5 Isopod Species If You're Looking for Something a Bit More Unusual
There are some isopods that I hope will always be popular in the hobby. They are the ones that bring so many of us joy, be it because of their colours or their behaviours. The isopod hobby includes a wide range of types of isopods, with new species being discovered and introduced regularly. But I thought this time I'd look through my own collection and look at some of the rarer species that you may not have thought about keeping.
Salmon Isopods (Cubaris sp.)
Hailing from the Caribbean island of Martinique, Salmon Isopods are a type of Cubaris, belonging to a visually striking genus known for their unique appearance. These isopods have all the visual appeal of Cubaris sp. but with the added layer of an ever-changing colour. Starting out as a soft salmon colour, these isopods darken in colour as they get older.
They're surprisingly easy to keep, unlike some other Cubaris sp. that can be a little more tricky. Properly a good entry point into Cubaris keeping if you want something distinctive without the demands of cave-origin tropical species.
Red Edge Isopods (Cubaris sp.)
Another Cubaris species with cute appeal, Red Edge is another example of a relatively new species within the Cubaris genus. Red Edge has a deep colour for most of their body, and that striking red edge marking that gives them their hobby name. They are prolific breeders for a Cubaris species, although they do require a warmer, more humid environment than many other isopod species.
For an even more unusual variant, the Red Edge Blonde shows lighter body colouration with the same distinctive red edge.
Camouflage Isopods (Troglodillo rotundatus)
So often overlooked as they're not as flashy as some other species, Camouflage Isopods are a more challenging — and in their own way rewarding — species. A seasonal breeder, so if you get the environment right you will see your colony increasing.
Their native range stretches across China, and they will happily eat a wide variety of foods. In fact, it's something I would recommend — make sure they have a broad diet. The cryptic colouration that gives them their name properly makes them an interesting display species for keepers who appreciate animals that blend with their environment rather than show off.
For the broader genus see our Troglodillo collection.
Trachelipus caucasicus
I wasn't sure if these deserved a place on a list of rarer species, as in the wild they are found in a variety of areas around the Black Sea. But they're not as popular as many species of isopod, so that earned them a place. Browse our Trachelipus caucasicus.
A dark black body with an orange or red trim — they are a nice-looking isopod. Wild types of Trachelipus caucasicus typically have less of the red and orange colouration, while captive-bred isopods have been selectively bred for more vibrant and striking colours. Some careful selective breeding has given us nice examples of the species that give you the eye-catching appeal of many of the species we keep and sell.
For another notable Trachelipus species in the range see our Trachelipus trilobatus.
Armadillidium ruffoi
We couldn't have a list like this without including an Armadillidium species, and Armadillidium ruffoi suits the bill. That bit more unusual — they are originally from the mountains of Northern Italy, and do need a bit more effort to allow them to thrive.
Compared to the more common Armadillidium vulgare (widely known as the common pill bug in UK), Armadillidium ruffoi offers a unique experience for hobbyists. They are much slower to breed than the easier species — great if you don't want to have too many isopods, or you enjoy a breeding challenge. Requiring a more humid enclosure and a more varied diet are the main two challenges, but as with most species these are easy enough to overcome.
To make up for it, their carapace is almost artistic in looks, with various colours in a delicate contrast. Like other Armadillidium species, they can roll into a ball as a defence mechanism against predators.
Why These Five?
Each of these five species offers something properly different from the popular hobby standards. None of them are the easiest to acquire, and a couple need genuine commitment to husbandry. But for keepers who've maintained the common species and want to try something less seen in collections, properly these are worth looking at.
The pattern across the list:
- Geographic variety: Caribbean (Salmon), East Asian (Camouflage), Mediterranean (Ruffoi), Black Sea region (Caucasicus), unknown origin (Red Edge)
- Husbandry variety: from relatively easy (Salmon) to genuinely demanding (Ruffoi)
- Visual character: all distinctive, none common in average UK collections
- Breeding rates: from prolific (Red Edge) to seasonal/slow (Camouflage, Ruffoi)
Husbandry General Notes
For the Cubaris species (Salmon, Red Edge): tropical conditions, high humidity, cave-origin care profile. See our Cubaris guide.
For Camouflage Isopods: varied diet emphasis, seasonal breeding patterns, proper substrate depth for burrowing.
For T. caucasicus: temperate species, moderate conditions, similar to UK-native Porcellio in baseline needs.
For A. ruffoi: more humid than typical Mediterranean Armadillidium, varied diet, patient breeding expectations. Like other Armadillidium, can conglobate (roll into a ball).
Where to Browse
For the species discussed and other rarities:
- Cubaris collection — Salmon, Red Edge and other Cubaris
- Troglodillo collection — Camouflage Isopods
- Trachelipus collection — including T. caucasicus and T. trilobatus
- Armadillidium collection — including A. ruffoi
- New arrivals — current stock
For setup essentials browse our accessories collection. For broader hobby guidance see our useful articles section.
These five species properly represent the kind of diversity that keeps the isopod hobby genuinely interesting — beyond the common Powder isopods and Armadillidium vulgare morphs, there's a whole world of fascinating species to explore for keepers ready to look beyond the obvious choices.
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