Cappuccino Isopods (Cubaris sp.)

Cubaris sp. "Cappuccino" is a Thai Cubaris species named for its coffee-toned colouration. The exact shade varies between populations and individuals—some display light brown and cream tones like milky coffee, while others show brighter orange with dark purple, more reminiscent of espresso. Either way, the colour palette is distinctive and attractive. They're larger than many Cubaris species, somewhat hardier than their more demanding relatives, and make engaging display pets for keepers ready to move beyond beginner species.

A Glimpse

• Origin: Thailand, Southeast Asia (captive-bred)
• Scientific Name: Cubaris sp. "Cappuccino"
• Common Names: Cappuccino Isopod
• Maintenance required: Medium
• Average Size: Up to 22mm (approximately 2cm)
• Rarity: High
• Temperature: 21-28°C (70-82°F)
• Ventilation: Medium
• Humidity: 60-80%
• Favorite food: Leaf litter, decaying wood, vegetables
• Supplements: Calcium (limestone preferred), protein twice weekly

Cappuccino Isopods: Introduction

Cappuccino isopods emerged from the Thai Cubaris explosion that followed the discovery of Rubber Ducky isopods in limestone caves around 2017. Since then, numerous Cubaris species and morphs have entered the hobby, with Cappuccinos becoming one of the more sought-after varieties.

Their name derives from their colouration, which evokes coffee drinks—though descriptions vary. Some sources describe light brown and cream tones (latte-like), while others emphasise bright orange with deep purple (more like a darker roast). This variation may reflect different breeding lines or simply the range of natural variation within the species. Either interpretation produces attractive isopods.

Compared to some finicky Cubaris species, Cappuccinos are described as "hardier" and more "resilient to changes in humidity and temperature." They're not beginner isopods—they still require consistent conditions and more attention than Armadillidium or Porcellio—but they're a reasonable step up for keepers with some experience who want to try Cubaris without jumping straight to the most demanding species.

Cappuccino Isopods: Physical Traits and Characteristics

• Adults reach approximately 22mm—larger than many Cubaris species
• Rounded body shape with characteristic Cubaris "duck face"
• Colouration varies: light brown/tan/cream OR bright orange with dark purple
• White "skirt" around darker body in some descriptions
• Some individuals display white "ducky face" with coloured "lips"
• Small eyes on top of head
• Short legs, four sets of spiracles for respiration
• Can roll into defensive ball (conglobation)
• Can make clicking sounds when threatened

The size is notable—at up to 22mm, they're on the larger end for Cubaris, making them easier to observe than smaller species. The colour pattern, whatever variation you receive, is distinctive and makes them visually appealing display animals.

Behaviour

Cappuccino isopods display typical Cubaris behaviour patterns with some distinctions.

Activity patterns: Primarily nocturnal—most active at night when they emerge to feed. You'll see occasional daytime sightings, especially as colony numbers increase, but expect them to be most visible after lights go out.

Temperament: Described as "fairly passive" and less easily spooked than some Cubaris species. They're "gentle" and "docile"—good characteristics for observation and handling.

Burrowing: They burrow for moisture control and security. This differs from some surface-dwelling species—provide adequate substrate depth (10-15cm minimum) to accommodate this behaviour.

Social: Gregarious. They do well in groups and benefit from colony living. Purchase in groups for best establishment success.

Shyness: Like many Cubaris, they're shy and reclusive, particularly when newly introduced. As one source notes: "Unless you are up for a little while after the lights go out, you likely will not see these isopods out and about during the day very much." Higher numbers in the colony lead to more visible activity.

Diet

Standard Cubaris dietary requirements with emphasis on calcium.

Primary foods:

• Leaf litter (essential staple—always available in abundance)
• Decaying white-rotted wood (always available)
• Forest moss
• Lichen

Supplementary foods:

• Vegetables: squash, radishes, carrots, other organic vegetables
• Fruits: various (feed in moderation)
• Commercial isopod foods (Repashy, powdered diets)
• Fish flakes
• Dog food (occasionally)

Protein: Provide protein twice weekly:

• Freeze-dried minnows
• Dried shrimp
• Fish pellets
• Dried insects

Feed protein on the drier side of the enclosure as it can spoil quickly in humid conditions and attract pests.

Calcium (particularly important): Cappuccinos, like many Thai Cubaris, originate from limestone cave environments and are particularly fond of calcium sources:

• Cuttlebone (quickly devoured when offered)
• Limestone chunks
• "Texas Holy Rock" (reported favourite)
• Crushed eggshells
• Calcium carbonate powder in substrate

Providing limestone mimics their natural cave habitat and supports healthy exoskeleton development.

Feeding notes:

• Avoid overfeeding
• Remove uneaten fresh foods before spoiling
• Ensure no pesticide residue on vegetables
• Good nutrition promotes faster breeding and healthier populations

Cappuccino Isopods: Breeding

Cappuccinos breed reliably once established, though they're not the fastest reproducers.

Breeding characteristics:

• Slow to establish—may take several months before young appear
• Once established, breed "prolifically" and reliably
• Moderate reproduction rate overall
• Females carry eggs in brood pouch (marsupium)

Reality check: One experienced source states breeding difficulty as "Advanced," while others say "Medium" or "Moderate." The consensus is that they're slower to establish than many species but become reliable producers once the colony matures. Patience is required—don't expect rapid population growth initially.

Breeding success factors:

• Stable temperature (high 70s to low 80s°F / 24-28°C)
• Consistent high humidity (60-80%)
• Adequate calcium supply
• Deep substrate for burrowing
• Abundant food (leaf litter, decaying wood)
• Minimal disturbance during establishment
• Avoid large environmental swings

Cappuccino Isopods: Habitat Setup

Cappuccinos require more attention to setup than beginner species but are manageable for intermediate keepers.

Enclosure:

• Plastic containers or terrariums work well
• Minimal air holes (to maintain humidity)
• Shoebox-sized container (approximately 6 quart / 3 gallon minimum) suitable for starter colonies
• Fair ventilation required—not sealed, but limited holes

Ventilation: Medium. They need some airflow but not so much that humidity drops. Balance is key—too much ventilation dries them out, too little causes stagnation.

Substrate: Deep substrate is important for their burrowing behaviour:

Recommended mix:

• Organic topsoil base (pesticide-free)
• Sphagnum peat moss (milled and long-fibre)
• Forest humus
• Fine tree fern fibre
• Decaying hardwood leaf litter (oak, willow)
• Orchid bark

Depth: Minimum 10-15cm (4-6 inches). Deeper substrates retain moisture longer and support burrowing behaviour.

Humidity: 60-80%—high but not excessive:

• Keep substrate mostly moist but not soggy
• Some sources recommend "moist side and slightly less moist side" rather than dramatic wet/dry gradient
• Never let substrate get anywhere close to dry
• Mist every few days with dechlorinated water
• Cork bark pieces help retain humidity

Critical note: Too much humidity and dampness can cause moulting issues and sudden die-offs. Moist, not wet, is the goal.

Temperature: 21-28°C (70-82°F)—comfortable room temperature to slightly warm:

• High 70s to low 80s°F is the comfort zone
• Avoid large temperature swings (can be fatal)
• Room temperature in heated UK homes generally works
• Stable conditions more important than hitting exact numbers

Décor:

• Cork bark pieces (they may prefer lotus pods as hideouts)
• Leaf litter (food and cover)
• Decaying wood pieces
• Moss patches
• Limestone chunks (calcium source and habitat enrichment)

Setup philosophy: Aim for half soil, half decaying wood components. Provide plenty of hiding spots and natural botanical items that simulate their wild habitat—this promotes natural behaviours like eating and breeding.

Bioactive Use

Cappuccinos can work in bioactive setups but have limitations.

Strengths:

• Help reduce organic waste buildup
• Aid in nutrient recycling
• Add visual interest (nocturnal activity)
• Larger size makes them visible when active

Limitations:

• Not the best bioactive cleaners—better species exist for that purpose
• Shy and nocturnal—you won't see them working during the day
• Require specific conditions that may not match all bioactive setups
• Slow breeding means population recovery takes time if predation occurs

Best use: Cappuccinos are better suited as display pets than utilitarian cleanup crews. If you want efficient bioactive processing, consider Porcellio or faster-breeding species. Keep Cappuccinos because you enjoy observing them, not primarily for their cleanup utility.

Suitable applications:

• Tropical terrariums where conditions match their needs
• Display colonies where aesthetics matter
• Vivariums with compatible inhabitants

Suitability

Cappuccinos suit intermediate keepers wanting attractive Cubaris without extreme difficulty.

Good choice for:

• Keepers with some isopod experience ready to try Cubaris
• Those wanting larger, more observable Cubaris
• Display colony enthusiasts
• Keepers who can maintain consistent conditions
• Those attracted to coffee-toned colouration

Less suited for:

• Complete beginners (gain experience with hardier species first)
• Those wanting fast-breeding cleanup crews
• Keepers unable to maintain stable humidity/temperature
• Those expecting highly visible daytime activity

Care level: They're described as "hardier" and more "resilient" than some Cubaris, but still require consistent conditions without large environmental swings. One source warns: "If you have little to no experience with isopods, we strongly urge you to not buy these until you have some experience and a firm foundation with isopod husbandry."

The key challenges are: maintaining stable conditions (temperature/humidity swings can be fatal), patience during slow establishment period, and accepting their nocturnal/shy nature.

Value: At £55 for 5, £105 for 10, or £200 for 20, Cappuccinos are moderately priced for Cubaris—less expensive than ultra-rare species but more than beginner isopods. The price reflects their desirability, attractive appearance, and the care required to maintain breeding colonies. For keepers wanting an accessible entry point into "designer" Cubaris, they represent reasonable value.

What to expect: Expect attractive isopods with coffee-toned colouration that varies between cream/brown and orange/purple depending on the line. Expect them to be primarily nocturnal—you'll see them most after lights go out, with occasional daytime sightings increasing as colony numbers grow. Expect shy behaviour initially, becoming bolder as the colony establishes. Expect slow breeding at first, accelerating once the colony matures (this may take months). Expect to maintain consistent humidity and temperature without major swings. Expect larger Cubaris (up to 22mm) that are easier to observe than smaller species.

For keepers who enjoyed success with beginner species and want to explore the diverse world of Thai Cubaris, Cappuccinos offer an appealing combination: attractive appearance, reasonable (not extreme) care requirements, and the engaging behaviours that make Cubaris popular. They're not the easiest isopods, but they reward patient keepers who provide appropriate conditions with reliably breeding colonies of genuinely attractive animals.