White Side Isopods For Sale

Cubaris White Side or Penguin isopods belong to the Cubaris sp. These isopods are named after their dark colour with white markings along the side, like a Penguin, thus making them unique and visually appealing. Due to this striking feature, they are sought after by enthusiasts and hobbyists worldwide. They make a great addition to the terrarium and vivarium.

White Side/Penguin Isopods: Synopsis

• Origin: Thailand
• Scientific Name: Cubaris Sp.
• Maintenance level: Moderate.
• Size: 0.8 cm
• Rarity: High
• Breeding: Difficult
• Temperature: 70°F to 80°F
• Humidity: 70% to 80%
• Supplements: Cuttlebone
• Favourite Food: Vegetables, meat scraps, fish food

White Side/Penguin Isopods: Origin

The first class of isopods to be found in Vietnam were the White Side isopods. In 2017, they were discovered within the limestone caverns. The White Side Isopod was later renamed as Cubaris White Isopod. Numerous species have not been fully characterized under the ambiguous genus Cubaris.

Since its discovery, this species has become popular, and its population has boomed due to increased demand.Due to their striking features and colour, these creatures look adorable and are loved among exotic pet lovers. 

White Side/Penguin Isopods: Characteristics and Behavioral Insights

• They can grow up to 0.8 cm long.
• These isopods have dark bodies with white markings on the edges resembling “penguins.”
• They are social in behaviour. They exhibit behaviours like foraging and grooming.
• They roll into a ball when they feel threatened or face any danger.
• Although they can withstand any temperature, the optimal range for breeding temperatures is around 70°F to 80°F
• An arid environment is lethal for White Side Penguin isopods.
• Difficult to breed. Once these isopods are established in a healthy environment, they produce offspring.

White Side/Penguin Isopods: Feeding Habits

Like all isopods, they are detritivores in nature. They eat rotten plants and other organic matter for nourishment. In their artificial habitat, their diet should include varieties of vegetables, fish pellets, leaf litter, commercial bug food and supplements rich in calcium like Cuttlebone. This helps maintain a healthy exoskeleton and produce healthy offspring.

White Side/Penguin Isopods: Breeding

White Side ‘Penguin’ Isopods are slow to breed in the beginning. They have to first establish a healthy environment before they start generating. Once they set in their bioactive, they start producing their offspring. The ideal temperature for these species should be around 25°C, and the humidity gradient should be higher. Breeding activity can be monitored by observing their behaviour during the mating process. Regular monitoring of their offspring is required for the young isopods to sustain. In addition, feeding them with decaying wood and leaves will improve their health, thus giving them healthy offspring. Genetically different isopods can be introduced to their environment to prevent inbreeding. Moreover, constant monitoring and attention are required to maintain the population of isopods.

White Side/Penguin Isopods: Natural Dwelling

Cubaris sp. Penguin isopods in nature thrive in humid and thick forest grooves. The Southeast Asian climate was a suitable living ground for these critters. They contribute to the environment by participating in decomposition by feeding on dead and decayed matter. It is crucial to understand the environment so that they can thrive in artificial environments.

White Side/Penguin Isopods: Artificial Setting and Care

To house a Cubaris sp. Penguin isotopes, creating an artificial setting, involve more than just the substrate mix. It includes factors like enclosure type, humidity control, textured terrains to climb and hide, substrate depth, etc. They are as follows:

• Providing ventilated enclosures to accommodate the need for White Side Penguin isopods.
• Maintaining the humidity of the environment is essential. Use mist when needed and ensure proper ventilation to avoid moisture buildup.
• Keep the temperature of the enclosure within 21°C to 27°C. Avoid fluctuating temperatures as it may cause stress to the creatures.
• Provide a thick substrate mix as they like to dig in deep to lock in the moisture inside their body. A 6-inch deep substrate will be ideal for burrowing.
• Providing hiding and climbing spots for these critters. Leaves, Cork bark, and hardwood provide plenty of hiding spots for them to hide.
• Distributing dried leaves can mimic their natural habitat. This encourages them to bring out their natural behaviour, like foraging and exploring.
• Isopods don’t like bright lights; therefore, keeping them in dark and quiet corners will be great.
• To maintain a clean environment, prevent unwanted pests, and remove uneaten food, scraps, and molten exoskeleton.

White Side/ Penguin Isopod: Disease and its Cause

Like other living organisms, penguin isopods are also prone to various diseases. Their health can be affected due to infections from parasites or bacteria. In addition, environmental stresses jeopardize their health. They also face challenges with moulting and deformities of their shell. Lack of moisture and nutrition leads to the death of the critters during moulting. Continuous monitoring and providing a suitable environment, ensuring hygienic conditions, will help prevent health issues. Moreover, respiratory problems and complications during reproduction are also observed in the species. 

White Side/Penguin Isopods: Substrate Mix

The Penguin isopod substrate mix is similar to other isopod substrates. The substrate mix helps in mimicking the environment, bringing out their natural behaviour. The substrate should also have a balanced nutrient for the creatures and their offspring to stay healthy. The substrate mix includes:

• Coconut coir/Coco peat: This provides a solid substrate base. They help in water retention and replicate the natural environment for them to burrow.
• Rotting leaves: decaying oak leaves and magnolia provide food and nutrition for the creatures. As they are detritivores, they get nourishment from consuming decaying matter. These leaves also offer hiding places for the critters.

• Wood: Decayedhardwood and cork bark serve as a nutritional source and a significant aesthetic element for the enclosure. They also provide space for isopods to crawl and hide.

• Moss: Sphagnum moss is included in the enclosure to enhance moisture retention. They also serve as excellent hiding places for the isopods.

• Sand or Gravel: A small amount of sand or gravel can be added to improve the drainage

This carefully curated mix can help create a captivating and optimum breeding environment for the White Side ‘Penguin’ isopods. This method supports their needs and allows caregivers to appreciate the natural behaviour of isopods in an enclosure.