Cubaris Isopods (51)

A brightly coloured morph of the Cubaris Sp. Panda King, these Citrus Panda Kings share all the advantages of a Panda King. A suitable species for people new to keeping slightly harder isopods, or even a beginner who is confident in keeping terrariums at the correct humidity. The appealing features of a Cubaris sp. Large enough to be visible, but small enough to thrive in a small enclosure, and relatively unfussy in terms of food.    • Origin: Vietnam     • Scientific Name: Cubaris Sp ‘Panda King’     • Difficulty Level: Medium     • Size:  10 to 18mm     • Rarity: Low/medium     • Temperature:  22°C to 28°C     • Humidity: 60% to 75%     • Diet: Leaf litter, decaying wood, vegetables    The original populations of Panda Kings came from the limestone caves of Vietnam. Eventually, a red/orange morph appeared, where the black sections of the Panda King were replaced with a red/orange colour. From that, a further morph was isolated in these fully citrus-coloured isopods. However, they have a white margin to their rear segments that can be larger in some individuals.    The citrus panda king morph has occurred in several species of isopod, in some species it is known as variegated. Interestingly it seems that there may be other morphs that can be bred by crossing these to other colours, but the information on the exact genes isn’t clear.    Needing slightly higher humidity levels than others, and enjoying burrowing, it's crucial to provide a healthy layer of substrate, cork bark and wood as places to hide, and potentially the enclosure might need regular misting.    They require some extra calcium in their diet, and some variety, as with most species leaf litter can provide the bulk of their diet, but add in a variety of fruits and veg, as well as some good quality fish food.

Isopods enthusiasts and hobbyists have always been intrigued by Amber Firefly isopods, mainly because of their unique appearance. In comparison to other isopods, these isopods have a striking appearance. The striking amber colour of their body resembles a firefly’s glow. This is one reason hobbyists are so interested in these isopods. These are also not a difficult isopod to care for  A Glimpse Origin: Central and South America Scientific Name: Cubaris sp. Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate Size: 10 to 18 mm Rarity: Moderately Rare Temperature: 22°C to 28°C Humidity: 60% to 75% Favourite Foods: Leaf litter, decaying wood, vegetables An Overview Amber Firefly isopods are unique. These small, land-dwelling crustaceans are known for their beautiful amber colour, which sets them apart from other isopod species. The best thing about having them as pets is that you don’t have to put in much effort to care for them. Unlike other isopods, Amber Firefly isopods don’t require intensive care. Well, this makes them an ideal choice for beginners with less knowledge about isopods. Firefly isopods belong to the cubaris genus, cited as isopods that thrive in tropical climates. Despite their name, Amber Firefly isopods don’t emit light like fireflies. But their amber-coloured exoskeleton is so vibrant that they tend to catch attention even in dimly lit settings. One thing to know about these isopods is that they feed on decomposing organic matter, which makes them excellent cleaners for vivariums and terrariums. These detritivores are native to Central and South America, where they live in a healthy and balanced ecosystem. Basic Care Caring for Amber Firefly isopods is easy. If you have decided to keep these tiny creatures as your pet, you should follow these instructions to provide the best care. Amber Firefly isopods thrive in warm environments. Their ideal temperature range is between 22°C and 28°C. So, make sure to maintain the right temperature inside the terrarium. To keep your Amber Firefly isopods happy and healthy, you should maintain the humidity between 60% and 70%. Using a misting bottle makes it easier to do this. When using the substrate mix for your isopods, make sure it remains damp at all times. However, don’t add too much water, as this can lead to mould growth and is not good for your isopods. Even though Amber Firefly isopods are tiny creatures, they need enough space to move around. To accommodate a small colony of isopods, it is recommended that you get a 10-gallon container or plastic bin. When choosing an enclosure for your isopods, it is important to ensure proper ventilation. After all, they need air to breathe and thrive. If required, you can create additional holes on the sides of the terrarium. Feeding As mentioned before, Amber Fireflies are detritivores, so you can feed them decomposing organic matter. All you have to do is provide the right amount at the right time in their enclosure. Amber Firefly isopods love eating leaf litter, so you can provide them with dried leaves like oak or other hardwood trees. You can easily get these types of leaves outside your home. Just make sure that they are pesticide-free. Another food item you can give to your isopods is decaying wood. For those unversed, it makes an important part of their diet, so you shouldn’t skip it at any cost. Amber Firefly isopods also eat vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, and zucchini so that you can give them small pieces of these foods. In addition to all these items, adding cuttlebone, fish flakes, and calcium powder to their diet is a good idea. This is essential for the growth of their exoskeleton. However, it would help if you kept in mind not to overfeed your isopods because that can lead to issues. Amber Firefly Isopods: Appearance and Behaviour You can easily recognise Amber Firefly isopods because of their stunning amber-coloured exoskeleton. Their unique colouration is appealing and makes them stand apart from other isopods. Many isopods are brown or grey. But Amber Firefly features a striking amber colouration. However, their appearance may vary depending on environmental factors. As far as the size is concerned, Amber Firefly isopods can grow up to 10-18 mm, making them medium-sized compared to other isopods. If you look closely at their body, you will notice the segmentation. They have seven pairs of legs, which allows them to move around quickly when disturbed. In terms of behaviour, Amber Firefly isopods are shy and peaceful. They spend most of their time hiding under decaying wood and leaf litter. Also, they prefer dark, damp environments as they don’t like bright light much. Since they are social creatures, they want to live in colonies with other isopods. Amber Firefly Isopods: Habitat The best way to keep Amber Firefly isopods is to get a terrarium or vivarium. You can use the enclosure entirely or put them in a bioactive setup with other species like amphibians or reptiles. It is recommended that your isopods be kept in a plastic or glass enclosure with proper ventilation and enough space to move around. Like other isopods, Amber Firefly isopods require hiding spots, so you can use leaf litter, cork rounds, and bark to make them feel secure. It would help if you ensured that their enclosure always remains moist. Amber Firefly Isopods: Substrate Mix For Amber Firefly isopods, coco coir can be used as the base substrate because it retains moisture better than other materials. If you cannot find coco coir, use peat moss. This moisture-retaining material adds a natural texture to the substrate. In addition to the base substrate material, leaf litter and decaying wood are also important. These provide a natural food source and a hiding place for your isopods. Combining these materials can create the perfect environment for your tiny pets. Providing them with an environment similar to their natural habitat is important. This way, you can watch your isopods grow and thrive.