Cubaris sp. "Yellow Tiger" is a Thai Cubaris species with striking yellow and black colouration—the "tiger" stripes that give it its name. Also sold under the trade name "Honeymoon Tiger" (same species, different label), these are among the more visually dramatic Cubaris available. They're not the easiest species to find, and their appearance justifies the hunt.
A Glimpse
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Origin: Thailand, Southeast Asia (captive-bred)
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Scientific Name: Cubaris sp. "Yellow Tiger" (also traded as "Honeymoon Tiger")
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Common Names: Yellow Tiger Isopod, Honeymoon Tiger
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Maintenance required: Medium
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Average Size: Up to 22mm (sources vary; some list 12-15mm)
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Rarity: Very rare / uncommon
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Temperature: 22-28°C (72-82°F)
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Ventilation: Low to medium
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Humidity: 60-85% (high end preferred)
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Favorite food: Leaf litter, decaying wood, vegetables, fruits
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Supplements: Protein (twice weekly), calcium
Yellow Tiger Isopod: Introduction
Yellow Tigers are one of those Cubaris species that seem to fly under the radar compared to the more famous Rubber Ducky, yet they're arguably just as visually appealing. The yellow body with bold black markings creates a genuinely striking appearance—these aren't subtle isopods.
They originate from Thailand, likely from tropical forest environments or cave systems given their preference for higher humidity and burrowing behaviour. Like most Cubaris from this region, they appreciate warm, humid conditions with deep substrate and plenty of hiding spots.
The species is sold under two trade names—"Yellow Tiger" and "Honeymoon Tiger"—which appear to be the same isopod. This is common in the hobby where different importers or breeders apply different labels to the same species. Don't be confused if you see both names; care requirements are identical.
For keepers with some Cubaris experience looking to add something colourful to their collection, Yellow Tigers offer visual impact without requiring the most demanding care protocols.
Yellow Tiger Isopod: Physical Traits and Characteristics
- Adults reach approximately 22mm—larger than many Cubaris species
- Bright yellow base colouration
- Bold black "tiger stripe" markings across the body
- Characteristic Cubaris "duck face" head shape
- Can roll into a ball (conglobation) when threatened
- Colouration may vary somewhat between individuals
- Juveniles may be less vividly coloured than adults
The yellow and black contrast is genuinely eye-catching. These are display-worthy isopods that stand out even in a collection of colourful species.
Size note: There's some inconsistency in size information across sources. The PostPods page lists 12-15mm while also mentioning 22mm; Exuvium lists adults at 22mm. The larger figure (22mm) appears more accurate for fully mature adults, making these a reasonably substantial Cubaris species.
Behaviour
Yellow Tigers display typical Cubaris behavioural patterns.
Activity: Active throughout day and night, but most visible during evening hours. Like other Cubaris, they're described as shy initially but become bolder as colony numbers increase.
Burrowing: They prefer deep substrate and will burrow, particularly when breeding or moulting. This burrowing behaviour is important for their reproductive success—provide adequate substrate depth to accommodate it.
Temperament: Timid, especially in small numbers. Starting with larger groups (as many as you can afford) accelerates the point at which they become more visible and active. Solitary individuals or very small groups may hide constantly.
Conglobation: Can roll into defensive balls when disturbed.
Comparison to Rubber Ducky: Sources note they're somewhat more active than Rubber Ducky isopods, though they share similar burrowing tendencies and care requirements.
Diet
Standard Cubaris dietary requirements apply.
Primary foods:
- Hardwood leaf litter (oak, beech, birch, maple)
- Decaying white-rotted wood
- Forest moss and lichen
Supplementary foods:
- Vegetables: sweet potato, carrot, courgette, squash, cucumber
- Fruits: soft, sweet fruits (banana, mango, apple)
- Commercial isopod foods
Protein: Like most Cubaris, they benefit from protein supplementation twice weekly:
- Fish flakes or pellets
- Dried shrimp or minnows
- Freeze-dried bloodworms
Adequate protein supports breeding and helps prevent cannibalism.
Calcium: Provide cuttlebone, crushed limestone, oyster shell, or eggshells. Given their likely cave or limestone-rich origins, calcium availability is particularly relevant.
Feeding approach: The PostPods description makes a good point—think about what food sources would be available in Thai tropical forests and caves. Leaf litter forms the dietary base, supplemented with varied vegetables, fruits, protein, and calcium. Remove uneaten fresh foods before they mould.
Yellow Tiger Isopod: Breeding
Yellow Tigers breed at moderate rates once established.
Breeding characteristics:
- Reproduction rate: Moderate
- Burrowing behaviour supports breeding and moulting
- Females carry eggs in brood pouch
- Colony establishment may take time initially
Tips for breeding success:
- Start with the largest group you can—more individuals means faster colony growth
- Provide deep substrate (10-15cm) to support burrowing during breeding and moulting
- Maintain stable humidity (60-85%)
- Keep temperatures consistent (22-28°C)
- Provide adequate protein
- Minimise disturbance
Colony growth: The PostPods description notes they "can form a colony faster than an owner can think of" once established. Like many Cubaris, the initial establishment period may feel slow, but population growth accelerates once the colony settles in.
Yellow Tiger Isopod: Habitat Setup
Standard Cubaris setup with emphasis on humidity and substrate depth.
Enclosure: A 6-quart container works for starter colonies; larger setups (12+ quart) better accommodate their burrowing behaviour and allow the colony to expand. Plastic storage containers with modified ventilation are standard. Secure lids are sensible as some Cubaris can climb.
Ventilation: Low to medium. They need some airflow to prevent stagnation, but high ventilation will dry out the enclosure too quickly. Cross ventilation with mesh-covered holes works well.
Substrate: Deep substrate is important—aim for 10-15cm (4-6 inches) minimum:
- Organic topsoil as base (pesticide-free)
- Forest humus mixed in
- Sphagnum peat moss for moisture retention
- Decaying white-rotted wood pieces (substantial proportion)
- Crushed limestone mixed throughout
- Leaf litter layered generously on top
Humidity: 60-85%—the higher end of this range is preferred:
- Keep over half the enclosure consistently moist (PostPods recommends over half; some sources say one-third to three-fifths)
- Use sphagnum moss patches to maintain humid zones
- Mist regularly to maintain moisture
- Substrate should feel damp but not waterlogged
- They're more tolerant of humidity variation than some Cubaris but appreciate consistently moist conditions
Temperature: 22-28°C (72-82°F). The PostPods page mentions they tolerate a wider temperature range than many Cubaris (up to 30°C), which may make them slightly more forgiving of temperature fluctuations. UK room temperature generally works, though cooler rooms may need supplemental heating in winter.
Décor:
- Cork bark pieces (hiding spots)
- Generous leaf litter coverage
- Decaying wood pieces
- Sphagnum moss patches
- Deep substrate for burrowing
Bioactive Use
Yellow Tigers can work in bioactive setups with appropriate conditions.
Suitable applications:
- Tropical bioactive vivariums with high humidity
- Humid reptile and amphibian enclosures
- Display terrariums
Considerations:
- Require higher humidity than many bioactive setups provide
- Need deep substrate for burrowing
- Moderate breeding rate—may not sustain heavy predation pressure
- Value and rarity may make them less practical as bioactive cleanup crews compared to cheaper species
- Better suited as display animals than utility cleanup crews
Recommendation: Given their price and rarity, Yellow Tigers are better kept as display colonies rather than expendable bioactive cleanup crews. If you want Cubaris for bioactive use, consider more readily available species unless you're prepared to lose some to predation.
Tank Mates
Compatible with appropriate invertebrates.
Compatible:
- Springtails (complement each other well)
- Small snails
As cleanup crew: Their rarity and value make them less practical as cleanup crews in enclosures with predatory animals. Use more common, cheaper species for that purpose.
Suitability
Yellow Tigers suit experienced keepers wanting attractive Cubaris.
Good choice for:
- Keepers with Cubaris experience looking to expand their collection
- Those who appreciate bold yellow/black colouration
- Display colony enthusiasts
- Keepers who can provide consistent humidity and temperature
Less suited for:
- Complete beginners (start with hardier species)
- Low-humidity setups
- Those wanting fast-breeding cleanup crews
- Keepers who prefer visible, constantly active isopods (they're shy until numbers build)
Care level: Medium. They're described as "easy to keep and breed" by some sources (Exuvium) while others rate difficulty as high. Reality is probably somewhere in between—they're not the most demanding Cubaris, but they need consistent conditions and aren't as forgiving as Porcellio or Armadillidium species. Success depends on providing appropriate humidity, substrate depth, and varied diet.
Value: At £60 for 5 (£110 for 10), Yellow Tigers aren't cheap, but they're more accessible than some rare Cubaris. For comparison, US pricing can be significantly higher. The visual impact justifies the investment for those building display collections. Buy the largest group you can afford—it accelerates colony establishment and gets you past the shy, hiding phase faster.
What to expect: Expect striking yellow and black isopods that will initially hide extensively, particularly if starting with small numbers. As the colony grows, they'll become more visible and active. Expect them to burrow—you won't always see them on the surface, and that's normal behaviour for this species. Expect moderate breeding once established, with population growth accelerating over time. They reward patient keepers who provide appropriate conditions without requiring the most demanding care protocols. For those who want dramatic colouration in a reasonably manageable Cubaris package, Yellow Tigers deliver.
