Thunder Dragon Isopods: A Glimpse
-
Origin: Thailand
-
Scientific Name: Cubaris sp.
-
Size: Up to 17 mm
-
Difficulty Level: Moderate to advanced
-
Temperature: 21-28°C
-
Humidity: 70-85%
-
Rarity: Very rare
-
Favorite Foods: Fruits, greens, fish food, vegetables, decaying leaves, rotting wood.
An Overview
A Cubaris genus isopod, Thunder Dragons is native to Thailand. However, they are extremely rare, which is why they cannot be found easily, not even in the pet trade.
Known for their bold look and unique charm, they thrive in specific conditions, without which they cannot survive or have molting issues. They prefer high-humidity areas, where temperatures don’t rise above 21-28°C or fluctuate much.
Thunder Dragon isopods are not just pets but nature’s magic. They are adorable to look at when they move around in their enclosure in captivity. Because of their strong bodies and calm nature, they are easy to love, but they have care requirements above basic.
Thunder Dragon Isopods: Basic Care
With some basic care tips, you can easily maintain Thunder Dragon isopods as pets:
-
Their priority is a clean moist environment with good airflow and ventilation to breathe easily and not feel discomfort.
-
Maintain a stable and humid environment and to achieve one, you should create one in captivity and give them a chance to live their best lives without health issues.
-
With using a plastic container, you can create their enclosure, but it should be big and have enough space for them to move around freely without feeling cramped.
-
Keep an eye on the enclosure regularly and ensure it is not too dry or wet, as these conditions can create problems.
Thunder Dragon Isopods: Feeding
A balanced diet consisting of vegetables, dry leaves, rotting wood, and fruits ensures your isopods are healthy and get the nutrients required. For calcium sources, give cuttlebone because it is good for its exoskeleton and helps it develop better.
Thunder Dragon Isopods: Appearance & Behaviour
-
Might be an eye-catching creatures, but they have a hard, armor-like shell protecting them from predators if attacked.
-
Their dark grey shade with a hint of purple or blue on their back enhances their appeal and makes them stand out from other species.
-
Although they move slowly, they are very curious about their surroundings and become active at night, when the world is asleep and there are no threats around.
Thunder Dragon Isopods: Habitat
Creating the right habitat for Thunder Dragon Isopods is essential because, without it, they cannot survive or be happy, no matter how hard they try. They prefer a moist setup and stable temperature to live comfortably and not face health issues like they do when the specific conditions change drastically. Since they stay in hiding, adding plenty of cork bark, rocks, and leaf litter encourages their natural behavior, so make sure not to mess that up.
Thunder Dragon Isopods: Substrate Mix
Making a ground material for their terrarium is not that of a difficult task and you can mix dried leaves, organic soil, and coco fiber, but ensure they are free of chemicals, or else they can harm your isopods. Adding a few pieces of rotten wood and crushed eggshells because they provide important minerals and ensure their exoskeleton doesn’t weaken is a good call.