Giant Mandarin Isopods - Cubaris sp. 'Giant Mandarin'

Meet the impressive larger cousin of the beloved Mandarin isopod! These striking orange beauties from Thailand command attention with their substantial size and distinctive red eyes. Giant Mandarins represent one of the most visually spectacular Cubaris species available, combining the gorgeous tangerine coloration of their smaller relatives with an impressive adult size that makes them truly stand out in any bioactive setup.

A Glimpse

• Origin: Thailand (Captive Bred) • Scientific Name: Cubaris sp. 'Giant Mandarin' • Difficulty Level: Moderate - Intermediate Friendly • Adult Size: Up to 17mm (0.67 inches) • Rarity: High • Temperature: 72°F to 82°F (22°C to 28°C) • Humidity: 60% to 80% with moisture gradient • Favorite Foods: Fruits, vegetables, fish food, decaying wood, leaf litter • Supplements: High-protein diet twice weekly, calcium sources

Overview

Giant Mandarin isopods are a spectacular larger species that truly lives up to their name - reaching approximately three times the size of regular Cubaris murina 'Mandarin' isopods. These chunky, beautiful crustaceans showcase the classic mandarin orange coloration that gives them their citrus-inspired name, enhanced by their distinctive red eyes that create an absolutely stunning appearance. Originally isolated from Thailand, they're believed to be related to Cubaris sp. Giant Marina, sharing similar size characteristics but with their own unique orange pigmentation. Their impressive adult size of 17mm makes them one of the more substantial Cubaris species in the hobby, perfect for keepers who want maximum visual impact from their isopod colonies.

Basic Care

Giant Mandarins require more attention to environmental conditions than beginner species, making them ideal for intermediate keepers ready to step up their isopod game. They thrive in consistently warm temperatures between 72-82°F, with stability being more important than hitting exact numbers. Humidity should remain between 60-80%, with essential moisture gradients throughout their enclosure - never uniformly wet conditions. These semi-fossorial isopods appreciate deeper substrates for their natural burrowing behaviors, though they also spend considerable time foraging through leaf litter and under cork bark pieces. Good ventilation prevents stagnation while maintaining their preferred humid microclimate, and they're particularly sensitive to sudden environmental changes during molting periods.

Feeding

Calcium • Cuttlefish bone pieces (essential for their larger size) • Limestone granules mixed into substrate • Oyster shell pieces • Calcium powder occasionally dusted on foods

Protein (Essential - Feed Twice Weekly) • High-quality fish flakes or pellets • Dried minnows or river shrimp • Freeze-dried bloodworms • Reptile shed skin when available • Specialized isopod protein mixes

Primary Diet • Sweet fruits (their absolute favorite - apples, oranges, mango) • Fresh vegetables (sweet potato, carrot, squash, zucchini) • White rotten wood pieces • Hardwood leaf litter (oak, birch, maple) • Forest moss and lichens

Appearance and Behaviour

Giant Mandarins are absolutely breathtaking with their vibrant tangerine-orange coloration that intensifies with age and proper nutrition. Their most striking feature is their bright red eyes, which create a beautiful contrast against their warm orange bodies. Adults reach an impressive 17mm, making them substantially larger than most Cubaris species and easy to observe. They exhibit typical Cubaris "duck face" characteristics with their rounded heads and can roll into perfect balls when threatened. These isopods are surprisingly active during both day and night, though they become most animated during evening hours. They're naturally social creatures that often aggregate in favored hiding spots, and their foraging behavior resembles tiny pigs rooting through substrate layers. When disturbed, they either conglobate or exhibit rapid escape responses, quickly scuttling to safety.

Habitat

A minimum 12-quart container works for starter colonies, but Giant Mandarins truly thrive in larger 25+ quart setups or 10+ gallon terrariums that accommodate their size and active nature. Substrate depth should be 3-4 inches minimum to support their burrowing instincts, with distinct moisture zones created throughout. Approximately one-third of the enclosure should remain consistently moist using sphagnum moss patches, while the remainder stays moderately humid but not wet. Cork bark pieces, wooden hides, and thick leaf litter coverage provide essential shelter and foraging opportunities. These isopods are excellent climbers, so secure ventilation at the container top is crucial. Temperature gradients aren't necessary, but consistent warmth throughout their habitat supports healthy molting and breeding behaviors.

Substrate Mix

Create optimal conditions with this specialized mixture:

Base Layer (60%): • Premium organic topsoil (pesticide-free) • Deciduous forest humus for moisture retention • Small amount of peat moss for pH buffering

Organic Amendments (25%): • White rotten wood pieces (15% - critical nutrition source) • Aged hardwood leaf mold • Small pieces of cork bark

Mineral Supplements (15%): • Limestone granules (10% - essential calcium) • Oyster shell pieces for ongoing calcium supplementation • Optional: Fine sand for drainage in deeper areas

Moisture Management: Maintain substrate that's consistently moist but never waterlogged in the designated wet zones. The moist sections should use quality sphagnum moss that you mist 2-3 times weekly, creating humidity pockets without oversaturating the entire environment. Monitor moisture levels carefully as Giant Mandarins are sensitive to both desiccation and overly wet conditions. The substrate should feel like a wrung-out sponge in wet areas.

Special Considerations: Giant Mandarins have higher nutritional demands than smaller species, so ensure your substrate includes ample white rotten wood and leaf litter that breaks down slowly. They're particularly fond of sweet decomposing matter, so occasionally adding small pieces of overripe fruit to specific areas can encourage natural foraging behaviors while supplementing their diet.