Cubaris sp. 'Giant Mandarin' Isopods for Sale

Cubaris sp. 'Giant Mandarin' is a larger Thai Cubaris with bright tangerine-orange colouration and one genuinely distinctive feature that sets it apart — striking red eyes. The name is accurately descriptive: at roughly 17mm they're approximately three times larger (body mass) than the popular Cubaris murina 'Mandarin' morph, which makes them properly visible and gives them real presence in an enclosure. They're believed to be related to the similarly-substantial Cubaris sp. 'Giant Marina' (also seen as 'Giant Mariana'), sharing the size characteristics but carrying their own warm orange pigmentation. For keepers wanting the appealing Cubaris 'duck face' look in a more substantial package, the Giant Mandarin delivers.

The red eyes are the genuine eye-catcher — they contrast attractively against the orange body and make identification straightforward. One PostPods customer reviewing this listing specifically picked them out as the standout feature: "lovely orange colour, love the red eyes which you can see clearly". The orange colouration itself ranges from lighter tangerine to deeper orange depending on the individual, age, and diet, and tends to intensify with maturity through successive moults.

They sit naturally alongside the smaller Cubaris murina 'Mandarin' as a "scale-up" companion (same orange palette, three times the size), and within the broader premium Thai Cubaris range alongside the iconic Rubber Ducky and the bold Panda King. Like all Cubaris, they conglobate (roll into a tight defensive ball) when disturbed.

Quick Care Summary

• Scientific Name: Cubaris sp. 'Giant Mandarin'
• Common Names: Giant Mandarin, Giant Mandarin Cubaris
• Family: Armadillidae
• Genus: Cubaris
• Origin: Thailand (captive bred)
• Adult Size: Up to approximately 17 mm — substantial for the genus; about 3× the size of C. murina 'Mandarin'
• Lifespan: 2–3 years typical
• Difficulty: Medium — moderate care; not a beginner species
• Temperature: 22–28°C (warm-preferring tropical Cubaris)
• Humidity: 60–80% — consistently moist but not waterlogged
• Ventilation: Low to medium — balance airflow with humidity retention
• Conglobation: Yes — rolls into a tight defensive ball
• Distinctive feature: Bright red eyes contrasting against tangerine-orange body
• Behaviour: Semi-fossorial; gregarious; capable climbers; most active evening and overnight
• Breeding: Fair rate once established — steady rather than explosive
• Rarity: Rare — sought-after premium Cubaris

What Makes Giant Mandarin Isopods Special

Several factors make the Giant Mandarin genuinely worth its premium status:

The bright red eyes. This is the genuine standout — a striking visual feature that's properly unusual in the Cubaris world and contrasts beautifully against the warm orange body. Customers consistently pick this out as the species' most memorable trait.

Tangerine-orange colouration. The body shows a clean, bright orange tone that ranges from lighter tangerine to deeper orange depending on individual variation, age, and diet. Colour intensity develops with maturity through successive moults.

Substantial size for the genus. At roughly 17 mm, they're properly substantial Cubaris — three times the size of C. murina 'Mandarin' and large enough to be genuinely visible in display setups. "Giant" relative to other Cubaris (though not, the existing copy honestly notes, in absolute terms — they're nowhere near the size of giant Spanish Porcellio).

Classic Cubaris "duck face." The characteristic rounded head shape that makes the Cubaris genus so visually appealing is well-developed here — chunky, robust, and properly photogenic.

Part of the post-Rubber-Ducky Cubaris wave. Cubaris species have taken the isopod hobby by storm over the past few years, particularly since the discovery of the famous Rubber Ducky in Thai limestone caves in 2017. Giant Mandarins sit firmly within this wave of Southeast Asian Cubaris combining interesting appearance with genuine character.

Possibly related to Giant Marina/Mariana. Hobby thinking is that this species may be related to or derived from Cubaris sp. 'Giant Marina' (sometimes called 'Giant Mariana'), sharing the size characteristics but with the distinctive orange pigmentation. An interesting taxonomic detail for collectors interested in the relationships between premium Cubaris lines.

Conglobation. Like all Cubaris, they roll into a tight defensive ball when disturbed — the classic rounded Cubaris charm, here on a substantial orange-and-red-eyed display species.

How Giant Mandarin Compares to Other Cubaris

If you're choosing between Cubaris, here's how the Giant Mandarin fits in:

• vs Cubaris murina 'Mandarin': Same orange palette, very different scale. The murina Mandarin is the small, easy gateway orange Cubaris (~6 mm); the Giant Mandarin is roughly three times larger (~17 mm) with the distinctive red eyes. The murina is Easy difficulty; the Giant is Medium. A natural "scale-up" pair for keepers who've enjoyed murina Mandarins and want something more substantial.
• vs Rubber Ducky: Both are premium Thai Cubaris with the famous "duck face" look. Rubber Duckies are iconic with their pale duck-faced markings; Giant Mandarins are the bright orange alternative with red eyes. Both Medium difficulty.
• vs Panda King: Both are bold-coloured premium Cubaris. Panda King shows black-and-white patterning; Giant Mandarin is the warm tangerine alternative. Different colour philosophies, same premium tier.
• vs Cubaris murina (standard): Cubaris murina is the easiest, most forgiving gateway Cubaris; Giant Mandarin is a step up in size, distinctiveness, and care requirements. Natural progression — murina first, then Giant Mandarin.

Browse the full Cubaris collection to compare all options in this popular genus.

Physical Traits and Characteristics

• Adults reach approximately 17 mm in length — substantial for Cubaris
• Bright tangerine-orange body colouration; tone varies by individual and matures with age
• Distinctive bright red eyes — the signature feature
• Characteristic Cubaris "duck face" with rounded head
• Chunky, robust body shape
• Capable of conglobation (rolling into a ball) when threatened
• Colour intensity may deepen with age and proper nutrition

Behaviour

Giant Mandarins display typical Cubaris behaviour patterns with a few notable traits:

Activity patterns: Active throughout day and night, but most visible during evening and overnight hours. Like most Cubaris, they're often described as "shy" but become noticeably bolder as colony numbers increase.

Burrowing: Semi-fossorial — they spend considerable time burrowed into substrate but also forage through leaf litter and under bark. Adequate substrate depth supports this behaviour.

Conglobation: They can roll into balls when threatened, typical of Cubaris.

Social behaviour: Gregarious — they aggregate in favoured hiding spots under cork bark and in substrate pockets. Higher colony numbers lead to more visible activity.

Climbing: Capable climbers — some Cubaris can climb smooth vertical surfaces, so secure lids with fine mesh are essential to prevent escape.

Response to disturbance: Either conglobate or exhibit rapid escape responses, quickly scuttling to safety.

Setting Up the Enclosure

Cubaris require more attention to setup than beginner isopod species. A 6-litre container suits a starter colony, but larger setups (12+ litres) better accommodate burrowing behaviour and allow the colony to establish properly. Plastic storage containers with modified ventilation are standard — the 3L Braplast tub works only for the smallest starter groups; larger housing is preferable for this species. Our Braplast vent plugs help maintain humidity while preventing tiny mancae from escaping.

Secure lids are essential. Giant Mandarins are capable climbers, so cover ventilation openings with fine mesh and ensure the lid seals properly. Browse our accessories collection for appropriate enclosures, vents, and other essentials.

Décor:

• Cork bark pieces (they love hiding underneath)
• Generous leaf litter — essential, and forms the bulk of their diet
• Decaying hardwood pieces
• Sphagnum moss patches in the moist areas

The bright orange colouration shows particularly beautifully against dark naturalistic substrate and bark. Keep the enclosure out of direct sunlight.

Substrate

Deep substrate is important for Giant Mandarins — they're semi-fossorial and need room to burrow. Aim for around 8–10 cm of substrate depth, deeper if the enclosure allows:

• Organic topsoil as the base (pesticide-free)
• Forest humus mixed in for structure
• Sphagnum peat moss for moisture retention
• Decaying white-rotted hardwood pieces (substantial proportion — around 15% of the mix)
• Crushed limestone mixed throughout (around 10%) for calcium
• Flake soil for added nutrition

We recommend a topsoil and sphagnum-based mix rather than coco coir. The limestone proportion is particularly relevant — many Cubaris species originate from limestone cave environments, and ample calcium-rich substrate replicates those natural conditions while supporting moulting on substantial-bodied adults.

Top layer: Generous hardwood leaf litter — magnolia leaves work particularly well — layered thick across the surface. Add cork bark, decaying wood, and a sphagnum moss patch on the humid side.

Humidity and Temperature

Maintain humidity around 60–80% — consistently moist but not waterlogged. Keep approximately one-third of the enclosure consistently moist with sphagnum moss and damp leaf litter, while the remaining area stays moderately humid but not wet. Mist the moist section a few times weekly; let the drier side breathe. The substrate should feel like a wrung-out sponge in moist areas — never soaking.

Monitor carefully — Cubaris are sensitive to both desiccation and overwet conditions. As one PostPods customer noted about following the website's care guidance, getting moisture right is the key to keeping isopods successfully; too much moisture is a common, avoidable mistake.

Temperature should be 22–28°C — consistent warmth matters more than hitting exact numbers. Avoid temperature swings, particularly during moulting periods. Room temperature in heated UK homes generally works well, but cooler rooms may need supplemental heating in winter (a low-wattage heat mat on a thermostat, positioned on one side, never underneath).

Diet

Giant Mandarins have dietary needs typical of Cubaris, with particular emphasis on protein supplementation:

Primary foods (always available):

• Hardwood leaf litter (oak, beech, birch, maple)
• Decaying white-rotted wood
• Forest moss and lichens

Supplementary foods (1–2× weekly):

• Sweet fruits (apples, oranges, mango — particularly enjoyed; they tend toward sweeter foods)
• Vegetables: sweet potato, carrot, squash, courgette
• Commercial isopod foods

Protein (twice weekly): Cubaris have higher protein requirements than many isopods. Offer:

• Fish flakes or pellets
• Freeze-dried shrimp or minnows
• Dried bloodworms
• Reptile shed skin (if available)

Adequate protein helps prevent cannibalism and supports healthy breeding. Browse our accessories collection for the full range of protein supplements.

Calcium (essential — always available): Cuttlefish bone, crushed limestone, oyster shell. Limestone is particularly appropriate given that many Cubaris originate from limestone cave environments.

Feeding approach: Leaf litter should form the base of their diet — keep it available at all times. Supplement with vegetables, fruits, and protein, removing uneaten fresh foods before they mould.

Breeding

Giant Mandarins breed at a fair rate once established — steady rather than explosive growth.

Breeding basics:

• Reproduction rate: fair (not fast, not slow)
• Growth rate: normal to slow
• Females carry developing young in a brood pouch (marsupium)
• Stable conditions encourage breeding; juvenile colour intensifies with maturity

Establishment period: Like many Cubaris, they may take time to establish and begin breeding at a meaningful rate. Patience is required — don't expect rapid population growth initially.

For breeding success:

• Maintain stable temperature (22–28°C)
• Keep humidity consistent (60–80%)
• Provide adequate protein (twice-weekly supplementation)
• Minimise disturbance
• Ensure deep substrate for burrowing
• Provide ample hiding spots

Brood sizes are moderate — typical of Cubaris. Population growth is steady once the colony establishes.

Pair With Springtails

Add a thriving springtail culture to any Giant Mandarin setup. Springtails handle mould and microbial growth at a scale isopods can't manage — particularly important in the humid conditions Cubaris require, and around protein foods. They coexist peacefully with the Giant Mandarin and form an essential cleanup partnership.

Bioactive Use

Giant Mandarins can work in bioactive setups but require some thought:

Suitable applications:

• Tropical bioactive vivariums with high humidity
• Dart frog enclosures (note: adults may be too large for smaller frogs to eat)
• Display terrariums
• Humid reptile setups

Considerations:

• Require higher humidity than many bioactive setups provide
• Need deep substrate for burrowing
• Moderate care requirements mean less tolerance for suboptimal conditions
• Not as prolific as Porcellio or Armadillidium — may not sustain population under heavy predation pressure
• Higher protein needs — supplementation is important even in established bioactive systems

Best approach: Establish the colony separately first, then introduce once numbers are sufficient. Continue supplementing their diet even in bioactive systems to maintain the colony.

Who Should Buy Giant Mandarin Isopods?

Ideal for:

• Intermediate keepers stepping up from beginner species
• Those wanting Cubaris with more visual presence than smaller species
• Keepers who appreciate the orange/red-eye colour combination
• Display colony enthusiasts
• Humid bioactive setup cleanup crews
• Keepers who've enjoyed Cubaris murina 'Mandarin' and want a substantial scale-up

Less suited for:

• Complete beginners — start with hardier species like Cubaris murina first
• Arid or low-humidity setups (they need consistent moisture)
• Those wanting fast-breeding feeder colonies
• Keepers who prefer hands-off, low-maintenance species

Realistic Expectations

"Giant" is relative. They're substantial for Cubaris (3× the size of murina Mandarin) but not giant in absolute terms — nowhere near species like Porcellio magnificus. Set expectations toward "substantial Cubaris" rather than "huge isopod."

The red eyes are the genuine signature. Set expectations toward the orange-body-with-red-eyes combination — that's the visual story. Colour intensity varies between individuals and matures with age.

They're Medium difficulty, not Easy. Moderate care is required — consistent humidity, stable warmth, regular protein. Not as forgiving as gateway species like Cubaris murina, but not as demanding as the most challenging premium Cubaris either.

Breeding is steady, not explosive. Don't expect rapid population growth — colonies build over time with patient husbandry. The fair reproduction rate is typical of Cubaris and part of the genus's character.

They're semi-fossorial. They spend considerable time burrowed, particularly during the day. Don't be alarmed if they're not constantly visible — they emerge to forage in evening and overnight hours, and they become more visible as colony numbers build.

Building Your Setup

A complete Giant Mandarin setup needs a deep humidity-retentive substrate, abundant calcium sources, generous leaf litter, plenty of cork bark hides, twice-weekly protein supplements, and secure ventilation. Browse our accessories collection for everything you need — enclosures, ventilation, leaf litter, calcium (cuttlebone, limestone, oyster shell), and protein supplements.

Browse the full Cubaris collection for more species and morphs — including the smaller orange-toned Cubaris murina 'Mandarin' for a natural scale companion.