Cubaris sp. “Black Pearl” are a type of isopod we have had in our collection now since mid 2024. These extraordinary creatures display a uniform, glossy black coloration that’s virtually unmatched in the hobby. If you’re looking to add something truly special to your collection, these rare Asian natives offer both visual impact with a relatively easy care and breeding (once established)
What Makes Cubaris Black Pearl Special
Exceptional Rarity and Visual Appeal Black Pearl isopods are still quite rare amongst collects in the UK compared to other cubaris sp. available in the hobby. Their solid black coloration creates a striking contrast against leaf litter and substrate, making them instant conversation pieces. Unlike common isopods, these specimens maintain their deep black colour throughout their lifecycle. Other visually stunning cubaris species, like the Red Edge Peach Isopods, are also highly sought after in the hobby for their unique appearance. Each individual reaches approximately 1.5cm at maturity, displaying the characteristic smooth, rounded body that makes cubaris species so desirable.
Conglobation Ability Like other cubaris sp., Black Pearls can roll into perfect spheres when threatened - a fascinating behavior that adds educational value to any collection.
Essential Care Requirements
Temperature and Humidity Control Maintain temperatures between 18-26°C (64-79°F) for optimal health and breeding success. Humidity levels require careful attention - aim for medium-high levels while ensuring adequate ventilation to prevent mold issues.
Habitat Setup Create naturalistic habitats using deep substrate layers of coconut fiber mixed with decaying wood and leaf litter. Cork bark provides essential hiding spots, while varied substrate depth accommodates their burrowing behavior.
Diet and Nutrition These detritus feeders require a balanced diet including:
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Quality leaf litter (oak, maple, beech)
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Decaying wood pieces
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Fish food flakes for additional protein
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Calcium supplements (cuttlebone, crushed eggshells)
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Additional supplements as needed
Feed sparingly - isopods feed continuously on substrate materials, so overfeeding commercial foods can cause problems.
Breeding Information
Difficulty Level: Intermediate to Advanced Black Pearl breeding presents moderate difficulty, requiring stable conditions and patience. Successful colonies typically start with mixed age groups to ensure breeding compatibility.
Reproduction Timeline Females carry eggs in their brood pouches for several weeks before releasing fully-formed juveniles. Population growth is slow but steady under proper conditions.
Colony Management Start with at least 6-8 individuals for genetic diversity. Provide multiple microhabitats within the enclosure to accommodate different life stages and preferences.
Why Choose Our Black Pearl Isopods
Quality Assurance Each order includes healthy, captive-bred specimens from established breeding lines. We ensure proper size variety and age distribution for successful colony establishment.
Expert Support Receive detailed care information with every order. Our team provides ongoing support to help you succeed with these challenging but rewarding creatures.
Rare Availability Due to their rarity, Pearl isopods like the Black Pearl are often out of stock. When available, they represent an investment in one of the hobby’s most prestigious species.
Ordering and Shipping
Stock Availability Check current stock status before placing orders. Due to breeding cycles and high demand, availability is limited.
Live Arrival Guarantee We provide safe shipping with live arrival guarantees. Temperature-controlled packaging ensures your isopods arrive healthy and ready to establish in their new habitat.
Perfect for Serious Collectors
Black Pearl isopods are intended for all types of keepers who appreciate rarity and are willing to provide the specific care these creatures require. They work well in bioactive setups but are too valuable to use solely as cleanup crew (at least in my opinion - some do keep rare species/genus as cleanup crew.
Whether you’re expanding an existing collection or starting with something extraordinary, Cubaris Black Pearl isopods offer unmatched prestige in the isopod hobby. Their stunning appearance, combined with the low availability in the UK make them more desirable amongst collecters wanting rare pods.
Ready to add these rare beauties to your collection? Check stock availability and secure your breeding group today. Due to their exceptional rarity, opportunities to acquire Black Pearl isopods are limited - when they’re available, they don’t last long.
