Discover the exquisite beauty of our rare Cubaris Platin Tung Song Isopods! These stunning cave-dwelling treasures from the limestone caves of Tung Song, Thailand, showcase breathtaking metallic platinum coloration with intricate yellow spotting that creates an almost jewel-like appearance. Despite their smaller stature compared to other Cubaris species, these remarkable isopods more than make up for their size with their incredible visual impact and unique shy personality that makes observing them all the more rewarding. Perfect for collectors seeking something truly special and rare in their collections.
A Glimpse
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Origin: Tung Song caves, Southern Thailand
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Scientific Name: Cubaris sp. "Platin Tung Song"
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Maintenance required: Medium to Advanced
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Average Size: 1.0-1.5 cm
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Rarity: High
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Lifespan: 1.5-2 years
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Temperature: 23℃-26℃ (73℉-79℉)
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Ventilation: Moderate (with high humidity)
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Humidity: 70-85%
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Favorite food: Leaf litter, decaying wood, specialized feeds
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Supplements: Cuttlebone, calcium powder, protein sources
Cubaris Platin Tung Song: Introduction
These extraordinary isopods were discovered in the mysterious limestone cave systems of Tung Song in Southern Thailand, where they've adapted to the unique microclimate conditions found in these underground environments. The name "Platin" refers to their stunning platinum-silver metallic sheen that seems to shimmer under terrarium lighting, while intricate yellow spots create beautiful contrast patterns across their exoskeleton.
As one of the smaller Cubaris species, they represent a perfect example of how size doesn't diminish beauty or desirability in the isopod world. Their cave-dwelling origins have resulted in a naturally shy and timid personality that makes them more secretive than many other species, but this only adds to their mystique and makes glimpses of them all the more special for dedicated observers.
Physical Traits and Characteristics
- These petite Cubaris display the classic "rubber ducky" facial features beloved in the Cubaris genus, with prominent compound eyes and distinctive head shape
- Their most striking feature is the metallic platinum-silver base coloration that creates an almost mirror-like sheen across their exoskeleton
- Intricate yellow spots and markings are scattered across their dorsal surface, creating unique patterns that vary between individuals
- At only 1.0-1.5cm when fully grown, they're among the smaller members of the Cubaris family, making them perfect for detailed observation
- They possess the characteristic Cubaris ability to roll into a perfect sphere when threatened, creating tiny living pearls
- Their compact size and metallic coloration make them appear almost like living jewelry when they emerge from hiding
- The contrast between their platinum base and yellow markings becomes more pronounced under proper terrarium lighting
- Despite their small size, they display all the classic Cubaris proportions and body structure in miniature
- Their cave-adapted physiology makes them particularly sensitive to environmental changes, requiring stable conditions
Diet
Cubaris Platin Tung Song isopods have refined dietary preferences that reflect their cave-dwelling origins. In their natural limestone cave habitat, they consume decomposing organic matter, cave-specific fungi, and mineral-rich detritus that washes into their underground homes.
In captivity, provide high-quality leaf litter (oak, beech, and maple work particularly well), along with small pieces of well-aged hardwood and cork bark. Their smaller size means they prefer finely processed foods, so consider crushing or breaking larger food items into appropriate sizes.
Supplement their diet with calcium-rich sources like cuttlebone powder, crushed limestone, or specialized calcium supplements designed for cave-dwelling species. Protein sources should be offered sparingly but regularly - fish food flakes, dried shrimp, or specialized high-protein isopod foods work well.
Due to their shy nature and smaller size, they may be outcompeted by larger, more aggressive species, so monitor feeding carefully to ensure they receive adequate nutrition. Their slower metabolism means they require less frequent feeding than more active species, but consistency is key for maintaining their health and encouraging breeding.
Cubaris Platin Tung Song: Personality
These remarkable isopods display a notably shy and timid personality that sets them apart from many other Cubaris species. Their cave-dwelling origins have instilled in them a preference for remaining hidden during daylight hours, making them primarily nocturnal in their activity patterns.
They're much more secretive than their bolder Cubaris cousins and will quickly retreat to hiding spots when disturbed. This shyness means they require larger population numbers to feel secure enough to venture out regularly - a phenomenon where safety in numbers encourages more confident exploration of their environment.
Despite their timid nature, they're peaceful and make excellent companions for other small, non-aggressive isopod species. Their small size and gentle temperament mean they pose no threat to tank mates and actually benefit from the increased activity of slightly bolder species that can encourage them to emerge more frequently.
Their retiring nature makes observing them feel like a special privilege, and their stunning appearance makes every sighting truly memorable for dedicated enthusiasts who appreciate their subtle beauty.
Breeding
Cubaris Platin Tung Song isopods are moderate breeders that require stable, optimal conditions to reproduce successfully. Their cave-adapted physiology means they're more sensitive to environmental fluctuations than some hardier species, making consistent care essential for breeding success.
Females reach maturity at around 4-5 months and will carry their eggs for approximately 6-8 weeks before releasing 10-20 tiny juveniles. The young are exceptionally small and delicate, requiring very stable conditions and appropriate food sources to survive to adulthood.
For optimal breeding results, maintain consistent humidity levels between 75-85%, stable temperatures around 24-25℃, and provide abundant calcium sources. The shy nature of this species means they feel more secure and breed more readily in larger groups, so maintaining colonies of 20+ individuals often yields better reproductive success.
Their slower growth rate means patience is required, but the reward of successfully breeding these rare and beautiful isopods makes the effort worthwhile. Multiple generations can coexist peacefully in well-maintained setups, gradually building thriving colonies over time.
Creating the Perfect Habitat
Cubaris Platin Tung Song isopods require carefully designed habitats that replicate their natural cave environment. Use a deep substrate mix of quality soil, decomposed leaf matter, and limestone pieces to reflect their calcium-rich cave origins, with a depth of at least 4-5cm for adequate burrowing.
Maintain high humidity levels (75-85%) while ensuring adequate ventilation to prevent stagnation - this balance is crucial for their health. Create hiding spots using flat limestone pieces, cork bark chunks, and ceramic caves that provide the dark, secure spaces they crave.
Their small size means they can escape through surprisingly small gaps, so ensure all ventilation holes are appropriately sized. Include sphagnum moss in humid areas to help maintain consistent moisture levels while providing additional hiding spots.
Temperature stability is critical - maintain consistent temperatures between 23-26℃ without significant fluctuations. Consider the visual presentation when designing their habitat, as their metallic coloration is particularly striking against dark substrates and under appropriate lighting.
Include natural limestone or crushed oyster shell in the substrate to provide ongoing calcium supplementation and replicate the mineral-rich conditions of their native caves. The combination of stable conditions, appropriate hiding spots, and mineral-rich environment will help these shy beauties feel secure enough to display their stunning coloration and natural behaviors.
