Rubber Ducky Isopods: Appearance, Behavior, and Primary Care Instructions

Rubber Ducky Isopods are the latest sensations in the pet world. These rare isopods are in high demand across the globe.

The reason behind the popularity of these isopods is their rubber duck-like facial features and bright yellow colour.

The following article will provide information on isopods, Rubber ducky isopods, their appearance, and general behaviour. It also explains the best ways to care for them.

Isopods: What Are They?

Isopods are part of the Crustacean family of animals. These are relatively small creatures found in oceans, land, and freshwater.

This group of organisms usually grows up to a couple of inches maximum. All isopods feature a segmented body and exoskeleton. They use antennae on their head to navigate in both land and water.

Although many isopods are present in the oceans, a reasonable number of species are available in the land, too. The terrestrial isopods are noted for the variety of patterns and colors they come in.

These attractive colors, exciting patterns, and tiny size make the isopods one of the latest additions to the pet world. Pet enthusiasts think of isopods as a perfect beginner-friendly pet. They also believe that these isopods are great as starting pets for children.

Terrestrial isopods are extremely easy to take care of. Most of them require high humidity. Once you provide them with the right food and humid enclosures, they survive well in any climate region.

A wide variety of isopods are currently available in the markets, and one of the most popular among them is the Rubber Ducky isopod. You can find more about the Rubber Ducky isopods in the next section.

Rubber Ducky Isopods: The Celebrity Among Isopods

Rubber Ducky isopods are known as the celebrity among all isopods. The reason is the extreme popularity that they enjoy in the pet world. Despite being rare, unique, and pretty expensive, the demand for Rubber Duckys is increasing day by day. As they reproduce only at a moderate rate, there are not enough Rubber Duckys to satisfy the demand.

Rubber Ducky isopods got their name from their rubber duck-like appearance. Here are some more information on them.

Origin

Rubber Ducky isopods are believed to have originated in Thailand. They were first found in the rural limestone caves of Thailand. They are also actively found in various Asian locations like Japan and Malaysia. Recently, their presence was detected in North and Central America, too.

They are primarily found in humid places like the tropical regions of the globe. They need high humidity and leaf cover to survive. So, they are likely to be found under the leaf litter of tropical forests and humid caves.

Appearance

• Rubber Ducky isopods got their name from their rubber duck-like appearance.

 

• A rubber duck is a popular floating toy used all over the world.

 

• Just like a rubber duck, these isopods feature a bright yellow face colour, round face, etc.

 

• These isopods usually grow up to an inch maximum. Most of them stop growing within 0.8 inches.

 

• Their body usually comes in brown and yellow color. The face is bright yellow, and the rest of the body usually features different shades of brown color.

 

• As with every other isopod, a Rubber Ducky isopod also has a segmented body.

 

• Each segment of their body has a separate pair of limbs.

 

• Some of the limbs have been modified as burrowing legs. They have a habit of burrowing. They usually burrow up to six inches.

 

• As with every other isopod, their heads also have two antennae. These are used for better navigation.

 

• At the end of the antennae is an organ called Cerci. It is a sensory organ quite common for most isopods.

Temperament

• Rubber Ducky isopods are known for their non-aggressive temperament.

 

• Their calm behavior is one of the prominent reasons behind their high popularity as family pets.

 

• These isopods are great as companion pets as they like interacting with other species of animals.

 

• But it is always advisable to let the isopods stay in a separate compartment and interact with the other pets before leaving them all together. This will help with avoiding any kind of conflicts or attacks.

 

• They co-exist pretty well with other small pets like insects. This is why they are considered as one of the ideal additions to a terrarium.

 

• As Rubber Ducky isopods naturally prefer to keep a low profile, it may take some time for them to get used to their surroundings.

 

• Once they are comfortable with the new surroundings, their social personality comes out well.

 

• They are usually very good at interacting with their human keepers, too. But just like with the other pets, it would take some time to get used to.

 

• Once these isopods are comfortable with their keepers, they even rest on their hands for a while without trying to escape.

 

• Also, they don’t usually try to escape from enclosures if they have enough food. Food and shelter are some of the primary concerns for these isopods.So, the keeper need not worry about them planning an escape.

Primary Care

Rubber Ducky isopods are relatively easy to care for. But if you are not providing them with a comfortable environment, they have low chances of survival.

Care Specifications

• Temperature: 70 to 80-degree Fahrenheit

 

• Humidity: Between 70% and 80%

 

• Calcium Sources: Cuttlebone, Limestone, Powdered Eggshells, etc.

 

• Protein Sources: Shrimp Shells, Shrimp Meal, Shrimp Pellets, Crickets, etc.

 

• Water pH Level:0 to 8.5.

 

• Water Hardness:10° to 15° DH.

You can pick any container with a reasonable number of ventilation holes to inhabit the Rubber Ducky isopods. Fill in the container with a thick layer of rich substrate mix. You can mix the substrate soil with coco coir, moss, soft bark, etc.

Make sure to fill the substrate mix for at least six inches. You can then layer the substrate at the top with leaf litter. It is advisable to provide some hiding places for the isopods as well. It is essential to maintain the humidity and warmth inside the tank at high.

As these isopods need a proteinandcalcium-rich diet, you should supplement them occasionally with the right food items and a regular supply of leaf litter and decaying matter.