Cubaris Cherry Blossom Isopods

Cubaris sp. "Cherry Blossom" is one of the most visually stunning isopods in the hobby. Named for its soft pink and white colouration reminiscent of cherry blossom petals, this species stands out immediately in any collection. If you're looking for an isopod that genuinely makes people stop and say "wait, that's an isopod?" - this is the one.

Cherry Blossom isopods are a selectively bred colour morph isolated from Cubaris sp. "Red Pak Chong" stock, with the original line developed in Japan. Interestingly, while the Japanese breeders named them "Cherry Blossom," American hobbyists often call them "Sakura" - which is just the Japanese word for cherry blossom. Full circle.

These aren't beginner isopods. They're slow breeders, relatively sensitive to environmental fluctuations, and command a premium price. But for keepers who've cut their teeth on hardier species and want something genuinely special, Cherry Blossom isopods are absolutely worth the investment.

A Glimpse

• Origin: Captive bred (selectively bred morph of Red Pak Chong lineage)
• Scientific Name: Cubaris sp. "Cherry Blossom"
• Difficulty Level: Medium
• Size: Up to 15mm
• Temperature: 22-26°C
• Humidity: 70-80%
• Rarity: Rare

An Overview

Cubaris sp. "Cherry Blossom" emerged from selective breeding of the Red Pak Chong lineage - itself originating from the limestone caves and karst formations of Thailand's Pak Chong district. The original Cherry Blossom line was isolated in Japan, where breeders selected for the distinctive pastel pink colouration that sets this morph apart.

What makes Cherry Blossom so desirable is the soft, almost ethereal pink tone across their bodies, complemented by paler segmentation. The effect genuinely does evoke cherry blossom petals, and it's unlike anything else in the isopod hobby. They maintain this colouration throughout their lives, making them a permanent centrepiece species rather than one that fades as they mature.

Unlike some of the more sedentary Cubaris species, Cherry Blossoms are surprisingly active and curious. They'll explore their enclosure, and you'll often find some hanging about in the open rather than permanently burrowed away. This makes them more rewarding to observe than many other high-end Cubaris varieties.

Like their Red Pak Chong relatives, Cherry Blossoms share the genetic heritage of cave-dwelling ancestors. This means they appreciate high humidity, stable conditions, and plenty of calcium in their diet to support healthy exoskeleton development.

Basic Care

• These are tropical isopods that require consistent warmth and humidity. Temperature fluctuations and dry conditions can stress them quickly.
• They're burrowers by nature, so provide deep substrate (at least 7-10cm) to allow for natural behaviour.
• While they need high humidity, good ventilation remains important. Stagnant, overly wet conditions invite mould and can harm the colony. Aim for a balance - moist but not waterlogged, with adequate airflow.
• Cherry Blossoms are shy creatures. Provide plenty of hiding spots including cork bark, moss, and thick leaf litter. They particularly seem to enjoy hiding inside acorn caps if you can source them.
• Minimise disturbance. These aren't isopods you want to be constantly checking on or moving around. Set up the enclosure properly from the start and let them settle.
• Start with a reasonable group size (10+ individuals) to ensure genetic diversity and increase breeding success. Small starter groups can struggle to establish.
• Expect slow reproduction. This isn't Porcellio pruinosus - broods are smaller and less frequent. Patience is required.

Feeding

Cherry Blossom isopods are detritivores with the typical Cubaris diet, though they benefit from slightly higher protein than some other species.

Primary food sources:

• Decaying hardwood leaf litter (oak, beech, magnolia) - this should form the bulk of their diet
• Rotting white wood
• Sphagnum moss

Supplementary foods:

• Fresh vegetables - particularly those high in carotenoids (pumpkin, carrot, sweet potato, corn, sweet peppers) which may help maintain colouration
• Fish flakes or dried shrimp (for protein, 2-3 times weekly)
• Soft fruits occasionally
• Lichen if available

Calcium is essential for healthy moulting and exoskeleton development. Provide constant access to:

• Cuttlefish bone
• Limestone chunks
• Crushed eggshells
• Oyster shell
• Calcium powder

Given their limestone cave origins, Cherry Blossoms have a higher calcium requirement than many species. Don't skimp on this.

Remove uneaten fresh food within 24-48 hours to prevent mould.

Appearance and Behaviour

The defining feature of Cherry Blossom isopods is their distinctive pastel pink colouration, often with paler or cream-coloured segmentation that creates a delicate, blossom-like appearance. Adults reach approximately 15mm at maturity.

They have the typical rounded, conglobating (ball-rolling) body shape characteristic of the Cubaris genus. When threatened, they'll curl into a tight ball - though well-established colonies in a settled enclosure rarely feel the need to do this.

Behaviourally, Cherry Blossoms are more active than many Cubaris species. While they still spend plenty of time burrowed or hidden, you'll frequently see individuals exploring, especially during evening and nighttime hours. They're curious isopods that seem to enjoy investigating their environment.

They're also faster movers than some of the more sedentary Cubaris varieties. This adds energy and interest to watching them but also means you need to be careful when opening the enclosure - they can make a dash for it if given the opportunity.

Like all Cubaris, they're social and should be kept in groups. They coexist peacefully and there's no aggression to worry about.

Habitat

• A secure enclosure is essential. While Cherry Blossoms aren't strong climbers on smooth surfaces, use a well-fitted lid to maintain humidity and prevent escapes.
• Size-wise, start with at least a 6-quart container for a small colony. Larger is better for established groups and allows for better humidity gradients.
• Temperature should be maintained at 22-26°C. Avoid temperatures below 18°C or above 28°C. Consistent warmth is more important than hitting a specific number.
• Humidity needs to be high - around 70-80%. The substrate should remain moist (not wet) at all times. One corner can be kept slightly drier to create a gradient.
• Ventilation is still important despite the high humidity requirement. Multiple small ventilation holes with fine mesh work well. Avoid completely sealed enclosures.
• Provide lots of hiding opportunities: cork bark flats, moss patches, thick leaf litter, and similar. The more secure they feel, the better they'll do.
• Lighting isn't critical. Ambient room light is fine. They're largely nocturnal but will come out during the day in a well-established colony.

Substrate Mix

Getting the substrate right is crucial for Cubaris species, and Cherry Blossoms are no exception. They need a moisture-retentive mix that mimics their natural environment while providing nutrition and burrowing opportunities.

A good substrate mix consists of:

• 40% organic potting soil (pesticide-free)
• 30% coconut coir
• 20% sphagnum moss
• 10% leaf litter (mixed into substrate, with more layered on top)

To this base, add:

• Rotting white wood pieces
• Limestone chunks or crusite
• Additional leaf litter on the surface (oak, beech, magnolia)
• Patches of live or dried moss

Substrate depth should be at least 7-10cm to accommodate their burrowing behaviour. These isopods dig, and they need the space to do so comfortably.

Maintain a moisture gradient: one end of the enclosure slightly damper than the other. This allows the isopods to self-regulate and find their preferred conditions. Mist regularly but avoid waterlogging - the substrate should be moist to the touch but not squelching wet.

The limestone chunks serve double duty: they help buffer the substrate pH and provide an accessible calcium source that the isopods will graze on.