The numbers
Enclosure
6 L+ tub with ventilation
Diet
Leaf litter, veg, high protein (needs more than most) · Frequent; regular protein & veg
Temperature
20–28°C
Humidity
65–85%
Identity
Order / Family
Isopoda
IUCN / CITES
Not evaluated; no CITES listing
Difficulty
Beginner
Commonality
Very common; explosive breeder
Adult size
1.5–2 cm
Lifespan
1.5–2 yrs
Growth rate
Very fast
Activity & niche
Fast surface detritivore
Temperament
Peaceful, very active, voracious
Venom / defense
Harmless detritivore; does not roll
Price (THB)
50–150 (indicative)
Enclosure and conditions
Temperature
20–28°C
Humidity
65–85%
Min. enclosure
6 L+ tub with ventilation
Substrate
Coco/soil + leaf litter + rotting wood
Hides / decor / water
Cork bark, leaf litter; moisture gradient
Diet
Staple food
Leaf litter, veg, high protein (needs more than most)
Feeding frequency
Frequent; regular protein & veg
Supplements
Cuttlebone / calcium available
Behaviour and handling
Handling
Safe; harmless
Communal
Yes – colony/communal; powerful cleanup crew
Defense / stress signs
Rapid movement, clustering
Reproduction
Reproduction
Marsupium brooders; among the fastest-breeding isopods
Common health problems
Common health issues
SignsCan outcompete/eat tankmates if underfed protein
Red flags / quarantine
SignsQuarantine; watch pest mites
Good to know
- The black-and-white 'Dairy Cow' morph is the most recognizable feeder isopod.
Others in this group
Common Pill Bug / Roly-Poly (morphs)Armadillidium vulgareLittle Sea IsopodCubaris murinaRubber Ducky IsopodCubaris sp. 'Rubber Ducky'Common Rough Woodlouse (many morphs)Porcellio scaberPowder Blue / Powder Orange IsopodPorcellionides pruinosusDwarf White IsopodTrichorhina tomentosaClown IsopodArmadillidium klugiiZebra IsopodArmadillidium maculatum