{"product_id":"porcellio-niklesi-orange-blaze-isopods","title":"Porcellio Niklesi Orange Blaze Isopods","description":"\u003ch2 class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\"\u003eA Glimpse\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"[li_\u0026amp;]:mb-0 [li_\u0026amp;]:mt-1 [li_\u0026amp;]:gap-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003ePorcellio nicklesi\u003c\/em\u003e \"Orange Blaze\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSynonym:\u003c\/strong\u003e Formerly sometimes listed as \u003cem\u003ePorcellio bolivari nicklesi\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Orange Blaze Nicklesi, Nickles Isopod\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFamily:\u003c\/strong\u003e Porcellionidae\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Spain — dry, Mediterranean habitats\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Up to 20 mm body length (up to 30 mm including uropods)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDifficulty:\u003c\/strong\u003e Medium — a dry-habitat specialist with specific requirements\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 18–28°C\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHumidity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 45–55% — significantly drier than most isopods\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVentilation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Medium to high — good airflow is essential\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Leaf litter, rotting white wood, vegetables, fruit, protein supplements\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSupplements:\u003c\/strong\u003e Calcium — \u003ca class=\"underline underline underline-offset-2 decoration-1 decoration-current\/40 hover:decoration-current focus:decoration-current\" href=\"\/products\/cuttlebone-100g\"\u003ecuttlebone\u003c\/a\u003e should always be available in the enclosure\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\"\u003eOrange Blaze Nicklesi: Overview\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003ePorcellio nicklesi\u003c\/em\u003e \"Orange Blaze\" is a selectively bred colour morph of the Spanish \u003cem\u003eP. nicklesi\u003c\/em\u003e, developed from the wild-type grey form. Where the standard nicklesi is grey with subtle patterning, Orange Blaze is exactly what the name suggests — a fiery, vivid orange with contrasting black and white specks that make it one of the most visually striking Porcellio morphs in the hobby.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eIf you're familiar with the \u003cem\u003eP. nicklesi\u003c\/em\u003e \"Rubivan\" morph (a black-and-white variety sometimes described as having a cookies-and-cream look), Orange Blaze can be thought of as its orange counterpart. The exact origins of Orange Blaze aren't entirely settled — it may be a naturally occurring colour variant isolated from wild populations, or it may have involved crossing with the Rubivan line. Either way, it's now an established, true-breeding morph.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eWe also stock the \u003ca class=\"underline underline underline-offset-2 decoration-1 decoration-current\/40 hover:decoration-current focus:decoration-current\" href=\"\/products\/porcellio-nicklesi-tang\"\u003eNicklesi Tang\u003c\/a\u003e, another variant of the same species. If you're interested in \u003cem\u003eP. nicklesi\u003c\/em\u003e as a species, it's worth looking at both — same care requirements, different appearance. You can find more about the broader Porcellio genus in our \u003ca class=\"underline underline underline-offset-2 decoration-1 decoration-current\/40 hover:decoration-current focus:decoration-current\" href=\"\/blogs\/isopods-useful-articles\/different-types-of-porcellio-isopods\"\u003eguide to different types of Porcellio isopods\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\"\u003eWhat Makes Nicklesi Different\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThe defining characteristic of \u003cem\u003eP. nicklesi\u003c\/em\u003e care is \u003cstrong\u003edryness\u003c\/strong\u003e. This is not a tropical isopod. It's not even a temperate-humid isopod. It comes from dry Mediterranean Spain and needs conditions that most isopod keepers would consider surprisingly arid.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eHumidity should be kept at 45–55% — that's lower than almost any other species you're likely to have kept. Only around one-fifth of the enclosure should be damp at any given time. The rest should be dry. If you're coming from keeping Cubaris, Ardentiella, or even standard Porcellio scaber, this is a significant adjustment. The instinct to mist regularly will actively harm this species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eVentilation is equally important. Good airflow prevents the moisture that does exist from becoming stagnant. Mesh vents or drilled holes in the enclosure — we sell \u003ca class=\"underline underline underline-offset-2 decoration-1 decoration-current\/40 hover:decoration-current focus:decoration-current\" href=\"\/collections\/accessories\"\u003escrew-in air vents\u003c\/a\u003e designed for exactly this purpose — provide the airflow nicklesi need.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThese two factors — low humidity and good ventilation — are the main challenges. Get them right and nicklesi are robust, active, rewarding isopods. Get them wrong and you'll see health problems quickly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\"\u003eEnclosure\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eA sealed plastic tub with ventilation works well, but the key is ensuring adequate airflow. Use our \u003ca class=\"underline underline underline-offset-2 decoration-1 decoration-current\/40 hover:decoration-current focus:decoration-current\" href=\"\/collections\/accessories\"\u003escrew-in air vents\u003c\/a\u003e or drill ventilation holes covered with fine mesh. For nicklesi specifically, err on the side of more ventilation rather than less — excess humidity is the enemy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThe enclosure should be spacious enough for the colony to spread out. A 12-litre tub is a reasonable starting size, moving up as the colony grows.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eIf you're new to setting up isopod enclosures, our \u003ca class=\"underline underline underline-offset-2 decoration-1 decoration-current\/40 hover:decoration-current focus:decoration-current\" href=\"\/blogs\/isopods-useful-articles\/setting-up-selecting-your-first-isopods\"\u003eguide to setting up and selecting your first isopods\u003c\/a\u003e covers the fundamentals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\"\u003eSubstrate\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eUse organic topsoil as a base, mixed with dried leaf litter and crumbled white rotten wood. \u003ca class=\"underline underline underline-offset-2 decoration-1 decoration-current\/40 hover:decoration-current focus:decoration-current\" href=\"\/products\/flake-soil-1l\"\u003eFlake soil\u003c\/a\u003e can also be incorporated as a nutritious substrate component that provides both food value and good texture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eKeep the substrate on the dry side overall. A small patch of sphagnum moss in one corner — no more than a fifth of the enclosure — provides a hydration zone. The rest should be dry to moderately dry. The moisture gradient is steep with this species: a small reliably damp area, and everything else dry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eCork bark pieces provide hides and climbing surfaces. Nicklesi will use both flat hides on the substrate and vertical cork bark pieces. Stone pieces or slate can also work well and help mimic their natural rocky Mediterranean habitat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"underline underline underline-offset-2 decoration-1 decoration-current\/40 hover:decoration-current focus:decoration-current\" href=\"\/products\/cuttlebone-100g\"\u003eCuttlebone\u003c\/a\u003e should always be available in the enclosure for calcium. Nicklesi need calcium for exoskeleton development, and it's especially important for breeding females and growing juveniles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\"\u003eTemperature\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e18–28°C is the accepted range, and room temperature in most UK homes will sit comfortably within that. No additional heating is typically needed. Avoid placing the enclosure in direct sunlight or near heat sources, which can create temperature spikes and rapidly dry out the small damp area.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\"\u003eDiet\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThe primary diet is decayed leaf litter and white rotten wood, both of which should be present in the enclosure at all times. Interestingly, nicklesi seem to prefer well-decayed, older leaves over fresher ones — so don't rush to replace leaf litter as it breaks down.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eSupplement with vegetables: root vegetables like sweet potato, carrot, and yam go down well. Fruit can be offered occasionally. Protein is important — fish flakes, dried shrimp, or freeze-dried bloodworm should be offered twice a week.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eCalcium is critical. Keep \u003ca class=\"underline underline underline-offset-2 decoration-1 decoration-current\/40 hover:decoration-current focus:decoration-current\" href=\"\/products\/cuttlebone-100g\"\u003ecuttlebone\u003c\/a\u003e in the enclosure permanently, and consider adding crushed limestone or oyster shell to the substrate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003ePlace protein-based foods on the dry side of the enclosure to prevent rapid spoilage. Remove uneaten fresh food before it moulds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\"\u003eBreeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eP. nicklesi\u003c\/em\u003e will breed in captivity once conditions are dialled in. Development time to maturity is around 9 months — medium-range for Porcellio species. Brood sizes are moderate, and once established, a colony will grow steadily.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eMales and females are easily sexed in adults: males have noticeably longer uropods (the tail-like appendages at the rear). This makes it straightforward to confirm you have both sexes in your colony.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThe main factors for successful breeding are the same as for general health: correct humidity (low), good ventilation, varied diet with consistent protein and calcium, and minimal disturbance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\"\u003eSexing\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003eMales: longer, more prominent uropods. Slimmer body shape overall. Females: shorter uropods. Broader body, with a visible brood pouch (marsupium) when carrying eggs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eAt full adult size, sexing is straightforward — you don't need magnification or specialist knowledge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\"\u003eHow Orange Blaze Fits in the Nicklesi Family\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eP. nicklesi\u003c\/em\u003e appears in the hobby in several forms:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"[li_\u0026amp;]:mb-0 [li_\u0026amp;]:mt-1 [li_\u0026amp;]:gap-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWild-type\u003c\/strong\u003e — grey with subtle patterning, the natural colour\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRubivan\u003c\/strong\u003e — black and white, sometimes called \"cookies and cream\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrange Blaze\u003c\/strong\u003e — the fiery orange morph you're looking at here\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTang\u003c\/strong\u003e — another orange-toned variant \u003ca class=\"underline underline underline-offset-2 decoration-1 decoration-current\/40 hover:decoration-current focus:decoration-current\" href=\"\/products\/porcellio-nicklesi-tang\"\u003eavailable on our site\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eAll share the same care requirements. If you're interested in the genetics behind colour morphs in isopods, our \u003ca class=\"underline underline underline-offset-2 decoration-1 decoration-current\/40 hover:decoration-current focus:decoration-current\" href=\"\/blogs\/isopods-useful-articles\/isopod-genetics-colours-and-morphs\"\u003earticle on isopod genetics, colours and morphs\u003c\/a\u003e goes into more detail on how these variations arise and how they breed through.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eIf you keep multiple nicklesi morphs, maintain them in separate enclosures to preserve the colour lines. Mixing Orange Blaze with Rubivan or wild-type will produce offspring that don't reliably express either parent morph's colouration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\"\u003eBeing Realistic\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eOrange Blaze nicklesi is a rare morph that commands a premium price in the hobby. The main challenge is the dry setup — if you've only kept species that like it damp, there's a learning curve to managing a low-humidity enclosure. The temptation to mist \"just a little more\" is the single biggest mistake new nicklesi keepers make.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eIf you've kept other dry-habitat Porcellio — Spanish species like \u003cem\u003eP. hoffmannseggii\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eP. magnificus\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eP. bolivari\u003c\/em\u003e, or even our \u003ca class=\"underline underline underline-offset-2 decoration-1 decoration-current\/40 hover:decoration-current focus:decoration-current\" href=\"\/products\/porcellio-werneri-silverback-isopods\"\u003ePorcellio werneri Silverback\u003c\/a\u003e — you already understand the approach and nicklesi won't present surprises. The care philosophy is the same: predominantly dry enclosure, small damp patch, good ventilation, and resist the urge to over-mist.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eIf this would be your first dry-habitat species, it's doable but worth researching the approach thoroughly before your isopods arrive. Browse our \u003ca class=\"underline underline underline-offset-2 decoration-1 decoration-current\/40 hover:decoration-current focus:decoration-current\" href=\"\/collections\/porcellio-isopods\"\u003ePorcellio collection\u003c\/a\u003e to see the full range of species we stock, including some more forgiving options to start with if you'd prefer to build experience first.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PostPods","offers":[{"title":"5","offer_id":57148882485630,"sku":null,"price":25.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"10","offer_id":57148882518398,"sku":null,"price":40.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"20","offer_id":57148882551166,"sku":null,"price":75.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0759\/0707\/2294\/files\/porcellio-niklesi-orange-blaze-isopods-2747305.jpg?v=1776377602","url":"https:\/\/postpods.co.uk\/products\/porcellio-niklesi-orange-blaze-isopods","provider":"Isopods For Sale UK | PostPods","version":"1.0","type":"link"}