Cubaris sp. "Frosty Jupiter" is a selectively bred colour morph of the popular Jupiter isopod, displaying reduced pigmentation that gives them a pale, frosted appearance compared to the standard variety. They retain the characteristic Jupiter patterning - light skirts, darker middle sections, and bright edges between body segments - but in softer, lighter tones. Whether this is a true albino, leucistic, or hypomelanistic mutation is debated, but either way, they're an attractive variation on an already appealing species.
We'll be honest: having kept normal Jupiters for about three years before adding Frosty Jupiters to our collection in 2025, we still genuinely prefer the standard variety. The contrast on normal Jupiters is more striking in our opinion. That said, Frosty Jupiters are still a very cool-looking isopod and worth considering if you want something a bit different.
A Glimpse
-
Origin: Thailand (selectively bred morph)
-
Scientific Name: Cubaris sp. "Frosty Jupiter"
-
Maintenance required: Medium
-
Average Size: 15-20mm
-
Rarity: Medium-High
-
Lifespan: 1.5-2 years
-
Temperature: 64°F-79°F (18°C-26°C)
-
Ventilation: Low-Medium
-
Humidity: 60-70%
-
Favourite food: Leaf litter, vegetables, forest moss
-
Supplements: Cuttlefish bone, limestone, protein 2x weekly
Frosty Jupiter Isopods: Introduction
Frosty Jupiters are a colour mutation of the standard Cubaris sp. "Jupiter", which originates from the limestone caves of Thailand. The Frosty morph has been selectively bred to express reduced pigmentation, resulting in paler colouration while maintaining the distinctive banded pattern that gives Jupiters their planetary appearance.
Care requirements are identical to standard Jupiters - if you can keep one, you can keep the other. The main difference we've observed is behavioural rather than care-related: our Frosty Jupiters tend to hang around on lichen-covered twigs more than the normal variety, which prefer hiding under cork bark. This might suggest the Frosties are slightly less light-sensitive than standard Jupiters, despite their pale appearance.
Frosty Jupiter Isopods: Physical Traits and Characteristics
- Adults reach 15-20mm, making them a medium-sized Cubaris.
- Colouration is pale cream, white, or light yellow where standard Jupiters would show darker tones.
- The distinctive Jupiter patterning remains - light edges (skirts), darker central sections, and bright lines between each body segment.
- They appear slightly stockier than normal Jupiters, though this may just be a visual effect of the lighter colouration (horizontal stripes aren't always slimming, as it turns out).
- Like all Cubaris, they can roll into a defensive ball when threatened.
- The gene responsible is thought to be leucistic or hypomelanistic rather than true albino.
Frosty Jupiter Isopods: Diet
Feed Frosty Jupiters the same diet as standard Jupiters and other Cubaris species.
Leaf litter should always be available - oak, beech, and other hardwood leaves work well. This is their primary food source.
Rotting wood, particularly white-rotted softwood, provides essential nutrition and should be included in the enclosure.
Vegetables like carrots, sweet potato, and butternut squash are readily accepted. Remove uneaten portions after a day or two.
Protein is important - feed fish flakes, dried shrimp, or similar protein sources twice weekly.
Calcium via cuttlefish bone or limestone is essential. Like other Cubaris from limestone cave environments, Jupiters benefit from having limestone pieces in their enclosure. This may help maintain colouration and supports healthy moulting.
Forest moss and lichens are particularly appreciated by this species - they seem to enjoy grazing on these.
Frosty Jupiter Isopods: Behaviour
Jupiter isopods, including the Frosty morph, are shy creatures. They spend most of their time hidden and are primarily nocturnal. Don't expect a highly visible colony - these aren't isopods you'll see wandering around during the day.
They have a calm temperament and aren't aggressive. When disturbed, they'll typically freeze or roll into a ball.
One interesting observation from our colony: Frosty Jupiters seem slightly bolder than standard Jupiters, spending more time visible on lichen-covered branches rather than hiding under cork bark. Whether this is specific to our colony or a general trait of the morph, we can't say for certain.
Frosty Jupiter Isopods: Breeding
Like standard Jupiters, the Frosty morph is a slow breeder. They're described as seasonal breeders with a modest reproduction rate, though breeding can continue year-round under stable conditions.
Patience is required - don't expect rapid colony growth. This is normal for the species and not a sign of problems. Consistent conditions (stable temperature, humidity, and food supply) are more important than any specific breeding triggers.
Frosty Jupiter Isopods: Habitat
Care is identical to standard Jupiters. A 6-litre container works for a starter colony.
Temperature: 64-79°F (18-26°C). They don't like it too warm - this is a cave-dwelling species adapted to stable, moderate temperatures.
Humidity: 60-70%. Maintain a moisture gradient with around one-third of the enclosure kept moist using sphagnum moss, while the rest remains drier. They don't appreciate overly dry conditions.
Ventilation: Low to medium. Ensure some airflow but don't overventilate - they need humidity retention.
Substrate: Use a soil-based mix at least 2-3 inches deep. Include:
- Organic topsoil as a base
- Rotting white wood pieces
- Leaf litter mixed through and on the surface
- Limestone pieces or chunks
- Sphagnum moss for the moist section
Hides and décor: Cork bark provides essential hiding spots. Based on our experience, including some lichen-covered twigs or branches is worthwhile - Frosty Jupiters seem to particularly enjoy these.
Who Are Frosty Jupiter Isopods Suited For?
These suit keepers with some Cubaris experience who want a colour variation on the popular Jupiter species. They're not significantly harder to keep than standard Jupiters, so if you've successfully maintained those (or similar Cubaris), Frosty Jupiters should be manageable.
If you're choosing between Frosty and standard Jupiters for your first Jupiter colony, we'd actually suggest starting with the normal variety - the colour contrast is more dramatic and they're typically a bit cheaper. But if you already have standard Jupiters and want to add something different, or you specifically prefer the paler aesthetic, Frosty Jupiters are a solid choice.
For complete Cubaris beginners, consider starting with easier species like Panda King or Cubaris murina before moving to Jupiters of either variety.
