Cubaris Murina Mandarin Isopods

Murina Mandarin, otherwise named the Mandarin isopod, is a rare species that is easy to keep and handle pets. Featuring an orange-colored body, these isopods are a colored variant and popular for their striking appearance. Even though Murina Mandarin are low maintenance, they are a rare species, making them a prized possession for keepers.

Murina Mandarin: A Glimpse

• Origin: Thailand

• Scientific Name: Cubaris murina

• Difficulty: Easy

• Rarity: Rare

• Temperature: 17–28°C

• Size: Up to 1.2 cm

• Humidity: Medium-high

• Favorable Foods: Greens, veggies, fruits, lichen, fish food, forest moss, decaying leaves, rotting white wood, and reptile and invertebrates molting.

An Overview

A unique and visually striking species, Murina Mandarin is a native to Thailand. Famed for its vibrant orange coloration, Murina Mandarin is a favourite among collectors and hobbyists who prefer rare species.

An exotic and sought-after species, Murina Mandarin is from Cubaris genus. They grow up to 1.2 cm in size, which are relatively smaller in size then other species in the genus, making them an excellent choice for beginners and experienced keepers. 

Although rare, Murina Mandarin requires minimum care as long as its habitat conditions are correct. Thriving in warm temperatures, Murina Mandarin can tolerate a wide humidity range, both medium and high. This is what sets them apart from other isopod species.

Murina Mandarin: Basic Care

We have provided an overview of the basic care requirements:

• As a hardy isopod species, Murina Mandarin suits both experienced keepers and beginners.

• Temperature between 17°C and 28°C boosts their overall health and growth.

• They also thrive better in humid levels between 55% and 70%. 

• Maintain a moist substrate as it is good for their molting process.

• Provide a balanced diet so your isopods are active and healthy.

Murina Mandarin: Feeding

Being a detritivores, Murin Mandarin thrives better on diet containing rotting white wood, decaying leaves, and forest moss. Pack their diet with nutrients by adding fresh vegetables, fruits, and greens. Serving them fish food or dried shrimp twice a week is also a good idea for to maintain their protein level. For calcium source, limestone or cuttlebone is a good option as they develop their exoskeleton.

Murina Mandarin: Appearance and Behaviour

• The bright orange coloration makes these isopods attractive to look at. 

• Murin Mandarin is shy creatures and seeks shelter under substrate or decor. 

• They prefer to live in a well-established colony and socialize with other isopods.

• More active during the night, Murin Mandarin sleeps or hides during the daytime. 

Murina Mandarin: Habitat

An ideal habitat for Murin Mandarin isopods requires replicating their natural habitat, which you can create by maintaining moist and warm conditions within the terrarium. Use rich organic matter like rotting wood and decaying leaves for substrate, which provide shelter and food. For moisture retention, use forest moss along with maintaining good ventilation within the enclosure.

Murina Mandarin: Substrate Mix

A good substrate mix offers is not just shelter and plays a role of food source and retains moisture, so your isopods live comfortably. Creating the perfect substrate requires mixing orchid bark, sphagnum moss, and earthworm castings. Balancing nutrition and structure makes a great setup for your isopods. Also, it mimics the forest floor, where these isopods originally lived.