The numbers
Enclosure
6 L+ tub
Diet
Leaf litter, rotting wood, veg, fish flake · Continuous; protein/veg regularly
Temperature
18–26°C
Humidity
60–80% (moisture gradient)
Identity
Order / Family
Isopoda
IUCN / CITES
Not evaluated; no CITES listing
Difficulty
Beginner
Commonality
Very common; huge range of colour morphs
Adult size
1.2–1.7 cm
Lifespan
2–3 yrs
Growth rate
Moderate–fast
Activity & niche
Surface detritivore
Temperament
Peaceful, bold
Venom / defense
Harmless detritivore; does not fully roll
Price (THB)
50–200 (morph-dependent, indicative)
Enclosure and conditions
Temperature
18–26°C
Humidity
60–80% (moisture gradient)
Min. enclosure
6 L+ tub
Substrate
Coco/soil + leaf litter + rotting wood + bark
Hides / decor / water
Cork bark, leaf litter; moist + dry zones
Diet
Staple food
Leaf litter, rotting wood, veg, fish flake
Feeding frequency
Continuous; protein/veg regularly
Supplements
Cuttlebone / calcium available
Behaviour and handling
Handling
Safe; harmless
Communal
Yes – colony/communal; popular bioactive cleaner
Defense / stress signs
Hiding, clustering in moist zones
Reproduction
Reproduction
Marsupium brooders; steady
Common health problems
Common health issues
SignsVery hardy
Red flags / quarantine
SignsQuarantine; watch pest mites
Good to know
- Morphs like Orange Vigor, Dalmatian and Koi drove the whole isopod-keeping craze.
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 laevisPowder Blue / Powder Orange IsopodPorcellionides pruinosusDwarf White IsopodTrichorhina tomentosaClown IsopodArmadillidium klugiiZebra IsopodArmadillidium maculatum