their ecosystems by cleaning up debris and helping control insect populations.

Although Sacalia turtles are not very large but, they are packed with charm. Their delicate facial patterns, soft expressions, and unique “eye spots” make them especially appealing to turtle enthusiasts. In fact, their attractive appearance has unfortunately made them targets in the illegal pet trade, and both species are now considered endangered or vulnerable due to habitat loss, pollution, and poaching.