Whats wrong with my RES turtle?

Question

for some reason he swims with his eyes closed and stays under water for a long period of time

Answer 1

the eye thing could be an ifection bring him to the VET and turtles are swimmers and can stay under water for long periods of time

Answer 2

well turtles natural stay under water for a long time period. but swimming with closed eyes could be from a sickness or eye condtion. if he is not well soon take him to a vet.

Answer 3

Is he fine and eating well, besides this behavior?

Are you using a correct temperature for his water and basking light?  Is it too cold?  Is he sluggish?  

Does he have a UVB light to bask under (turtles require sunlight, and UVB lamps don't tend to be as hot as a basking light).  Is the lamp raised far enough above his basking area, so it's not too hot?

My turtles are very curious and active, and spend a good deal of their time under the water surface, playing, digging, courting, and exploring.  They will also nap underwater (this is the only time their eyes are closed, but they also draw their heads and front arms in).

If you've provided a proper environment, and the temperature/lighting/diet is correct: call your vet.  The turtle could be ill.

Reptiles are slow to show illness, and its usually well progress by the time symptoms arise.  The old adage, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" is especially true when dealing with reptiles.  'Better safe - than sorry.

I hope this has been helpful.

Answer 4

Your lights may be too hot,causing the land part of the tank to be too warm him to want to stay.Could also be too bright hence the closed eyes.