The rubber ducky isopod gets its name from its unique appearance, which resembles the kind of small, oval-shaped pill bugs. Their body shape and coloration contribute to their distinctive look and nickname.
Introduction to Isopods
Isopods are a diverse group of creatures that belong to the order Isopoda, making them distant relatives of crabs and lobsters. Found all over the world, isopods inhabit a wide range of environments, from moist leaf litter on land to the depths of the ocean. These unique animals are known for their segmented bodies, multiple legs, and ability to adapt to various habitats. Among the many species of isopods, the rubber ducky isopod stands out for its charming appearance and popularity in the pet hobby. With its distinctive face that resembles a tiny rubber duck, this species has captured the hearts of enthusiasts everywhere. Whether found in the wild or cared for in a terrarium, isopods play an important role in their environment by breaking down decaying matter and contributing to healthy ecosystems. As more people discover the joys of keeping isopods, the rubber ducky isopod has become a favorite for those looking to add a unique and interactive pet to their collection.
Originally from Thailand, Rubber Ducky isopods have stormed the isopod petting industry. These tiny creatures with rubber duck-like facial features are now some of the bestselling isopods worldwide. Most importantly, they were found relatively recently, in 2017. These collectible isopods are rare and need relatively higher humidity than most other isopods to survive.
Rubber Ducky Isopods: A Glimpse
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Origin:Thailand, Malaysia, and Japan
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Scientific Name:Cubaris sp.
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Difficulty Level: Medium
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Size: Up to 1.5 cm
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Rarity: Very High
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Temperature: 70F to 80F
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Humidity: 70% TO 80%
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Favorite Foods:Dried shrimp, leaf litter, etc.
Rubber Ducky Isopods: An Overview
Rubber Ducky isopods are given the name due to their resemblance to the popular rubber duck toy in color and facial features. They are originally a part of the crustacean species. They are native to Asia’s highly humid limestone caves, especially in Thailand. Therefore, a highly humid environment is necessary for them to survive.
Like other woodlice, rubber ducky isopods can roll into a protective ball as a defense mechanism, which helps shield them from predators.
Although they are the most popular isopods globally, they are rare and unique. These exotic creatures are especially attracted to vegetables like cucumbers and sweet potatoes. Despite loving vegetables, they are essentially detritivores.
Their non-aggressive temperament and small size make them the perfect beginner-friendly pet isopods.
Rubber Ducky Isopods: Basic Care
Rubber Ducky isopods need to have a highly humid environment to survive. So, you have to always keep the tank warm and humid. The temperature inside the tank should be between 25 and 28 degrees Celsius.
You should also maintain the humidity level between 75% to 90%. It is important to provide shelter in the tank, such as logs, rocks, or moss, to give Rubber Ducky isopods safe hiding places and ensure their well-being. The Rubber Ducky isopods usually start breeding within a few weeks. Specifically, the female isopods start breeding at three months old.
Rubber Ducky Isopods: Feeding
The Rubber Ducky isopods need to have a protein and calcium-richdiet. They require all the essential nutrients to survive well in a new environment. As this species is slower-growing, you must feed them occasionally to aid their growth.
You can use the following food items to feed them.
Calcium
The best calcium-rich food items you can give these isopods are the following.
Protein
Protein is crucial to the breeding health of the isopods. Following are the best food options for these isopods regarding protein.
Leaf Litter
Leaf litter is unavoidable for them.
It is essential to provide them with pesticide-free leaf litter.
Leaf litter is pretty affordable and easily available.
You can give a lot of leaf litter to the isopods every time you feed them.
The most suitable leaf options for them are as follows.
Adding sea almond leaves to the enclosure can help maintain a low pH in the substrate, which is beneficial for the breeding and health of rubber ducky isopods.
Rubber Ducky isopods are detritivores. In other words, they are interested in eating decaying matter. So, keeping some decaying fruits, softwood, etc., in the enclosure is also advisable.
Rubber Ducky Isopods: Appearance and Behaviour
Appearance
Rubber Ducky isopods are the most popular for their appearance. Their unique facial structure makes them look similar to the rubber duck toy. Their heads also have a similar yellow color, making them further identical to the real rubber ducks.
They usually grow up to 1.5 cm. On the other hand, certain variants can grow up to two centimeters. They are available in shades of brown and yellow.
Their body is divided into seven segments. Each segment of this isopod has a separate pair of legs. Among the multiple legs, two are for burrowing. They use these burrowing legs to dig as deep as six inches.
They have two antennae on their heads. These antennas help them with navigation. On both these antennas, there are small projections called Cerci. Cerci is used as a sensory organ by these isopods.
Behavior
Rubber Ducky isopods are known for their calm temperament. This calm behavior is one of the primary reasons for its popularity. They don't mind interacting with other pets and animals. But keeping the small pets separate from them is advisable to avoid conflict.
They usually prefer to remain in the tanks where they get enough food. So, they typically do not try to escape from the tanks. These isopods interact with humans, too.
But the human interaction may take some time. However, they interact with the keepers and other animals once comfortable with their surroundings.
These isopods gradually get comfortable with their surroundings. They develop a playful temperament once they feel comfortable.
Many of these isopods even let the keepers take them in their hands and play. They usually spend several minutes in the keeper's hands.
Classification
Isopods are part of the subphylum Crustacea, which means they are closely related to familiar aquatic animals like crabs and lobsters. With over 10,000 species identified worldwide, isopods display an incredible variety of forms and behaviors. The rubber ducky isopod, known scientifically as Cubaris sp., is a particularly sought-after species among collectors and hobbyists. Native to Thailand, this isopod is recognized for its small size and distinctive yellow and brown coloring. Understanding the classification of isopods, especially the Cubaris sp. “Rubber Ducky,” is essential for anyone interested in their care. Knowing their origins and natural environment helps enthusiasts provide the right conditions, such as high humidity and the proper substrate, to keep these fascinating creatures healthy and thriving.
Rubber Ducky Isopods: Habitat
The habitat you create for a Rubber Ducky isopod must have the following features.
Rubber Ducky Isopods: Substrate Mix
The Isopod Enthusiast Community
The world of isopod keeping has grown into a vibrant and welcoming community, bringing together people from all walks of life who share a passion for these small, intriguing animals. Isopod enthusiasts connect through online forums, social media pages, and dedicated websites, where they exchange information about the best food, habitat setups, and care techniques for different species, including the ever-popular rubber ducky isopod. Many hobbyists enjoy building thriving colonies, experimenting with substrate mixes, and maintaining the right humidity to create the perfect environment for their isopods. Local meetups and events offer opportunities to see rare species, swap tips, and even trade isopods with others. Whether you’re just starting out or have an established colony, the isopod community is a valuable resource for learning, sharing experiences, and staying up to date with the latest information in the hobby. With the support of fellow enthusiasts, anyone can enjoy the rewarding experience of caring for these unique creatures and watching their small world come to life.
