Red Edge Isopods For Sale

Red Edge isopods are generally found in a reddish-brown body with a beautiful red colour on the outer shell, which stands out from the body colour and also makes it one of the most beautiful and the most popular chosen by pet lovers.

Red Edge Isopods: Insight

• Scientific Name: Cubaris sp.
• Other Common Name: Red Edge Cubaris
• Origin: Japan
• Size: Varies up to 13 mm
• Difficulty level: Medium
• Breeding rate: Normal
• Temperature: 70℉ to 80℉
• Rarity: High
• Humidity: 70% to 80%
• Favorite food: Litter of leaf and decaying wood
• Supplements: Powder of Calcium and bee pollen 

Red Edge Isopods: Introduction

These species are native to Japan but are found in various parts of the world. Exotic pet lovers take them to different regions and exchange them with other pet lovers in different parts of the world; they are now available in tropical and sub-tropical areas. These species are the lovers of an environment that is humid and where the conditions are warm.

The species have now become very rare. Even though the maintenance required for them is low, it is important to remember the ideal conditions for providing them with a healthy environment. 

Red Edge Isopods: Characteristics and Traits

• It has a beautiful dark bluish-black shell with red edges, hence the name. 
• They generally grow up to a length of 13 mm, so they don’t fall under the smallest isopod category.
• The breeding rate is highly successful when in captivity.
• To evade the danger, they form a ball shape to confuse the enemy.
• Two types of morphs are commonly found. 
• Has a voracious appetite that is larger than their size. 
• These critters, when paired with springtails, act as a cleanup crew for terrariums and vivariums.
• They can produce large broods if maintained at ideal temperature and humidity conditions.
• Due to its sensitive nature, it is generally shipped at night only.

Red Edge Isopods: Morphs

These species of isopods are mainly available in two varieties of morphs. The first variety is orange in color, and the second is white in color.

• Cubaris sp. “Red Edge White Angel’: These isopods have white exteriors with red eyes. These are rarely available and are visually striking. 
• Cubaris sp. Orange Albino: This species has a washed orange color to its exoskeleton. 

Red Edge Isopods: Diet

The Red Edge isopods like to feed on the decaying portions of leaves or wood. Vegetables, mushroom pieces, dried mealworms, and dried shrimp can provide a feast for them. They rely more on the decaying matter, thereby playing a major role in the environment, i.e., the decomposition part. 

Proving supplemental foods occasionally can help in maintaining the health of these species. It also has a major effect on the capacity of reproducing and the health of the broods produced by them. The supplements can include foods rich in calcium, like Cuttlebone. It is suggested that food supplements with natural sources of calcium be used for the healthy growth of these species.

Red Edge Isopods: Basic Care and Maintenance

Though the maintenance level required for these species is very low, there are certain basic care and maintenance tips that have to be ensured. This will help the isopods to have healthy growth as well as a good reproduction rate.

• Set up a habitat that stands very close to the specifications of their natural environment.
• Though these species can handle slight temperature variations, for a good reproduction rate, the temperature level should be within specifications.
• They can be fed with a variety of decaying matter as well as supplements. The supplements fed should be natural sources of calcium.
• Ensuring they are not overfed is crucial. Overfeeding leads to excess food left in the enclosure, which may lead to the growth of mold.
• To keep the enclosure hygienic, cleaning has to be done regularly to eliminate mold and uneaten food.
• Constant monitoring of their population and the rate of reproduction is required. This can give you an insight into the behavior of the isopods.
• Monitoring can help identify any signs of stress or any other kind of wellness.
• Special monitoring is to be carried out to identify any parasites in the enclosure. It has to be removed timely.
• Though pet lovers may tend to take it into their own hands to show their love and care, it has to be limited. Handling it frequently can increase its stress level, which can impact the reproduction capability of these species.
• These species are considered to reproduce at a good rate. Provide barriers in the enclosure for the isopods to produce separate broods. 
• To avoid overcrowding, separate enclosures are to be prepared simultaneously. The population in each enclosure is to be strictly maintained.

Red Edge Isopods: Natural Habitat

These species of isopods prefer to stay in a humid environment. The area they prefer will have a combination of both moist areas and dry areas. These species also find natural settings to form a hideout. They find suitable hideouts for both the juveniles and the adults. The area these species select will be a well-ventilated area, which is important for the healthy growth of the isopod group. 

Red Edge Isopods: Artificial Setting

Pet lovers find these species to be suitable as their maintenance difficulty is low. However, proper care has to be given to ensure a longer life and for the reproduction of healthy broods. The container selected should replicate the natural environment. The container should have controlled humidity as per the specifications. 

When building a DIY enclosure, it is important to provide ventilation on the dry side of the enclosure and cover the openings with mesh. Humidity levels required by this species are high, but to prevent excess humidity, proper ventilation is established. 

For substrate mix, use premade substrate mix for the base and spray water till they are damp thoroughly. Add cork bark pieces into the enclosure on top of the mix along with limestone pieces into the enclosure. Sphagnum moss should be added on one side of the enclosure and has to be kept moist. The humidity gradient has to be in such a way that the area with sphagnum moss is wet and the rest of the area dry. This provides options for the isopods to choose their environment. 

In the end, add dried leaves and a vegetable or any other food item to the enclosure for nutrition. When following the above steps, you can make a healthy, comfortable artificial setting that mimics their natural habitat. This brings out the natural characteristics of the isopod, and it thrives in the environment provided.