The numbers
Enclosure
6 L+ tub, tightly humid
Diet
Leaf litter, rotting wood, decaying plant matter · Continuous; light protein
Temperature
22–26°C
Humidity
80–90% (stable, low ventilation)
Identity
Order / Family
Isopoda
Origin
IUCN / CITES
Not evaluated; no CITES listing
Difficulty
Advanced
Commonality
Rare, premium designer isopods
Adult size
~1–1.5 cm
Lifespan
1.5–2.5 yrs
Growth rate
Slow, sensitive
Activity & niche
Detritivore, humid microhabitat
Temperament
Very shy, delicate
Venom / defense
Harmless detritivore; rolls into a ball
Enclosure and conditions
Temperature
22–26°C
Humidity
80–90% (stable, low ventilation)
Min. enclosure
6 L+ tub, tightly humid
Substrate
Deep bioactive soil + leaf litter + rotting wood + limestone
Hides / decor / water
Cork bark, leaf litter, moss; very stable humidity
Diet
Staple food
Leaf litter, rotting wood, decaying plant matter
Feeding frequency
Continuous; light protein
Supplements
Cuttlebone / crushed limestone (calcium)
Behaviour and handling
Handling
Safe; harmless — but avoid disturbing fragile colonies
Communal
Yes – colony/communal but delicate
Defense / stress signs
Sudden colony crash if humidity/temperature swings
Reproduction
Reproduction
Marsupium brooders; slow, easily stalled
Common health problems
Common health issues
SignsNotorious for unexplained crashes; very sensitive to swings
Red flags / quarantine
SignsQuarantine; keep parameters rock-stable
Good to know
- Merulanella was reclassified as Ardentiella and needs quieter, more humid, less ventilated setups than Cubaris.
Others in this group
Common Pill Bug / Roly-Poly (morphs)Armadillidium vulgareLittle Sea IsopodCubaris murinaRubber Ducky IsopodCubaris sp. 'Rubber Ducky'Dairy Cow Isopod (P. laevis morphs)Porcellio laevisCommon Rough Woodlouse (many morphs)Porcellio scaberPowder Blue / Powder Orange IsopodPorcellionides pruinosusDwarf White IsopodTrichorhina tomentosaClown IsopodArmadillidium klugii