Cubaris sp. "White Side" (also sold as "Penguin") is a small Thai/Cambodian Cubaris with striking black and white colouration. The dark body with white margins creates a penguin-like appearance that gives this species its common name. Among Cubaris species, White Side is considered one of the easier options—hardy, adaptable, and reasonably priced—making it a sensible entry point for keepers wanting to try Cubaris without the expense or difficulty of rarer species.
A Glimpse
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Origin: Thailand/Cambodia, Southeast Asia (captive-bred)
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Scientific Name: Cubaris sp. "White Side"
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Common Names: White Side, Penguin, Pinguin, Orca
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Maintenance required: Easy to Moderate
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Average Size: 8-15mm (approximately 1cm)
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Rarity: Low (common in the hobby)
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Temperature: 20-28°C (68-82°F)
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Ventilation: Medium
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Humidity: 55-80%
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Favorite food: Leaf litter, decaying wood, vegetables
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Supplements: Calcium (cuttlebone, limestone), protein twice weekly
White Side/Penguin Isopods: Introduction
White Side isopods hold a notable place in Cubaris history. They were among the very first Cubaris species discovered in the limestone caves of Southeast Asia, predating the Rubber Ducky explosion of 2017. Their discovery helped open the door to the many Thai and Vietnamese Cubaris species now available in the hobby.
The origin is sometimes listed as Thailand, sometimes Vietnam, and sometimes Cambodia—sources vary. This confusion is common with Southeast Asian Cubaris, where collection localities aren't always precisely documented. Regardless of exact origin, they're tropical cave-dwellers adapted to humid conditions.
Since their discovery, White Side isopods have become widely available and relatively affordable. They lack the premium pricing of rarer Cubaris but offer the same appealing rounded body shape and conglobating ability. For keepers curious about Cubaris but hesitant about the cost and difficulty of species like Rubber Ducky, White Side provides a lower-stakes introduction.
White Side/Penguin Isopods: Physical Traits and Characteristics
- Adults reach approximately 8-15mm (sources vary, typically around 10mm)
- Smaller than many popular Cubaris species
- Dark grey to black body colouration
- Distinctive white margins along the edges ("skirt")
- White markings on head, rear, and underside
- Pale/white bodies contrast with darker central areas
- Rounded body shape typical of Cubaris
- Can roll into a defensive ball (conglobation)
- Small size means they're less visible than larger species
The penguin comparison is apt—the dark body with white edges genuinely resembles penguin colouration. Some sellers also use "Orca" as a trade name, referencing the same black-and-white pattern. Whatever you call them, the contrast is attractive and makes them visually distinct from plain-coloured species.
Behaviour
White Side isopods display typical Cubaris behaviours with some characteristics worth noting.
Activity patterns: Primarily nocturnal. Most active at night when they emerge to forage. Daytime sightings increase as colony numbers grow, but expect them to spend daylight hours hidden.
Temperament: Social creatures that engage in grooming and foraging behaviours. They're shy and secretive, particularly when newly introduced or in small numbers.
Defensive behaviour: Roll into a tight ball when threatened—the conglobation response shared with Armadillidium and other Cubaris species.
Burrowing: They burrow to regulate moisture and feel secure. Deep substrate accommodates this behaviour and supports colony health.
Social structure: Gregarious. They thrive in groups and benefit from colony living. Purchase adequate numbers for best establishment success.
Adaptability: Described as "hardy" and "adaptable" compared to more demanding Cubaris species. They tolerate a wider range of conditions than many tropical Cubaris, though they still need appropriate humidity.
Diet
Standard Cubaris dietary requirements.
Primary foods:
- Leaf litter (essential staple—always available)
- Decaying white-rotted wood (always available)
- Forest moss
- Lichen
Supplementary foods:
- Vegetables: various organic vegetables
- Fruits: in moderation
- Fish flakes/pellets
- Commercial isopod foods
Protein: Provide protein at least twice weekly:
- Fish food
- Dried shrimp
- Meat scraps (sparingly)
They reportedly prefer slightly decayed leaves over fresh ones.
Calcium: Essential for healthy exoskeletons and breeding:
- Cuttlebone
- Limestone chunks
- Oyster shell
- Crushed eggshells
As cave-dwelling Cubaris, they benefit from limestone in the enclosure, mimicking their natural habitat.
Feeding notes:
- Remove uneaten fresh foods before spoiling
- Varied diet supports healthy breeding
- Good nutrition produces healthier offspring
White Side/Penguin Isopods: Breeding
White Side isopods follow a common Cubaris pattern: slow to establish, then productive.
Breeding characteristics:
- Slow initial breeding while colony establishes
- Once settled, reproduction rates increase significantly
- Described as "moderately prolific" when established
- Comparable to other entry-level Cubaris like Papaya or Panda King once going
- Females carry eggs in brood pouch (marsupium)
Establishment period: Expect patience during the first few months. The colony needs time to settle into the new environment before breeding activity picks up. This is normal for Cubaris—don't assume something is wrong if you don't see babies immediately.
Breeding success factors:
- Stable temperature (20-28°C, around 25°C optimal)
- Consistent humidity (higher end of range preferred for breeding)
- Adequate calcium supply
- Deep substrate for burrowing
- Abundant food (leaf litter, decaying wood)
- Minimal disturbance during establishment
- Genetic diversity (avoid inbreeding in small colonies)
Monitoring: Once established, breeding becomes self-sustaining. Regular observation helps track colony health. Healthy adults with adequate resources will produce offspring reliably.
White Side/Penguin Isopods: Habitat Setup
White Side isopods are relatively forgiving for Cubaris but still need appropriate tropical conditions.
Enclosure:
- Plastic containers or terrariums work well
- Ventilated but not excessively airy
- Dark, quiet location preferred (they dislike bright light)
- Size appropriate to colony—start with standard culture container
Ventilation: Medium. They need some airflow to prevent stagnation but not so much that humidity drops. Balance ventilation with humidity retention.
Substrate: Deep substrate supports their burrowing behaviour.
Recommended mix:
- Organic topsoil base (pesticide-free)
- Sphagnum peat moss
- Forest humus
- Decaying hardwood
- Leaf litter (oak, magnolia, beech)
Depth: Minimum 15cm (6 inches) recommended. Deep substrate retains moisture longer and allows proper burrowing behaviour. They like to dig deep to lock in body moisture.
Moisture gradient: Approximately 70% moist/damp side, 30% drier side. This allows them to self-regulate by moving between zones as needed.
Humidity: 55-80%—they're adaptable within this range:
- Keep substrate moist but not waterlogged
- Mist as needed to maintain humidity
- Ensure proper ventilation to prevent excessive moisture buildup
- Too dry is dangerous—they'll struggle to moult
Temperature: 20-28°C (68-82°F)—standard tropical room temperature:
- Around 25°C is optimal for breeding
- Avoid temperature fluctuations (causes stress)
- Room temperature in heated UK homes generally sufficient
- Stable conditions more important than hitting exact numbers
Décor:
- Cork bark (hiding spots)
- Hardwood pieces
- Leaf litter layers
- Moss patches
- Limestone (calcium source and habitat enrichment)
- Climbing and hiding opportunities
Environment notes: They dislike bright light—position the enclosure in a darker, quieter area. Distributing dried leaves across the surface mimics natural habitat and encourages foraging behaviour.
Bioactive Use
White Side isopods can contribute to bioactive setups.
Strengths:
- Help process organic waste
- Contribute to nutrient cycling
- Attractive appearance adds visual interest
- Hardy enough for bioactive conditions
- Social behaviour interesting to observe
Considerations:
- Small size means less visible than larger species
- Nocturnal—won't see them working during the day
- Need appropriate humidity levels maintained
- Slow initial establishment before population grows
Suitable applications:
- Tropical terrariums with high humidity
- Vivariums with compatible inhabitants
- Display colonies for observation
- Bioactive setups where conditions match their needs
Their hardiness compared to more demanding Cubaris makes them reasonable bioactive candidates, provided humidity requirements are met.
Suitability
White Side isopods suit keepers wanting accessible Cubaris at reasonable prices.
Good choice for:
- Keepers wanting to try Cubaris without high cost/difficulty
- Those graduating from beginner species (Porcellio, Armadillidium)
- Hobbyists attracted to the penguin-like colouration
- Keepers who can maintain tropical humidity levels
- Those wanting smaller, subtle display animals
Less suited for:
- Complete beginners (start with Dairy Cow or similar first)
- Those wanting large, highly visible isopods
- Keepers unable to maintain consistent humidity
- Those expecting immediate breeding results
Care level: Easy to Moderate for Cubaris. They're described as "one of the easiest Cubaris species for a beginner" and "relatively hardy." The main requirements are maintaining appropriate humidity (too dry causes moulting problems) and patience during the establishment period. Compared to demanding species like Rubber Ducky, they're forgiving.
What to expect: Expect small (around 10mm) isopods with attractive black-and-white penguin colouration. Expect primarily nocturnal activity—you'll see them most after lights go out, with visibility increasing as colony numbers grow. Expect shy behaviour initially, with animals spending considerable time burrowed or hidden. Expect slow breeding at first, accelerating once the colony establishes (this may take months). Expect to maintain consistent humidity—they're more tolerant than some Cubaris but still need tropical conditions. Expect hardy, adaptable animals that forgive minor mistakes better than demanding species.
For keepers curious about Cubaris but put off by the price and difficulty of premium species, White Side/Penguin isopods offer a practical starting point. They're not the flashiest or largest Cubaris, but they're genuinely attractive, reasonably hardy, and affordable enough that experimentation doesn't mean significant financial risk. Success with White Side builds confidence and skills for tackling more demanding Cubaris later.
