Cristarmadillidium is a small genus of European isopods that doesn't get nearly enough attention in the hobby — partly because they're genuinely rare in captivity, and partly because they look nothing like what most people picture when they think of an isopod.

The only species we currently stock is the Crystal Pineapple (Cristarmadillidium muricatum) — and the name really does tell you everything. These tiny Spanish isopods have a distinctly spiky, ridged exoskeleton in pale yellow to washed-out orange that makes them look more like a miniature piece of jewellery than a woodlouse. Adults reach just 6–8mm, making them one of the smallest isopods available in the UK hobby, but their rarity and appearance more than compensate for the size.

The one thing worth knowing before you buy: Crystal Pineapples are dry-habitat isopods from the arid Mediterranean region of Spain. Unlike the majority of isopods in the hobby — which want high humidity and damp substrate — these need good airflow and predominantly dry conditions, with just a small damp area for hydration. If you're coming from keeping Cubaris or Armadillidium and you're used to misting regularly, you'll need to adjust your instincts here.

They're not difficult once you understand what they need — but they are different.

All orders are dispatched Monday to Thursday via Royal Mail's next day by 1pm service, with a live arrival guarantee and 20% overcount included. If you have questions about care or setup before buying, our live chat team is always happy to help. You might also want to browse our isopod articles for guidance on dry-habitat species setups, or check our special offers page for any current deals across the full isopods for sale range.