Cubaris Isopods (36)

Panda King isopods, which belong to the species of Cubaris, are known for their eye-catching white and black colour combination. This combination has a similar look to that of a Panda, which gave this species the name Panda. They are found to be slightly different when compared to other isopods. These species have an increasing fan base due to their interesting outer structure and lovely features, increasing the demand among pet owners.   Insight Place of Origin: Vietnam Scientific Name: Cubaris sp. 'Panda King' Maintenance Effort: Medium Ideal Temperature Range: 70℉ - 80℉ General Size:  ~ 1 cm Rareness: Low to Medium Humidity Range: 70% - 80% Preferred Diet: Fruit, vegetables, fish food  Supplements in Addition: Cuttlebone, eggshells Panda King Isopods: Introduction These isopods are generally observed in limestone caves and belong to central and northern parts of Vietnam. These species prefer to be in an environment which is humid. Isopods of length approximately 1.5 cm are seen generally. They play a major role in the ecosystem balancing, by feeding on the decaying plants and rotting wood. They supply nutrients to the soil by consuming the decaying matter, maintaining the balance of required nutrients in soil. Characteristics of Panda King Isopods These critters have black and white colour exoskeletons. They grow up to 1.5 cm in length.  Their striking and adorable features make them one of the most sought-after isopods. They are easy to care for and require minimum maintenance. They are beginner-friendly. They are nocturnal in nature. They breed rapidly once established in their habitat. They are detritivores in nature. It has a soft exoskeleton and is used to feed poison dart frogs and other small animals. Vegetables, greens, and fish food are good for maintaining nutrition. The consumption of calcium for these isopods is a bit higher than other isopod species. Feeding for Panda King Isopods These isopods feed on almost all types of food. They are essentially scavengers and feed on organic waste. However, during confinement in a cage, it is imperative to offer optimal nutrition. They can be supplemented with vegetables, greens, rotten leaves, or even wood. For calcium and protein, dried shrimp, fish food, cuttlebone, and egg shells are great for these species growth and development. Calcium powder is also good to give as a substitute.  Most isopod owners make the mistake of overfeeding the isopods. Overfeeding attracts pests into their enclosure. Therefore, it is important to feed the necessary quantity of food.  Natural Habitat Panda King isopods live in limestone caves and taverns. These species are commonly found in the central and northern parts of Thailand. In this region, caves are abundant. The caves are dark and humid; therefore, they are suitable for the isopods.  Panda King isopods are scavengers. They are also found among rotting leaves, fruits and vegetables. These species like to live in dark areas. They are shy in nature and like to burrow and hide. It is necessary to understand their natural habitat to build an artificial habitat for these isopods. Panda Kings: Breeding Panda King isopods are active species ready to reproduce unless acclimated to their surroundings.  Once they adapt to their surroundings, they start producing many offspring.  These isopods have a distinct mating ritual where the male isopods transfer sperm into the female's pleopods. The offspring hatch after six weeks after the eggs are attached to a firm surface. These offspring stay close to their mother, thus forming a small colony. Artificial Habitat of Panda King Isopods Panda King isopods thrive in humid environments. They are native to the tropical climates of Asia and need moisture to stay hydrated. Keep them in a small box to help them acclimate to a new environment. Once they're comfortable, transfer them to a plastic box with ventilation. Use deep bedding, including materials like old wood, dried leaves, and moss, for a cosy habitat.  It is necessary to prevent excess moisture as they may attract pests like mold and fruit flies. To combat this, adding springtails will help keep the environment clean and free of unwanted guests. It's important to keep the humidity right for the well-being of these isopods so they have a comfortable and healthy place to live. So, with proper care and attention to their habitat, you can enjoy the delightful presence of Panda King isopods in your home. Tank Mates for Panda King Isopods Panda King isopods like to live in a highly humid environment. Therefore, pairing them with similar invertebrates that appreciate humidity is best.  It is necessary that tankmates for the isopods should be from the same region as the Panda King. Therefore, invertebrates like snails are the best tank mates in terrarium and vivarium settings. Another species that is suitable to be paired with is springtails. These creatures, when together, will prevent any kinds of pests and will keep the bioactive clean. Preferred Substrate Mixture for Panda Kings A perfect substrate blend for Panda King Isopods is one that is deep, and also holds a lot of moisture. Use a small batch of coco coir, sphagnum moss, and orchid bark for the isopods, with the substrate depth reaching approximately 4 inches for burrowing.  Magnolia leaves enhance the habitat further, contributing to moisture retention and serving as excellent shelters for Panda King Isopods and their offspring. To mimic their natural surroundings, incorporate cork bark, dried oak leaves, and other elements into the enclosure. Wooden bark pieces are added to provide hiding spots, and dried leaves are added as food and for aesthetics. Sphagnum moss helps with moisture retention, which is a crucial factor for Panda King Isopods thriving in the environment. Although ventilation is necessary, it should be minimal to maintain the desired humidity gradient within the substrate. It should have both damp and dry areas. For nutrition, add earthworm castings and limestone powder to replicate their native habitat. This all-rounder substrate mix establishes a solid foundation, offering both sustenance and hydration to the isopods. Striking a balance between the various elements encourages natural behaviours and supports the physical health of Panda King Isopods in captivity. It allows them to thrive in an artificial environment that mimics the conditions of their natural habitat.

Originally from Thailand, Rubber Ducky isopods have stormed the isopod petting industry. These tiny creatures with rubber duck-like facial features are now some of the bestselling isopods worldwide. Most importantly, they were found relatively recently, in 2017. These collectible isopods are rare and need relatively higher humidity than most other isopods to survive. Rubber Ducky Isopods: A Glimpse Origin:Thailand, Malaysia, and Japan Scientific Name:Cubaris sp. Difficulty Level: Medium Size: Up to 1.5 cm Rarity: Very High Temperature: 70F to 80F Humidity: 70% TO 80% Favorite Foods:Dried shrimp, leaf litter, etc. Rubber Ducky Isopods: An Overview Rubber Ducky isopods are given the name due to their resemblance to the popular rubber duck toy in color and facial features. They are originally a part of the crustacean species. They are native to Asia's highly humid limestone caves, especially in Thailand. Therefore, a highly humid environment is necessary for them to survive. Although they are the most popular isopods globally, they are rare and unique. These exotic creatures are especially attracted to vegetables like cucumbers and sweet potatoes. Despite loving vegetables, they are essentially detritivores. Their non-aggressive temperament and small size make them the perfect beginner-friendly pet isopods.  Rubber Ducky Isopods: Basic Care Rubber Ducky isopods need to have a highly humid environment to survive. So, you have to always keep the tank warm and humid. The temperature inside the tank should be between 25 and 28 degrees Celsius. You should also maintain the humidity level between 75% to 90%. The Rubber Ducky isopods usually start breeding within a few weeks. Specifically, the female isopods start breeding at three months old. Rubber Ducky Isopods: Feeding The Rubber Ducky isopods need to have a protein and calcium-richdiet. They require all the essential nutrients to survive well in a new environment. As this species is slower-growing, you must feed them occasionally to aid their growth. You can use the following food items to feed them. Calcium Rubber Ducky isopods are naturally present in limestone caves and similar calcium-rich areas.   They require a significant amount of calcium to grow and reproduce. The best calcium-rich food items you can give these isopods are the following. Cuttlebone   Powdered eggshells   Limestone   Sea corrals Protein Protein is crucial to the breeding health of the isopods. Following are the best food options for these isopods regarding protein. Shrimp shells   Insects like crickets   Shrimp meal   Shrimp pellets   Organic yeast Leaf Litter Leaf litter is unavoidable for them.   It is essential to provide them with pesticide-free leaf litter.   Leaf litter is pretty affordable and easily available.   You can give a lot of leaf litter to the isopods every time you feed them. The most suitable leaf options for them are as follows. Oak leaves   Magnolia leaves   Cannabis leaves   Seed blends Rubber Ducky isopods are detritivores. In other words, they are interested in eating decaying matter. So, keeping some decaying fruits, softwood, etc., in the enclosure is also advisable. Rubber Ducky Isopods: Appearance and Behaviour Appearance Rubber Ducky isopods are the most popular for their appearance. Their unique facial structure makes them look similar to the rubber duck toy. Their heads also have a similar yellow color, making them further identical to the real rubber ducks. They usually grow up to 1.5 cm. On the other hand, certain variants can grow up to two centimeters. They are available in shades of brown and yellow. Their body is divided into seven segments. Each segment of this isopod has a separate pair of legs. Among the multiple legs, two are for burrowing. They use these burrowing legs to dig as deep as six inches. They have two antennae on their heads. These antennas help them with navigation. On both these antennas, there are small projections called Cerci. Cerci is used as a sensory organ by these isopods. Behavior Rubber Ducky isopods are known for their calm temperament. This calm behavior is one of the primary reasons for its popularity. They don’t mind interacting with other pets and animals. But keeping the small pets separate from them is advisable to avoid conflict. They usually prefer to remain in the tanks where they get enough food. So, they typically do not try to escape from the tanks. These isopods interact with humans, too.  But the human interaction may take some time. However, they interact with the keepers and other animals once comfortable with their surroundings. These isopods gradually get comfortable with their surroundings. They develop a playful temperament once they feel comfortable.  Many of these isopods even let the keepers take them in their hands and play. They usually spend several minutes in the keeper’s hands. Rubber Ducky Isopods: Habitat The habitat you create for a Rubber Ducky isopod must have the following features. The tank should always be warm and humid.   The water should always maintain a pH level between 8.0 and 8.5.   The hardness of the water inside the tank should be between 10° and 15° DH.   The tanks need to have a good amount of light. You can use terrarium lights as light sources.   The lights should not shine directly on the isopods. Rubber Ducky Isopods: Substrate Mix These isopods need to have a rich substrate mix.   As they dig about six inches deep, you must fill the substrate mix at a good thickness in the tank.   The essential things to add to the substrate mix are limestone, decaying matter, leaf litter, etc.   The substrate mix should have peat moss and coco coir. 

White Shark isopods are also known as White Shark Dwarf isopods. These isopods are one of the most minor Cubaris sp. They are fascinating, adorable, widely appreciated, and more prevalent among exotic pet lovers and admirers. Synopsis Origin: Thailand Scientific Name:Cubaris sp Size: 8mm Temperature: 75°F to 80°F Maintenance: Easy to medium Humidity: 60% to 80% Supplement: Cuttlebone, Limestone Rarity: Low Abstract White shark Isopods of the Crustaceans order are native to Thailand. They have orange, white, and dark blue exoskeletons. These Cubaris sp. thrive more than any other cubaris sp. and are suitable to breed in an enclosure. These critters are like every isopod; they are diurnal and consume rotten plant and organic matter, thus maintaining the ecosystem. Like most isopods, they have a huge appetite and eat almost everything. These critters roll and form a ball when threatened. These creatures thrive in tropical habitats with high humidity and high lime-content soil. They are shy and reclusive species and often like burrowing in the soil.  Behaviour and Appearance It has a tricolour carapace with orange, white and dark blue. They can grow up to 0.8 cm long. They are one of the smallest species. Their colour and small size make it adorable and visually appealing. They are active at night. i.e. nocturnal They are easy to care for if kept at an optimal temperature and humidity. They prefer humid environments. Around 80% humid 20%dry. They need moisture for moulting. They feed on vegetables, greens, fish food, and decaying leaves. Limestone and cuttlefish are suitable for calcium and protein. They are not beginner-friendly, but they will thrive well if taken care of them. They are child-friendly. Feeding Unlike other Cubaris species, White Shark Dwarf isopods require a high-nutrition diet. The main food components are fodder leaves and flaky soil with rotten white wood given on alternate days. These creatures need protein twice a week, vegetables, and dried leaves. Protein-rich food like cuttlefish bone, oyster shells, and limestone powder keep them healthy.  Breeding Offsprings White Shark Isopods are active species ready to reproduce unless acclimated to their surroundings. It takes a month for them to establish. Once they adapt to their surroundings, they start producing many offspring.  These creatures are highly active in breeding, and therefore, they may produce many offspring. Consequently, monitoring their behaviour and taking care of these creatures is necessary.  White Shark Isopod: Temperature and Habitat For the White shark isopod, it is necessary to have an enclosure made of plastic or glass. The enclosure should be big enough to support their colony. They should have a small ventilation.  Moisture is essential for White Shark isopods. Maintaining a humid environment is crucial for the overall health of White Shark Isopods. Maintaining the enclosure 80% moist and the rest dry allows them to regulate their hydration. White Shark isopods can survive low temperatures. But the optimal temperature for the creatures to breed will be around 75°F to 80°F. It takes time for White Shark Isopods to get adapted to the environment. Once they adapt, they start producing offspring due to the provided good environmental conditions and habitat.  Also, it is necessary to provide a thick substrate base for them to burrow and dig. They are shy and reclusive and like to get burrowed in. Burrowing also helps them to maintain the moisture inside their body. Therefore, providing an ideal environment with a dense substrate is necessary.  Excess humidity is not ideal for the White Shark Isopods to live in. This will invite uninvited pests like mould, gnats, mites and fruit flies. Also, excessive moisture may affect the isopods' moulting and cause them to die off. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain the high humidity but not too much. Proper ventilation will help in getting rid of excess moisture in their habitat. Substrate Mixture Creating a good substrate mix is essential. Since the White Shark isopods are humidity-loving creatures, providing a suitable substrate mix is necessary. Two types of substrate mix bases exist for the White Shark Dwarf isopods. One consists of an ABG substrate mix with oak leaf litter, cottonwood bark and live moss. Atlanta Botanical Garden or ABG mix is a standard mixture for terrarium and vivarium. This mixture is also used as a substrate mix. It has a mixture of substrates that helps create a balance of elements in the artificial habitat for isopods.  Drainage Water retention Retention of nutrients Compaction resistance   Long Lasting   The substrate mix should consist of the following items: Sphagnum moss: 1 part Tree fern fibre: 2 part Orchid bark: 2 part Peat moss: 1 part One part charcoal This mixture can be used as a substrate base for the  White Shark isopods' enclosure. While providing the enclosure with the base, make a thick base. This helps the creatures for digging and moulting. There is another substrate mix for the White Shark isopods. They consist of the following items: Coconut humus Mixed soil Wooden bark Orchid Moss Both these substrate mixes are suitable for White Shark isopods. This mix provides the enclosure the necessary base for the habitat that they're from Too much humidity and dampness can cause moulting issues and sudden die-offs. Therefore, it is crucial to provide space for moisture to escape. Providing small ventilation can help solve the issue. Also, adding decaying wood pieces, cork bark, and piles of leaf litter can help with excess moisture. This helps in mimicking the natural habitat they are from.  White Shark Isopods need a lot of protein. Therefore, limestone powder is added to both substrates, mimicking their habitat. Earthworm casting, cuttlefish bone, oyster shell, and fish food are other better supplements for these critters.  These isopods need places to hide and explore. Therefore, providing a wooden bark will help provide them a hiding space.  In conclusion, this well-balanced substrate mix helps sustain the physical health of White Shark isopods mimicking their natural habitat. This encourages them to bring out natural behaviour, adapt and breed offspring.

One of the utterly famous Thai isopods, the Pak Chong isopods, originates from the Southeast Asia region. Located in the impressive district of Pak Chong in Northeast Thailand, they make an excellent choice of isopods for beginners to start breeding with. Pak Chong Isopods: A Glimpse Origin: Thailand Scientific Name: Cubaris sp.  Difficulty Level: Easy Size: Average Size 1.5 Centimeters Rarity: Low/ Medium Temperature: 70℉ to90℉ Humidity: Moderately Humid Favourite Foods: Freeze Dry Shrimp, Dried Leaves, Vegetables, Wood, Grass, Decaying Matter Pak Chong Isopods: An Overview Pak Chong isopods are rare isopods. They are found in the caves of the Pak Chong province in Northeast Thailand. They would easily complement any vivarium or terrarium setup any day. These South Eastern natives are famous for their delightful color schemes. They will remind the onlookers of the Bernese mountain dog. They are bluish-black in color. They have white frill faces and orange butts. These isopods enjoy living in warm temperatures and damp environments.  Despite their natural habitat, PakChong isopods thrive in a range of conditions. They can tolerate a lot more humidity than the white tigers and rubber duckies. Although they do not breed as fast as the Murina, however, they are among the faster-breeding Cubaris. They possess complex social behavior. They can often be seen nudging each other, followed by intense, strong flickering of the antennae.  The main source of the diet of the these guys is decaying wood, leaf litter, and calcium supply. You can supplement their diet with protein and organic fresh vegetables to ensure they get all the important nutrients they need to foster. A semi-arid environment with proper ventilation is necessary. You can prefer a substrate depth of 2 to 3 inches and top it off with leaf litter. Basic Care Taking good care of the Pak Chong isopods is your responsibility as an owner. You can use the below-mentioned tips to take good care of these isopods. You can use a living soil terrarium or vivarium for housing the Pak Chong isopods.   You must maintain the container’s temperature within 70 degrees to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Extreme heat or cold temperatures can be lethal.   Add some substrate to regulate the humidity level within the enclosure. The substrate should be rich in nutritional value to boost the isopod habitat.   Avoid keeping the isopod enclosure where there is direct sunlight.   Choose an arid set up to keep the Pak Chong isopods.   Keep moss on the moist side of the enclosure to maintain humidity. Don’t let the moss try out completely. In order to avoid mold growth, maintain adequate ventilation.   You can feed Pak Chong isopods forest materials like decaying matter, wood, dried leaves, and more. You can add protein-rich supplements and organic fresh vegetables to ensure good health. Feeding Pak Chong isopods are detritivores. They feed on potatoes, carrots, squash, leaf powder, cuttlebone, protein-rich foods, decaying matter, dried leaves, shrimp meal, bat guano, rotten wood, etc.  You can also feed fresh moss to Pak Chong isopods. Use supplements such as egg shells, oyster shells, limestone, cuttlebone, and moss. You can prepare a balanced recipe of plant matter, beans, mushrooms, pulverized grains, freeze-dried vegetables, complex proteins, and calcium supplements. Pak Chong isopod's main source of diet should be lots of leaf litter. However, you can always feed them with protein and organic fresh vegetables. Appearance and Behaviour Pak Chong isopods do not have any unique needs. It can grow up to 0.71 inches in length.   These isopods are easily a favorite because of their outstanding color pattern. They have white edges and a blue-to-gray tint with orange-to-red tail ends and faces.   These isopods are slow breeders. Once established, they reproduce very frequently. They would make a wonderful color addition to any isopod collection.   These isopods exhibit unique traits. They can supply moisture to one another. They often roll up into a protective stance and squeeze in tight.   These isopods slow down movement when the temperature in the enclosure rises. They do so in order to store energy that they can later use for traveling to a secure location.   In the case of colder climates, Pak Chong isopods can be seen moving around very quickly across longer distances. They are in search of food and refuge.    Pak Chong isopods are climbers. If you keep them in exposed closures, they might find a way to escape.   Habitat Pak Chong Isopods thrive in well-humid and warm environments. They can breed in many kinds of vivarium and terrarium settings.  These isopods must have adequate ventilation as they are cave species. You should keep around 2 inches of space that will allow air to circulate through the enclosure. This will help them thrive. Pak Chong isopods can be stored in vivarium and terrariums alike. They must be stored in closed enclosures to save them from escaping. Pak Chong isopods love leaf litter. They prefer ample amounts of moss to hide and explore in. Substrate Mix These isopods will need a sufficient amount of calcium supply in order to thrive. You can add limestone, cuttlebone, or eggshells in the substrate mix in order to ensure they get a good calcium supply. A great mix of natural calcium sources for isopods will make a tasty and nutritious treat for them. The substrate mix for these isopods should be at least 3 inches. You must provide a nourishing substrate mix in order to maintain their health. You can add extras like bat droppings, shrimp meal, and rotting wood. You can also add potty soil to their substrate. You can also add coconut coir, peat moss, and a slightly moist layer of leaf litter. 

Cubaris White Side or Penguin isopods belong to the Cubaris sp. These isopods are named after their dark colour with white markings along the side, like a Penguin, thus making them unique and visually appealing. Due to this striking feature, they are sought after by enthusiasts and hobbyists worldwide. They make a great addition to the terrarium and vivarium. White Side/Penguin Isopods: Synopsis Origin: Thailand Scientific Name: Cubaris Sp. Maintenance level: Moderate. Size: 0.8 cm Rarity: High Breeding: Difficult Temperature: 70°F to 80°F Humidity: 70% to 80% Supplements: Cuttlebone Favourite Food: Vegetables, meat scraps, fish food White Side/Penguin Isopods: Origin The first class of isopods to be found in Vietnam were the White Side isopods. In 2017, they were discovered within the limestone caverns. The White Side Isopod was later renamed as Cubaris White Isopod. Numerous species have not been fully characterized under the ambiguous genus Cubaris. Since its discovery, this species has become popular, and its population has boomed due to increased demand.Due to their striking features and colour, these creatures look adorable and are loved among exotic pet lovers.  White Side/Penguin Isopods: Characteristics and Behavioral Insights They can grow up to 0.8 cm long. These isopods have dark bodies with white markings on the edges resembling “penguins.” They are social in behaviour. They exhibit behaviours like foraging and grooming. They roll into a ball when they feel threatened or face any danger. Although they can withstand any temperature, the optimal range for breeding temperatures is around 70°F to 80°F An arid environment is lethal for White Side Penguin isopods. Difficult to breed. Once these isopods are established in a healthy environment, they produce offspring. White Side/Penguin Isopods: Feeding Habits Like all isopods, they are detritivores in nature. They eat rotten plants and other organic matter for nourishment. In their artificial habitat, their diet should include varieties of vegetables, fish pellets, leaf litter, commercial bug food and supplements rich in calcium like Cuttlebone. This helps maintain a healthy exoskeleton and produce healthy offspring. White Side/Penguin Isopods: Breeding White Side ‘Penguin’ Isopods are slow to breed in the beginning. They have to first establish a healthy environment before they start generating. Once they set in their bioactive, they start producing their offspring. The ideal temperature for these species should be around 25°C, and the humidity gradient should be higher. Breeding activity can be monitored by observing their behaviour during the mating process. Regular monitoring of their offspring is required for the young isopods to sustain. In addition, feeding them with decaying wood and leaves will improve their health, thus giving them healthy offspring. Genetically different isopods can be introduced to their environment to prevent inbreeding. Moreover, constant monitoring and attention are required to maintain the population of isopods. White Side/Penguin Isopods: Natural Dwelling Cubaris sp. Penguin isopods in nature thrive in humid and thick forest grooves. The Southeast Asian climate was a suitable living ground for these critters. They contribute to the environment by participating in decomposition by feeding on dead and decayed matter. It is crucial to understand the environment so that they can thrive in artificial environments. White Side/Penguin Isopods: Artificial Setting and Care To house a Cubaris sp. Penguin isotopes, creating an artificial setting, involve more than just the substrate mix. It includes factors like enclosure type, humidity control, textured terrains to climb and hide, substrate depth, etc. They are as follows: Providing ventilated enclosures to accommodate the need for White Side Penguin isopods. Maintaining the humidity of the environment is essential. Use mist when needed and ensure proper ventilation to avoid moisture buildup. Keep the temperature of the enclosure within 21°C to 27°C. Avoid fluctuating temperatures as it may cause stress to the creatures. Provide a thick substrate mix as they like to dig in deep to lock in the moisture inside their body. A 6-inch deep substrate will be ideal for burrowing. Providing hiding and climbing spots for these critters. Leaves, Cork bark, and hardwood provide plenty of hiding spots for them to hide. Distributing dried leaves can mimic their natural habitat. This encourages them to bring out their natural behaviour, like foraging and exploring. Isopods don’t like bright lights; therefore, keeping them in dark and quiet corners will be great. To maintain a clean environment, prevent unwanted pests, and remove uneaten food, scraps, and molten exoskeleton. White Side/ Penguin Isopod: Disease and its Cause Like other living organisms, penguin isopods are also prone to various diseases. Their health can be affected due to infections from parasites or bacteria. In addition, environmental stresses jeopardize their health. They also face challenges with moulting and deformities of their shell. Lack of moisture and nutrition leads to the death of the critters during moulting. Continuous monitoring and providing a suitable environment, ensuring hygienic conditions, will help prevent health issues. Moreover, respiratory problems and complications during reproduction are also observed in the species.  White Side/Penguin Isopods: Substrate Mix The Penguin isopod substrate mix is similar to other isopod substrates. The substrate mix helps in mimicking the environment, bringing out their natural behaviour. The substrate should also have a balanced nutrient for the creatures and their offspring to stay healthy. The substrate mix includes: Coconut coir/Coco peat: This provides a solid substrate base. They help in water retention and replicate the natural environment for them to burrow. Rotting leaves: decaying oak leaves and magnolia provide food and nutrition for the creatures. As they are detritivores, they get nourishment from consuming decaying matter. These leaves also offer hiding places for the critters.   Wood: Decayedhardwood and cork bark serve as a nutritional source and a significant aesthetic element for the enclosure. They also provide space for isopods to crawl and hide. Moss: Sphagnum moss is included in the enclosure to enhance moisture retention. They also serve as excellent hiding places for the isopods.   Sand or Gravel: A small amount of sand or gravel can be added to improve the drainage This carefully curated mix can help create a captivating and optimum breeding environment for the White Side ‘Penguin’ isopods. This method supports their needs and allows caregivers to appreciate the natural behaviour of isopods in an enclosure.

Little Sea Isopods, also known as Cubaris murina, is often referred to as entry-level cubaris species. These species don't have any distinct colour or markings, but they are the best bioactive custodians of their genus. They are a natural fit for the terrariums and vivariums.   Little Sea Isopods: Synopsis Place of Origin: Indo-Pacific region, North America Scientific Name: Cubaris murina Lifespan: 1-4 years Difficulty level: Medium Temperature Range: 62℉-83℉ Size: 1 cm Rareness: Medium Humidity Range: 70% -80% Preferred Diet: fungi, bacteria, algae and other detritus Supplements in Addition: Cuttlebone, bat guano, calcium powder Little Sea Isopods: Abstract The Little Sea isopods adapt to various environments. These isopods are mainly found in the Pacific region, the Caribbean area, and North America. The scientific name "Cubaris murina" is derived from the Latin name "cube," which means "to lie," and "marina," representing a group of mollusks. This name is due to the fact that they are mistaken as little sea creatures and also because of their smooth, small bodies.  Little Sea Isopods: Characteristics These creatures are muted grey or purple in color with peach or orange spots at the rear end.  It has a smooth and small body and is often mistaken as a sea creature due to its appearance. These species are great clean-up crews in terrariums and vivariums. They have a moderate reproduction rate. These isopods are easy to care for and are great for beginners. They are found in multiple types of habitats. Due to this, they are widely sought after. They are the best entry-level species with a forgiving nature.  Little Sea Isopods: Morphs These species, which have either been cultured or found in the wild, are found in different patterns and colors.  Papaya: They are dull pink and are believed to be an albino version. These isopods are popular among enthusiasts. Glacier: It is an almost completely white variety. They have white eyes, legs, and antennae. Anemone: This isopod is a variety of speckled patterns of orange and grey. Florida Orange: The orange variety of the isopod discovered in the wild in Florida, hence the name. Little Sea Isopods: Food  Even Though the isopods are very small in size, their appetite is not very small. Feeding is essential to continue their life cycle. There are better methods than feeding them with random decaying material. The food supplied should be the perfect blend of various materials, ensuring that the isopods get all the required nutrients. The decaying organic matter should be placed in the corner of the container, forming the basis for their feeding. In addition to the organic matter, litters of leaf and decaying wood will help them maintain a healthy condition. Other than the naturally available materials, special supplements are designed to provide the perfect mix of required nutrients for the isopod. Supplying them with these designed foods can help them make healthy offspring. Little Sea Isopods: Breeding The two main components for them to breed in abundance are the perfect food with the right amount of nutrients and a comfortable environment. Both can be achieved by using naturally available materials and man-made settings. Reproducing healthy offspring relates to the size and the regular structure.  A study was conducted in 2009 on these species, and it was discovered that they can produce decent-sized broods quickly.  This makes them a reliable species for different kinds of terrariums. These species can proliferate in a culture where there is low density compared to a high-density culture. Little Sea Isopods: Natural Environment The environment provided by Mother Nature to the isopods is humid in nature. To adjust to the temperature and humidity, they have the ability to burrow themselves inside their living area, which helps them maintain their preferred living conditions. Due to this ability, they are seen in many parts of the world where there is a perfect blend of moist and humid environments. These isopods come out of their burrow whenever they feel the environmental conditions are safe for them. With a large appetite, they will hunt for their food any time of the day. Little Sea Isopods: Artificial Enclosure Setting It is always difficult to set up an artificially made environment that is 100% comfortable for the isopods. But with the advancements in technology, an environment that can mimic the natural environment can be set up, which can ensure a near-to-comfortable climate for the isopods. These artificial settings are achieved by using humidity controllers and temperature regulators. Based on the sensor feedback, the system adjusts the conditions itself, providing the isopods with a misty environment, almost matching their natural environment. Proper care of the system has to be ensured as a wrong sensor feedback may create a difference in temperature or humidity, resulting in an uncomfortable environment. This will affect the lifespan as well as the ability to reproduce. For an artificial setting, start with a shoebox-size plastic container.  They do not reproduce in a short period of time. Therefore, the same box can be used for a longer period of time. It is to be ensured that sufficient ventilation is provided in the artificially designed environment.  Little Sea Isopods: Habitat and Substrate Mix They generally adapt to all kinds of environments. However, their preferred environment is a moist one.  While setting up the artificial environment, it is best to provide a moisture-retaining element for the isopods to have comfortable living conditions.  Placing coconut coir inside their habitat can help mimic their natural environment, as it helps them to burrow inside. In addition, the bark of orchid trees and sphagnum moss are very good elements for locking the moisture inside the enclosure.  Earthworm casting is one of the main sources of nutrients, which will help them to produce healthy offspring. Little Sea Isopods: Basic Care Proper care must be provided to culture and maintain the Little Sea Isopods. It is crucial to clean the enclosure regularly. Not maintaining hygiene may attract unwanted pests and affect the isopod's health. While making provision for ventilation, it is to be ensured that mesh is provided to prevent these critters from escaping. Monitor the enclosure and make sure that the humidity and temperature are maintained. Provide supplements to meet their overall nutritional needs. Also, while placing the enclosure, keeping them in a dark place away from sunlight is essential.  

Unlike most popular isopods of European origin, the Red Panda isopods originate in the Asian continent. These relatively smaller-sized isopods are gaining high popularity as pets; thus, quality red panda king isopods are in high demand these days. Red Panda Isopods: A Glimpse Origin: Vietnam Scientific Name: Cubaris sp. Difficulty Level: Medium Size: Up to 1.2 centimeters Rarity: Low/ Medium Temperature: 70℉ to 80℉ Humidity: 70% to 80% Favourite Foods: Mango, Carrot An Overview Red Panda king isopods are pretty rare when compared to their counterparts. These Asian native isopods are characterized by their impressive colour combinations. They are available in multiple colour options and are ideal for kids-friendly starting pets. Being from the humid regions of Asia, they have to have a relatively high-humid enclosure. The highlight of these isopods is their fast breeding capabilities. They are ideal to be grown in both glass and plastic enclosures. Feeding a Red Panda isopod is extremely easy as they eat anything from dried leaves to decaying softwood matter and carrots to mangoes. A moderately humid atmosphere is the best for them, and avoiding exposure to extreme weather conditions is always ideal. Basic Care You can use the following instructions and tips to provide the best care to the Red Panda isopods. Use a glass vivarium or plastic containers to house Red Panda isopods.   Keep the temperature of the container within 65 to 85 degrees.   It is crucial to maintain high humidity inside the enclosure.   You can keep the ventilation holes to a minimum to avoid humidity loss.   Avoid keeping the enclosure under direct light.   Place moss on a part of the enclosure and ensure it always has enough moisture.   Use dried leaves and softwood parts to feed the isopods.   Supply suitable calcium sources such as a clacium powder or cuttlebone.   You can also provide them with protein supplements or sprinkle eggshell powder above the isopod colony. Red Panda Isopods: Feeding The Red Panda isopods are primarily detritivores. That is, they like to consume dead and decaying matter. They also consume a wide variety of food items like leaf litter, rotting wood, etc.  They usually eat pretty voraciously. Being an active group, providing them with enough healthy supplements to maintain the best health is essential. You can use supplements of vegetables, protein, calcium, etc. One of the common mistakes that Red Panda isopod owners commit is overfeeding them. Overfeeding would be a mistake because of the highly humid conditions inside the enclosure.  Any food left in high humid conditions will quickly rot and cause mold to grow. This could spoil the balance inside the enclosure and lead to many consequences. So, feeding only enough food that the isopods can finish in a single sitting is always advisable. Red Panda isopods usually crave calcium food sources. You can use crushed limestone or eggshells to satisfy their calcium needs. Red Panda Isopods: Appearance and Behaviour Red Panda isopods generally grow up to 1.2 cm in length.   They come in bold colour combinations that create much visual contrast.   The patterns are generally found in strips. There are other patterns also.   As vibrant colours are usually not found among them, they cost much less than brighter-coloured isopods like the Rubber Ducky isopod.   They exhibit a beautiful glow on their body when they are young. As they premature, this glow disappears gradually.   As they don’t grow into giant worms, they are ideal for terrariums and as small pets.   They also make great entry-level pets for children with their easy-to-care nature and small physique. Red Panda Isopods: Habitat Red Panda isopods prefer an overly humid habitat. So, it would be ideal if you could provide them with a humid atmosphere where little to no moisture loss happens. You can use a quality plastic container the size of a shoe box to keep the Red Panda isopod for the time being. Once the isopod becomes familiar with the atmospheric conditions, you can shift it to a dedicated enclosure. But when in the container and the enclosure, ensure that the number of air ventilation holes is minimal. Many air holes might lead to a drop in the inside humidity and cause issues for the isopod. Also, providing a good amount of options for them to burrow deep is preferable. They are observed to be good burrowers. They try to retain their body moisture by burrowing and taking cover deep. So, while creating an ideal habitat for them, provide enough ground cover for them to burrow deep. An important thing to remember is that the high humidity inside the enclosure would often invite pests. So, adding some springtails into the enclosure is advisable to prevent pests. Springtails are also great at avoiding mold.  The Red Panda isopods exhibit excellent health and breed pretty quickly if you maintain a moderate temperature between 70 to 80 Fahrenheit. Red Panda Isopods: Substrate Mix Choosing the right substrate mix is essential to maintain a proper habitat for the Red Panda isopods. Being humidity-loving creatures, the substrate mix needs to be supportive of that.  A substrate mix with good water retention capabilities would be ideal for maintaining high humidity inside a Red Panda enclosure. As detritivores, they would find it helpful to have some leaf litter and softwood barks in the substrate mix. While arranging the substrate mix inside the enclosure, add it in enough depth. As mentioned before, Red Panda isopods prefer to dig extremely deep for moisture control. So, the enclosure should have enough substrate mix to support that.  Red Panda isopods also like to have as many hiding spots as possible. So, you can add items like coconut halves, cork bark, lotus pods, etc., in the substrate mix for hiding. Earthworm castings are another addition that you can consider for the substrate mix for extra nutritional qualities.  Experts recommend providing a coco coir layer at the very bottom before laying the substrate mix. At the top of the substrate, you can add a thick layer of leaf litter and softwood barks at the top of the substrate. It is generally observed that the deep burrowing of Red Panda isopods replenishes the substrate mix with all the essential nutrients.

The Pink Panda King Isopods are an eye-catching species, known for their vibrant pink and white coloration. A rare and unique addition to any collection, these isopods are popular among hobbyists for their distinctive appearance and relatively easy care requirements. Ideal for bioactive enclosures, they thrive in humid environments and play an important role in maintaining the ecosystem by breaking down organic matter. Their captivating look and low maintenance make them a perfect choice for both beginners and experienced isopod enthusiasts. Insight Place of Origin: Vietnam Scientific Name: Cubaris sp. 'Panda King' Maintenance Effort: Medium Ideal Temperature Range: 70℉ - 80℉ General Size:  ~ 1 cm Rareness: Low to Medium Humidity Range: 70% - 80% Preferred Diet: Fruit, vegetables, fish food  Supplements in Addition: Cuttlebone, eggshells Panda King Isopods: Introduction These isopods are generally observed in limestone caves and belong to central and northern parts of Vietnam. These species prefer to be in an environment which is humid. Isopods of length approximately 1.5 cm are seen generally. They play a major role in the ecosystem balancing, by feeding on the decaying plants and rotting wood. They supply nutrients to the soil by consuming the decaying matter, maintaining the balance of required nutrients in soil. Characteristics of Panda King Isopods These critters have black and white colour exoskeletons. They grow up to 1.5 cm in length.  Their striking and adorable features make them one of the most sought-after isopods. They are easy to care for and require minimum maintenance. They are beginner-friendly. They are nocturnal in nature. They breed rapidly once established in their habitat. They are detritivores in nature. It has a soft exoskeleton and is used to feed poison dart frogs and other small animals. Vegetables, greens, and fish food are good for maintaining nutrition. The consumption of calcium for these isopods is a bit higher than other isopod species. Feeding These isopods feed on almost all types of food. They are essentially scavengers and feed on organic waste. However, during confinement in a cage, it is imperative to offer optimal nutrition. They can be supplemented with vegetables, greens, rotten leaves, or even wood. For calcium and protein, dried shrimp, fish food, cuttlebone, and egg shells are great for these species growth and development. Calcium powder is also good to give as a substitute.  Most isopod owners make the mistake of overfeeding the isopods. Overfeeding attracts pests into their enclosure. Therefore, it is important to feed the necessary quantity of food.  Natural Habitat Panda King isopods live in limestone caves and taverns. These species are commonly found in the central and northern parts of Thailand. In this region, caves are abundant. The caves are dark and humid; therefore, they are suitable for the isopods.  Panda King isopods are scavengers. They are also found among rotting leaves, fruits and vegetables. These species like to live in dark areas. They are shy in nature and like to burrow and hide. It is necessary to understand their natural habitat to build an artificial habitat for these isopods. Panda King Isopods: Breeding Panda King isopods are active species ready to reproduce unless acclimated to their surroundings.  Once they adapt to their surroundings, they start producing many offspring.  These isopods have a distinct mating ritual where the male isopods transfer sperm into the female's pleopods. The offspring hatch after six weeks after the eggs are attached to a firm surface. These offspring stay close to their mother, thus forming a small colony. Artificial Habitat of Panda King Isopods Panda King isopods thrive in humid environments. They are native to the tropical climates of Asia and need moisture to stay hydrated. Keep them in a small box to help them acclimate to a new environment. Once they're comfortable, transfer them to a plastic box with ventilation. Use deep bedding, including materials like old wood, dried leaves, and moss, for a cosy habitat.  It is necessary to prevent excess moisture as they may attract pests like mold and fruit flies. To combat this, adding springtails will help keep the environment clean and free of unwanted guests. It's important to keep the humidity right for the well-being of these isopods so they have a comfortable and healthy place to live. So, with proper care and attention to their habitat, you can enjoy the delightful presence of Panda King isopods in your home. Tank Mates for Pink Panda King Isopods Panda King isopods like to live in a highly humid environment. Therefore, pairing them with similar invertebrates that appreciate humidity is best.  It is necessary that tankmates for the isopods should be from the same region as the Panda King. Therefore, invertebrates like snails are the best tank mates in terrarium and vivarium settings. Another species that is suitable to be paired with is springtails. These creatures, when together, will prevent any kinds of pests and will keep the bioactive clean. Preferred Substrate Mixture for Pink Panda King Isopods A perfect substrate blend for Panda King Isopods is one that is deep, and also holds a lot of moisture. Use a small batch of coco coir, sphagnum moss, and orchid bark for the isopods, with the substrate depth reaching approximately 4 inches for burrowing.  Magnolia leaves enhance the habitat further, contributing to moisture retention and serving as excellent shelters for Panda King Isopods and their offspring. To mimic their natural surroundings, incorporate cork bark, dried oak leaves, and other elements into the enclosure. Wooden bark pieces are added to provide hiding spots, and dried leaves are added as food and for aesthetics. Sphagnum moss helps with moisture retention, which is a crucial factor for Panda King Isopods thriving in the environment. Although ventilation is necessary, it should be minimal to maintain the desired humidity gradient within the substrate. It should have both damp and dry areas. For nutrition, add earthworm castings and limestone powder to replicate their native habitat. This all-rounder substrate mix establishes a solid foundation, offering both sustenance and hydration to the isopods. Striking a balance between the various elements encourages natural behaviours and supports the physical health of Panda King Isopods in captivity. It allows them to thrive in an artificial environment that mimics the conditions of their natural habitat.

Soil isopods were thought to belong to the cubaris family however more recently were reclassified as Troglodillo sp. They are larger species compared to other isopods. These species have a very dark colour and white antennae. Exotic pet communities love and admire their unique appearance and striking features.   Soil Isopods: Summary Origin: Vietnam Scientific Name: Cubaris/Troglodillo sp Maintenance: Low Size: 1.5 cm to 2 cm Rarity: High Temperature: 75F to 80F Humidity: 60% to 80% Supplements: Cuttlebone, calcium powder   Soil Isopods: Introduction Soil Isopods are native to Southeast Asia. Their exoskeleton is dark black-purple in colour. Due to this rare colour combination, they have got the nicknames “Gothic Isopod” and “The Black Evil”.    These critters, unlike other isopods, like to live on flat rock surfaces. Their range of activity is very small. They prefer wet and humid climates like their original habitat.    Soil Isopods: Characteristics and Behaviour Their origin is in the tropical climates of Vietnam. They are one of the largest in Cubaris sp. They grow up to 2 cm. These species are similar to Purple Giant isopods of Cubaris sp. They like wet habitats with high humidity and in shaded areas. During summers or dry days, they like to live in caves with water resources and moisture.  They are detritivores. They are less active during the summer. During rainy seasons, they spread everywhere and are highly proactive. They have a hard carapace with a dark colour and white antennae. Unlike their name, “Gothic Isopods” and “The Black Evil”, these creatures look adorable with their rubber duck faces. They are big compared to other Cubaris sp.   Soil Isopods: Feeding Soil Isopods are omnivorous. For Soil Isopods to thrive and breed, healthy community nutrition is crucial. A balanced meal of plant matter, vegetables, rotten wood, and greens will help keep the isopods healthy.   They also need protein in their diet. Therefore, meat scraps, mushrooms and other complex protein foods can help maintain their exoskeleton.    Alternate food supplements can be given once or twice a month. Calcium powder and cuttlefish bone are some of the substitutes for Soil Isopods.   Soil Isopods: Natural Habitat Soil isopods live in wet and humid conditions. These creatures are found more in shaded and humid habitats. During the summer season, their activity becomes low, and they tend to live in places where there is water source and moisture. When the season changes and it starts raining, these creatures become more active, and they spread everywhere. Therefore, it is observed that these isopods love wet and moist environments.  Soil Isopods: Care and Breeding Soil Isopods of Cubaris sp. are rare species of isopods. Breeding of isopods is a bit difficult from other isopod species. The care and maintenance tips are as follows:   An enclosure made of plastic or glass will be suitable for Soil Isopods. It is necessary to maintain the temperature of the enclosure around 75°F These creatures love humid and wet habitats. Therefore, humidity has to be on the higher end. Make sure there is no stagnation of water inside the enclosure. Soil isopods appreciate wet and humid enclosures, not waterlogged enclosures. Provide an enclosure with small ventilation to allow airflow. These isopods prefer to live in shade. Therefore, keep them in a dark, shaded area. Provide deep substrate to the enclosure. Thicker substrate helps maintain a consistent environment.  Add sphagnum moss as it helps in retaining and providing moisture to the enclosed environment.  Supply suitable calcium supplements once or twice a week. Add limestone to the substrate as a supplement and also to mimic the environment.   Soil Isopod: Setting of Artificial Environment To rear a Soil Isopod, it is important to mimic its natural habit. By understanding their natural habitat, we can provide that in any artificial setting.    Soil isopods are from a tropical climate with a wet and humid environment. They’re found among dead and decaying organic matter. These nourish their body by consuming decaying matter.    Therefore, the enclosure for the vivarium or terrarium should mimic the atmosphere of their original habitat. Maintaining a wet and humid substrate with high temperature is crucial.    Before adding your isopods into any artificial setting, make sure they’re of the same species. Mixing various species of isopods can cause clashes as it is their inherent trait to dominate other species. Therefore, it is crucial to keep them in their colonies.   The Soil Isopods can tolerate extreme temperatures. But for them to breed, it is necessary to provide the optimum temperature; for the Soil Isopods to breed, temperature should be maintained around 70°F to 80°F. Make sure that this temperature is maintained, as sudden changes in temperature can affect these creatures.    Almost all isopods require warm and moist surroundings. Soil isopods like their surroundings wet and humid, i.e., they prefer high humidity. Therefore, it is necessary to keep a humidity gradient of around 75% to maintain an optimal environment. Also, add some moss to maintain the humidity in the enclosure.   Ventilation is crucial as it prevents unwanted pests from entering the enclosure. High humidity attracts mould, fruit flies, mites and gnats. Therefore, cross ventilation should be provided to prevent excess moisture accumulation.   Soil Isopod: Substrate A suitable substrate mix is necessary for the moisture-loving isopods. For Soil Isopods, the substrate has to be such that it holds moisture and water, provides a suitable base to hold moisture and digging, and is compact and resistant, unlike soil, drainage and long-lasting.  The ABG substrate mixture is ideal for Soil Isopods. The ABG substrate mix helps keep the balance of the artificial ecosystem and maintains the nutrition for the isopods. ABG substrate contains the mixture of the following:   Sphagnum moss Orchid Bark Charcoal Tree Fern Fibre Peat Moss   This substrate mix is suitable for the Soil isopods. This mix helps them to mimic their natural environment.    Additionally, to make their environment more realistic to their natural settings, provide dried leaves and rotting wood into their enclosure. Also, add powdered limestone to the substrate. These provide food for the isopods and also a place for them to bring out their natural character of gathering and hiding.    In conclusion, a well-balanced substrate mix helps them to thrive and breed. The Soil Isopods are extremely rare and are hard to breed. But they need to be kept under observation. Adding water to the substrate when needed and keeping in check with their diet and nutrition should keep them healthy and happy. 

Unlike most other European isopods, the Cubaris Cappuccino isopods originate in Southeast Asia. These fascinating isopods are becoming very popular for their unique coloration; thus, quality Cappuccino isopods are some of the most in-demand Cubaris species right now. Cappuccino isopods make great pets and cleaners. They live in high-humidity environments. Theymake low-maintenance pets. Theyhave a whole world of behaviors and interactions. A Glimpse Origin: Thailand   Scientific Name: Cubaris   Difficulty Level: Medium   Size: Up to 2.5 Centimeters   Rarity: High   Temperature: 75 degrees Fahrenheit to 85 degrees Fahrenheit   Humidity: 70 Percent to 80 Percent   Favorite Foods: Leaf Litter, Wood   An Overview Cubaris Cappuccino isopods are rare isopods when compared to others. These Southeast Asian isopods have characterized by their unique colors and rounded bodies.They have light brown to tan bodies. They are kid-friendly and low-maintenance pets. As Cappuccino isopods come from the humid region of Southeast Asia, they will thrive in a high-humidity enclosure. The best thing about these isopods is that they possess great cleaning abilities. They can be a perfect addition to any vivarium. They are closely related to the pill bug. This comparatively small isopod has a unique coloration pattern that will remind you of a cup of cappuccino. They are unique and fascinating invertebrate species.  Cappuccino isopods are easy to keep. They make the best clean-up crew member in any enclosure. They do not need any kind of special care.  These isopods are quite resilient to changes in humidity and temperature. They are generally found in moist environments. They were first accidentally introduced to the pet trade by Thai farmers. They are gentle. Cappuccino isopods are docile creatures. You don’t have to be frightened by them. These isopods help in nutrient recycling within an enclosure. They are nocturnal. They feed at night. They love feeding on decomposing matter and leaf litter.  Basic Care You can use the following instructions and tips to provide the best care to the Cappuccino isopods. Use peat moss or coconut fiber as substrate materials for your cappuccino isopod.   Keep the temperature of the container within 68°F and 77°F.   Maintain the humidity levels between 70% to 80%.    Avoid keeping the enclosure under direct light. Feeding Cappuccino isopods are primarily detritivores. These isopods love to consume fish flakes, leaf litter, wood chips, etc. Cappuccino isopods can feed on both decaying animals and plants. They are fond of rotten logs. They also consume animal droppings of insects.  These isopods consume decomposing foods and vegetables.They feed on live mosses and cuttlebone as well. Cuttlebone is rich in calcium and minerals. It makes a budget-friendly alternative of calcium carbonate. It is about 85 percent calcium. It is an ideal way of increasing your isopod’s calcium levels. Cappuccino isopods need proper nutrition. Good nutrition will help these isopods thrive in varied environments and settings. It will help them self-regulate and reproduce well. It helps them breed faster and promote a healthy population. It is really worthy supplementing their diets with nutritious food whenever possible. Owners can supplement Cappuccino isopods’ diet with dog food and fish flakes. Their diet should also include as many fruits, vegetables, and protein-rich food as possible. You can feed them food whenever their food source runs out. However, avoid overfeeding them in any case. Also, make sure the food items do not have any remaining pesticide residue. Cappuccino isopods need calcium to ensure proper development. You can use calcium supplements like calcium carbonate powder to their substrate. You can even use decaying organic matter such as wood debris, leaf litter, etc.  Cappuccino Isopods: Appearance and Behaviour Cappuccino isopods create burrows to feel secure.This is why their substrate mix should be deep enough to promote this behavior.   These isopods mainly grow in humid conditions. Keep a temperature between 20-25°C to help them thrive.   These isopods are active creatures during night. You need tokeep them safely in terrarium that is designed specifically for this behavior.    These isopods are very low-maintenance. You won’t have to spend a lot of time taking care of them.   Cappuccino Isopods: Habitat Cappuccino isopods prefer humid environments with plenty of hiding places. You can use a quality plastic container to store the  Cubaris Cappuccino isopods. Make sure there are not many air holes as it can drop the humidity levels inside the enclosure. It is observed that cappuccino isopods are good burrowers. The natural habitat of Cappuccino isopods is composed of leaf litter and damp soil.  These isopods tend to enjoy living in moist areas. They prefer environments that are the perfect choice for their scavenging activities. Cappuccino isopods like a highly humid enclosure with fair ventilation and a moderate temperature. A vivarium or terrarium setup with many inlets and outlets makes the right breeding choice for these isopods. Their enclosure should be partly dry and partly wet. This will allow them to self-regulate. The enclosure should also have a sufficient amount of limestones as it makes a rich source of calcium. Calcium is very beneficial for these beautiful creatures. Cappuccino Isopods: Substrate Mix The substrate for Cubaris Cappuccino isopods should be a dynamic mix of milled sphagnum peat moss, long-fiber sphagnum moss, fine tree fern fiber, willow oak leaf litter, and orchid bark. The mix should be well-moistened. Don’t make it excessively wet. This might drown the isopods. You can also use a spray bottle to mist the substrate every few days to retain moisture within the enclosure.   Cubaris Cappuccino Isopods require moist substrate to survive and reproduce. Make sure you add a layer of sphagnum moss to help them maintain healthy isopod colonies.  Choosing the best substrate mix is important to maintain proper habitat of Cappuccino isopods. The humidity-loving creatures need a substrate mix with good water retention capabilities. As detritivores, they need leaf litter and live moss in order to thrive.  While arranging the substrate mix, make sure you add a good level of depth. This is an important step as Cappuccino isopods like to dig extremely deep for moisture control.

Murina Papaya Isopods also known as cubaris Murina is often referred to as entry-level cubaris species. These species don't have any distinct colour or markings, but they are the best bioactive custodians of their genus. They are a natural fit for the terrariums and vivariums.   Cubaris Murina: Synopsis Place of Origin: Indo-Pacific region, North America Scientific Name: Cubaris murina Lifespan: 1-4 years Difficulty level:  Medium Temperature Range: 62℉-83℉ Size: 1 cm Rareness: Medium Humidity Range: 70% -80% Preferred Diet: fungi, bacteria, algae and other detritus Supplements in Addition: Cuttlebone, bat guano, calcium powder Cubaris Murina: Abstract These isopods adapt to various environments. These isopods are mainly found in the Pacific region, the Caribbean area, and North America. The scientific name "Cubaris murina" is derived from the Latin name "cube," which means "to lie," and "marina," representing a group of mollusks. This name is due to the fact that they are mistaken as little sea creatures and also because of their smooth, small bodies.  Characteristics Papaya isopods have a smooth and small body and is often mistaken as a sea creature due to its appearance. These species are great clean-up crews in terrariums and vivariums. They have a moderate reproduction rate. These isopods are easy to care for and are great for beginners. They are found in multiple types of habitats. Due to this, they are widely sought after. They are the best entry-level species with a forgiving nature.  Little Sea Isopods: Morphs These species, which have either been cultured or found in the wild, are found in different patterns and colors.  Papaya: They are dull pink and are believed to be an albino version. These isopods are popular among enthusiasts. Glacier: It is an almost completely white variety. They have white eyes, legs, and antennae. Anemone: This isopod is a variety of speckled patterns of orange and grey. Florida Orange: The orange variety of the isopod discovered in the wild in Florida, hence the name. Murina Papaya Isopods: Food  Even Though the isopods are very small in size, their appetite is not very small. Feeding is essential to continue their life cycle. There are better methods than feeding them with random decaying material. The food supplied should be the perfect blend of various materials, ensuring that the isopods get all the required nutrients. The decaying organic matter should be placed in the corner of the container, forming the basis for their feeding. In addition to the organic matter, litters of leaf and decaying wood will help them maintain a healthy condition. Other than the naturally available materials, special supplements are designed to provide the perfect mix of required nutrients for the isopod. Supplying them with these designed foods can help them make healthy offspring. Cubaris Murina Papaya Isopods: Breeding The two main components for them to breed in abundance are the perfect food with the right amount of nutrients and a comfortable environment. Both can be achieved by using naturally available materials and man-made settings. Reproducing healthy offspring relates to the size and the regular structure.  A study was conducted in 2009 on these species, and it was discovered that they can produce decent-sized broods quickly.  This makes them a reliable species for different kinds of terrariums. These species can proliferate in a culture where there is low density compared to a high-density culture. Cubaris Murina: Natural Environment The environment provided by Mother Nature to the isopods is humid in nature. To adjust to the temperature and humidity, they have the ability to burrow themselves inside their living area, which helps them maintain their preferred living conditions. Due to this ability, they are seen in many parts of the world where there is a perfect blend of moist and humid environments. These isopods come out of their burrow whenever they feel the environmental conditions are safe for them. With a large appetite, they will hunt for their food any time of the day. Cubaris Murina Papaya Isopods: Artificial Enclosure Setting It is always difficult to set up an artificially made environment that is 100% comfortable for the isopods. But with the advancements in technology, an environment that can mimic the natural environment can be set up, which can ensure a near-to-comfortable climate for the papaya isopods. These artificial settings are achieved by using humidity controllers and temperature regulators. Based on the sensor feedback, the system adjusts the conditions itself, providing the isopods with a misty environment, almost matching their natural environment. Proper care of the system has to be ensured as a wrong sensor feedback may create a difference in temperature or humidity, resulting in an uncomfortable environment. This will affect the lifespan as well as the ability to reproduce. For an artificial setting, start with a shoebox-size plastic container.  They do not reproduce in a short period of time. Therefore, the same box can be used for a longer period of time. It is to be ensured that sufficient ventilation is provided in the artificially designed environment.   Habitat and Substrate Mix They generally adapt to all kinds of environments. However, their preferred environment is a moist one.  While setting up the artificial environment, it is best to provide a moisture-retaining element for the isopods to have comfortable living conditions.  Placing coconut coir inside their habitat can help mimic their natural environment, as it helps them to burrow inside. In addition, the bark of orchid trees and sphagnum moss are very good elements for locking the moisture inside the enclosure.  Earthworm casting is one of the main sources of nutrients, which will help them to produce healthy offspring. Cubaris Murina Papaya Isopods: Basic Care Proper care must be provided to culture and maintain these isopods. It is crucial to clean the enclosure regularly. Not maintaining hygiene may attract unwanted pests and affect the isopod's health. While making provision for ventilation, it is to be ensured that mesh is provided to prevent these critters from escaping. Monitor the enclosure and make sure that the humidity and temperature are maintained. Provide supplements to meet their overall nutritional needs. Also, while placing the enclosure, keeping them in a dark place away from sunlight is essential.  

Thai Blue Angels are a particular isopod species native to Thailand. It is primarily found in the country’s lush environments and thrives in humid habitats. Whether you are a seasoned isopod keeper or a curious newcomer, it is important to understand the care requirements of these creatures before they arrive at your home. Thai Blue Angel Isopods: A Glimpse Origin: Thailand Scientific Name: Cubaris sp. Difficulty Level: Moderate/Easy Size: 12-20 mm Rarity: Moderately rare Temperature: 24°C to 28°C Humidity: 55-70% Favourite Foods: Fish food, fruits, greens, veggies, greens, rotting white wood, green moss, kinshi, lichen, decaying leaves, and moulting of reptiles and invertebrates Thai Blue Angel Isopods: An Overview Scientifically known as Cubaris sp, Thai Blue Angel isopods have become popular exotic pets because they are an uncommon species of terrestrial crustaceans. Belonging to the genus family, this species is often regarded as attractive for its portable size, striking appearance, and behaviour. As many might not know, this isopod species is native to the rainforests of Thailand. They live in high-humidity environments and need to be kept in bioactive vivariums and terrariums. The unique colour combination of blue and white sets them apart from other isopods. Their roly-poly behaviour, when disturbed, makes them a favourite among collectors and hobbyists. Unlike other isopods, Thai Blue Angel requires little care, making it ideal for beginners. Thai Blue Angel Isopods: Basic Care To take care of Thai Blue Angels, creating a similar environment to their natural habitat is important. Since they come from tropical regions, it is essential to maintain the right temperature and humidity levels. This way, you can keep your isopods happy and healthy. Here’s what you need to do: You can use a plastic container or glass terrarium as an enclosure. However, make sure that it has proper ventilation and moisture. It is important to maintain the temperature between 24°C and 28°C. As for the humidity level, anything between 55% and 70% is fine. You can mist the enclosure regularly to maintain these conditions. Since isopods love hiding spots, you should add plenty of leaf litter, bark, and small caves to their enclosure. Preparing a moist substrate for Thai Blue Angel is important. In this case, coconut fibre mixed with organic soil works best. Thai Blue Angel Isopods: Feeding The good thing about Thai Blue Angel isopods is that they are not fussy eaters. However, providing them with a balanced diet is important to keep them healthy. In their natural habitat, they consume a lot of decaying organic material. This makes it easier to supplement their diet with various food sources when captivity. One of the most essential components of their diet is leaf litter because it mimics their natural food source. It is recommended that they be given oak and maple leaves, as they are their favourites. You should also provide small amounts of vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, and squash, which are great sources of hydration and nutrients. For fibre, you can provide soft, decayed wood from non-toxic trees. You can give them a small piece of cuttlebone to meet their calcium requirements. This is essential to maintain their exoskeleton. Lastly, you can feed them protein-rich foods like fish flakes or dried shrimp for protein. Providing these food items can help your isopods maintain a balanced diet. Just make sure to feed them in small amounts. Thai Blue Angel Isopods: Appearance and Behaviour Thai Blue Angel isopods are visually striking creatures, mainly because of their blue and white colour combination. They also have white or cream-coloured bands across their bodies. Their segmented exoskeleton allows them to curl into a tight ball when threatened, a behaviour known as conglobation. The size of an adult Thai Blue Angel ranges between 12 and 20 mm, which make them relatively smaller than other Cubaris species. These isopods are generally shy and prefer to stay hidden during the day. They come during the evening or at night to feed and explore. They are non-aggressive and move slowly, making it easier to care for them. Thai Blue Angel isopods are known for their social behaviour. They often huddle together in groups, especially when hiding under leaf litter or bark. Thai Blue Angel Isopods: Habitat If you plan to keep Thai Blue Angel isopods as pets, it is important to create a suitable habitat for them. To do this, you need to replicate their natural habitat. Since these isopods come from Thailand’s humid rainforests, it is important to maintain the humidity level between 55% and 70%. You can achieve this by regularly misting their enclosure. The temperature should be between 24°C and 28°C. In winter, a heat source, like a heat mat, can be added if necessary. As mentioned before, you must create hiding spots for your isopods. You can include pieces of bark, rocks, and small shelters for this. This will make your isopods more secure as they will have plenty of hiding places. Last, it would help if you scattered leaf litter and moss around the enclosure to create a natural, forest-like floor. This provides additional food and moisture. Thai Blue Angel Isopods: Substrate Mix The substrate is one of the most critical elements of an isopod habitat. It is the foundation for them to burrow, feed, and reproduce. You should prepare a moist and nutrient-rich substrate for Thai Blue Angel isopods. You can use coconut fibre or coir as the base. These materials better retain moisture and are soft enough for isopods to burrow into. You will also need organic and pesticide-free soil to add essential nutrients to the substrate. Small pieces of decayed wood should be added as an additional food source. Adding a layer of leaf litter can also provide food and create a more natural environment for the isopods.

One of the most popular Thailand natives, the lemon blue isopods are medium-sized isopods. These exotic Cubaris species are beginner-friendly isopods that will make a great fit for medium-humid enclosure setups. The visually striking Lemon Blue isopods are yellowish blue in colour. They require minimal maintenance and medium upkeep. They are the most adorable Cubaris species out there. These basic isopod setup residents are quite in demand right now. These interesting but very mischievous isopods can make the most amusing pets. Lemon Blue Isopods: A Glimpse Origin: Thailand, China Scientific Name: Cubaris sp “Lemon Blue” Difficulty: Medium Rarity: High Temperature: 70 to 85℉ Size: 2 cm Humidity: 60 to 80% Favourable Foods: Cuttlebone, fish food, decaying leaves An Overview Lemon Blue isopods are well-known to be tropical and temperate environment thrivers. These Thailand natives are acclaimed by isopod collectors for their color variation that perfectly resonates with their name. The Lemon Blue isopods make a suitable fit for beginners. These isopods have a hard exterior and that’s why they are not an ideal option as a feeder isopod. Lemon Blue isopods have a yellow body and blue inner pereons. They possess a bicolour appearance of shiny blue and yellow that resembles candy. They can be added to an isopod setup with foods like Astaxanthin and carotene. Their back shines in the light and flashes blue colour. They can suffer from discolouration over periods, but foods like Astaxanthin and carotene will help them restore their rich yellow colour.  Lemon Blue isopods are a Thai species that grow well in moist environments with temperatures between 70 to 85℉. These semi-social species can thrive in groups and possess social behaviours. Lemon Blue isopods are not strongly social. These Cubaris sp isopods can tolerate living alone. They tend to become active and visible inside a terrarium setup as their population grows.  The yellowish-blue isopods are known to consume sweet potato and butternut quash. The colouration of the Lemon Blue isopods becomes a deeper yellow-blue when they are consistently fed carrots and cucumbers. They can eat a variety of different foods, including bee pollen and calcium powder supplements. You must provide a varied diet to the Lemon Blue isopods to ensure their colour does not really change and improves with age.  Lemon Blue Isopods: Basic Care You can use the following instructions and tips to provide the best care to the Lemon Blue isopods. Use a large bioactive terrarium setup with enough space to house the Lemon Blue isopods. Keep the humidity of the container within 60 to 80 per cent.  Avoid keeping the enclosure in direct light.  Maintain the shiny yellowish blue appearance of Lemon Blue isopods by feeding them butternut squash and sweet potato.  Inconsistent feeding habits can make the Lemon Blue isopods lose their coloration. Feed them carrots and cuttlebone to deepen their coloration.  The Lemon Blue isopods are medium-sized isopods that need a minimal level of care.  These Cubaris sp isopods are active species and also semi-social isopods.  The Lemon Blue isopods won’t mind living alone because of their semi-social behaviour. The Cubaris sp “Lemon Isopods” are fascinating species that can sometimes need little more maintenance but not always. Lemon Blue Isopods: Feeding Lemon Blue isopods are detrivores. They feed on food like decaying organic matter, including decaying wood, leaf litter, and fish food. They also feed on rotten hardwoods and oyster shells. They primarily eat calcium supplements like cuttlebone. You can give them foods with carotene and Astaxanthin to enrich their colour. They love eating red parrot fish a lot.  Lemon Blue isopods are Asian isopods that absolutely adore eating carrots. You can maintain the balanced diet of these Cubaris sp isopods by giving them birch and black walnuts. You can also feed them gammarus shrimp and fish flakes. You can feed these extremely handy isopods limestone and dried fruit bites.  Lemon Blue isopods crave food like lichen and insect jelly. You can always feed them sweet fruits and spirulina. You can also give these Cubaris sp isopods banana and mango. The Lemon Blue isopods also never hesitate to take a bite of bat guano (excrement of bats). Lemon Blue Isopods: Appearance And Behavior Lemon Blue isopods are yellow-coloured Cubaris sp species that can lose their colour over time. This is why it is essential for collectors to feed them foods rich in Astaxanthin and carotene.  These Cubaris sp isopods are slow breeders, unlike other Cubaris sp species out there. The Lemon Blue isopods are bold pets that are non-aggressive in nature. These Cubaris sp “Lemon Blue” isopods may hide around other creatures.  Terrarium setups that have a moist environment are best suited for the Lemon Blue isopods.  These little creatures can grow well in temperate and moist environments. They are bicoloured isopods that sometimes look like eye candy. Lemon Blue isopods are bold colored species that will take from three to four months to make their stable breeding colony.  The colouration of the Lemon Blue isopods deepens with their age. Lemon Blue Isopods: Habitat Lemon Blue isopods prefer humid and tropical regions, such as China and Thailand. They need properly ventilated terrarium setups where they keep moving freely. They can handle moist environments pretty comfortably.  They are woodland natives that will thrive well in natural habitats. You can use a plastic container or a glass terrarium with a secure lid to house the Lemon Blue isopods. You can maintain humidity levels inside the Lemon Blue Isopods’ enclosure to boost their overall health. Lemon Blue Isopods: Substrate Mix The substrate mix of the Lemon Blue isopods can include sphagnum moss and coconut fibre to retain the terrarium’s moisture level. You can use a reptile fogger or dechlorinated water to mist the terrarium setup regularly. You can add decaying organic matter to meet these Cubaris sp isopod’s nutritional requirements. Isopod collectors can add decaying wood and leaf litter accompanied with calcium-rich supplements.  Create hiding spots using cork bark inside the enclosure to mimic their natural habitat. A low-wattage lamp can be beneficial for maintaining a desired temperature inside the terrarium setup. We notice that the colours of Lemon blues is greatly improved with a died containing regular carrot, butternut quash and sweet potato. Combined with the right supplements, these isopods showcase an extraordinary blend of bright lemon and blue, unmatched by any other isopods. We find these not as forgiving as some other isopods so not something for a beginner as they also require a little more maintenance, but once you have this right they are very easy to maintain. Difficulty Level: Medium Temp: 70F-80F Humidity: 70% - 80% Size: Upto 2cm Origin: Thailand Rarity: Very High Favourite Foods: Leaf litter, Carrot, Cucumber, fish food Supplements: Cuttlebone (or calcium powder), bat guano, bee pollen Comments: Lemon Blue Isopods when we first got them we were not too excited when we saw them but after settling in the colours really changed and seem to also improve with age. These seem a little slower than the Ambers to breed even though we started with the same care and setup for each as they are both Cubaris sp.

Red Edge isopods are generally found in a reddish-brown body with a beautiful red colour on the outer shell, which stands out from the body colour and also makes it one of the most beautiful and the most popular chosen by pet lovers. Red Edge Isopods: Insight Scientific Name: Cubaris sp. Other Common Name: Red Edge Cubaris Origin: Japan Size: Varies up to 13 mm Difficulty level: Medium Breeding rate: Normal Temperature: 70℉ to 80℉ Rarity: High Humidity: 70% to 80% Favorite food: Litter of leaf and decaying wood Supplements: Powder of Calcium and bee pollen  Red Edge Isopods: Introduction These species are native to Japan but are found in various parts of the world. Exotic pet lovers take them to different regions and exchange them with other pet lovers in different parts of the world; they are now available in tropical and sub-tropical areas. These species are the lovers of an environment that is humid and where the conditions are warm. The species have now become very rare. Even though the maintenance required for them is low, it is important to remember the ideal conditions for providing them with a healthy environment.  Red Edge Isopods: Characteristics and Traits It has a beautiful dark bluish-black shell with red edges, hence the name.  They generally grow up to a length of 13 mm, so they don’t fall under the smallest isopod category. The breeding rate is highly successful when in captivity. To evade the danger, they form a ball shape to confuse the enemy. Two types of morphs are commonly found.  Has a voracious appetite that is larger than their size.  These critters, when paired with springtails, act as a cleanup crew for terrariums and vivariums. They can produce large broods if maintained at ideal temperature and humidity conditions. Due to its sensitive nature, it is generally shipped at night only. Red Edge Isopods: Morphs These species of isopods are mainly available in two varieties of morphs. The first variety is orange in color, and the second is white in color. Cubaris sp. “Red Edge White Angel’: These isopods have white exteriors with red eyes. These are rarely available and are visually striking.  Cubaris sp. Orange Albino: This species has a washed orange color to its exoskeleton.  Red Edge Isopods: Diet The Red Edge isopods like to feed on the decaying portions of leaves or wood. Vegetables, mushroom pieces, dried mealworms, and dried shrimp can provide a feast for them. They rely more on the decaying matter, thereby playing a major role in the environment, i.e., the decomposition part.  Proving supplemental foods occasionally can help in maintaining the health of these species. It also has a major effect on the capacity of reproducing and the health of the broods produced by them. The supplements can include foods rich in calcium, like Cuttlebone. It is suggested that food supplements with natural sources of calcium be used for the healthy growth of these species. Red Edge Isopods: Basic Care and Maintenance Though the maintenance level required for these species is very low, there are certain basic care and maintenance tips that have to be ensured. This will help the isopods to have healthy growth as well as a good reproduction rate. Set up a habitat that stands very close to the specifications of their natural environment. Though these species can handle slight temperature variations, for a good reproduction rate, the temperature level should be within specifications. They can be fed with a variety of decaying matter as well as supplements. The supplements fed should be natural sources of calcium. Ensuring they are not overfed is crucial. Overfeeding leads to excess food left in the enclosure, which may lead to the growth of mold. To keep the enclosure hygienic, cleaning has to be done regularly to eliminate mold and uneaten food. Constant monitoring of their population and the rate of reproduction is required. This can give you an insight into the behavior of the isopods. Monitoring can help identify any signs of stress or any other kind of wellness. Special monitoring is to be carried out to identify any parasites in the enclosure. It has to be removed timely. Though pet lovers may tend to take it into their own hands to show their love and care, it has to be limited. Handling it frequently can increase its stress level, which can impact the reproduction capability of these species. These species are considered to reproduce at a good rate. Provide barriers in the enclosure for the isopods to produce separate broods.  To avoid overcrowding, separate enclosures are to be prepared simultaneously. The population in each enclosure is to be strictly maintained. Red Edge Isopods: Natural Habitat These species of isopods prefer to stay in a humid environment. The area they prefer will have a combination of both moist areas and dry areas. These species also find natural settings to form a hideout. They find suitable hideouts for both the juveniles and the adults. The area these species select will be a well-ventilated area, which is important for the healthy growth of the isopod group.  Red Edge Isopods: Artificial Setting Pet lovers find these species to be suitable as their maintenance difficulty is low. However, proper care has to be given to ensure a longer life and for the reproduction of healthy broods. The container selected should replicate the natural environment. The container should have controlled humidity as per the specifications.  When building a DIY enclosure, it is important to provide ventilation on the dry side of the enclosure and cover the openings with mesh. Humidity levels required by this species are high, but to prevent excess humidity, proper ventilation is established.  For substrate mix, use premade substrate mix for the base and spray water till they are damp thoroughly. Add cork bark pieces into the enclosure on top of the mix along with limestone pieces into the enclosure. Sphagnum moss should be added on one side of the enclosure and has to be kept moist. The humidity gradient has to be in such a way that the area with sphagnum moss is wet and the rest of the area dry. This provides options for the isopods to choose their environment.  In the end, add dried leaves and a vegetable or any other food item to the enclosure for nutrition. When following the above steps, you can make a healthy, comfortable artificial setting that mimics their natural habitat. This brings out the natural characteristics of the isopod, and it thrives in the environment provided.