Discover the delicate beauty of these enchanting Thai treasures! Red Edge Peach isopods represent one of the most sought-after color phases of the beloved Red Edge species, showcasing soft peach and pink tones that create an absolutely mesmerizing contrast with their signature red skirts. These captivating Cubaris specimens combine the gentle, warm hues of a summer sunset with the classic striking red edging that makes Red Edge isopods legendary. Perfect for intermediate keepers ready to experience premium Cubaris beauty with manageable care requirements.
A Glimpse
• Origin: Thailand (Captive Bred) • Scientific Name: Cubaris sp. 'Red Edge Peach' • Difficulty Level: Moderate - Intermediate Friendly • Adult Size: Up to 18mm (0.7 inches) • Rarity: Very High • Temperature: 72°F to 80°F (22°C to 27°C) • Humidity: 70% to 85% with moisture gradient • Favorite Foods: Decaying wood, leaf litter, vegetables, protein supplements • Supplements: High-protein diet twice weekly, calcium sources
Overview
Red Edge Peach isopods represent one of the most breathtaking color variations in the entire Cubaris genus, combining the iconic bright red "skirts" with gorgeous peach and soft pink body coloration that creates an absolutely stunning visual display. Originally from the lush tropical forests of Thailand, these remarkable specimens showcase nature's artistry at its finest, with each individual displaying unique variations of peachy-pink tones that range from subtle blush to vibrant coral. They maintain all the desirable characteristics that make Red Edge isopods exceptional - active behavior, moderate breeding rates, and impressive hardiness - while offering coloration so beautiful it rivals the most expensive rarities in the hobby. Their gentle, warm hues combined with the classic Cubaris "duck face" and conglobation abilities make them absolute showstoppers.
Basic Care
Red Edge Peach isopods are ideal for intermediate keepers who have mastered basic isopod care and are ready for something truly special. They thrive in consistently warm temperatures between 72-80°F with stability being more important than hitting exact numbers. Humidity should be maintained between 70-85% with essential moisture gradients throughout their enclosure - never uniformly humid conditions that can lead to problems. These semi-fossorial beauties appreciate deeper substrates for their natural burrowing behaviors and require excellent ventilation to prevent mold growth in their preferred high-humidity environment. Their active nature and relatively hardy constitution make them surprisingly visible and engaging compared to shyer premium Cubaris species, making them excellent conversation pieces and desktop pets.
Feeding
Calcium • Cuttlefish bone pieces (essential for maintaining their beautiful coloration) • Limestone granules mixed into substrate • Crushed oyster shell pieces • Calcium powder occasionally dusted on foods
Protein (Essential - Feed Twice Weekly) • High-quality fish flakes or pellets • Freeze-dried shrimp (a particular favorite) • Dried bloodworms • Reptile shed skin when available • Freeze-dried minnows for variety
Primary Diet • White rotten wood pieces (absolutely critical nutrition source) • Hardwood leaf litter (oak, birch, maple preferred) • Fresh vegetables (sweet potato, carrot, squash) • Forest moss and lichens • Commercial Cubaris-specific pellets
Appearance and Behaviour
Red Edge Peach isopods are absolutely breathtaking specimens that perfectly demonstrate why rare Cubaris morphs command such admiration. Adults reach 18mm with robust, rounded bodies that showcase the beloved Cubaris "duck face" profile. Their most striking feature is the brilliant red edging or "skirts" that rim their body segments, creating dramatic contrast against their soft peach and pink body coloration. This peach phase displays an incredible range of warm tones from subtle peachy-cream to vibrant coral-pink, often with beautiful gradient transitions that make each specimen unique. They exhibit full conglobation ability, rolling into perfect protective spheres when threatened. More active than typical premium Cubaris species, they're frequently visible exploring their environment, making them exceptional observation subjects and truly interactive pets.
Habitat
A minimum 12-quart container accommodates starter colonies, but Red Edge Peach isopods truly flourish in larger 25+ quart setups or 15+ gallon terrariums that support their active lifestyle and social behaviors. Substrate depth should be 3-4 inches minimum to accommodate their semi-fossorial nature and provide proper moisture retention zones. Create distinct environmental gradients with approximately half the enclosure maintained as consistently moist using quality sphagnum moss, while ensuring excellent ventilation prevents stagnation and mold development. Cork bark pieces, wooden hides, and extensive moss coverage provide essential retreat areas and maintain the humid microclimate they require. Multiple hiding options support their natural tendency to aggregate in favored locations.
Substrate Mix
Create optimal conditions with this specialized mixture:
Base Layer (60%): • Premium organic topsoil (pesticide-free) • Aged deciduous forest humus for natural pH buffering • Quality peat moss for moisture retention and slight acidity
Organic Amendments (25%): • White rotten wood pieces (15% - absolutely essential nutrition) • Aged cork bark pieces • Decomposing hardwood leaves for ongoing nutrition
Moisture and Mineral Components (15%): • Limestone granules (10% - critical for calcium needs) • Sphagnum moss patches for humidity maintenance • Optional: Fine sand for drainage in specific areas
Moisture Management: Maintain substrate that feels consistently moist throughout most of the enclosure, like a well-wrung sponge that springs back when compressed. Red Edge Peach isopods require higher humidity than temperate species, so the majority of their substrate should remain moist with only small drier retreat areas. Monitor carefully with a hygrometer and maintain 70-85% humidity while ensuring adequate ventilation prevents mold development. Mist regularly but avoid waterlogging, and never allow the moss areas to completely dry out as this can stress these humidity-loving specimens.
Special Considerations: Red Edge Peach isopods have higher protein requirements than many isopod species, so ensure substrate includes substantial amounts of decomposing wood and provide regular protein supplementation. Their Thai origins mean they're adapted to consistently warm, humid tropical conditions, so temperature and humidity stability is crucial for maintaining their beautiful coloration and supporting successful breeding. They respond exceptionally well to diverse substrate composition and thrive when provided with multiple microhabitat options that mimic their natural forest floor environment.
