The numbers
Enclosure
2–6 L tub or vivarium
Diet
Leaf litter, dried leaves, fish flake, veg · Continuous; protein/veg regularly
Temperature
20–29°C
Humidity
70–90% (tolerates variation)
Identity
Order / Family
Isopoda
IUCN / CITES
Not evaluated; no CITES listing
Difficulty
Beginner
Commonality
Very common cleanup crew/feeder
Adult size
~1 cm
Lifespan
1.5–2 yrs
Growth rate
Very fast breeder
Activity & niche
Fast-moving surface detritivore
Temperament
Peaceful, fast, active
Venom / defense
Harmless detritivore; runs rather than rolls
Price (THB)
40–120 per culture (indicative)
Enclosure and conditions
Temperature
20–29°C
Humidity
70–90% (tolerates variation)
Min. enclosure
2–6 L tub or vivarium
Substrate
Moist coco/soil + leaf litter + rotting wood
Hides / decor / water
Leaf litter, cork bark; moist gradient
Diet
Staple food
Leaf litter, dried leaves, fish flake, veg
Feeding frequency
Continuous; protein/veg regularly
Supplements
Cuttlebone / calcium available
Behaviour and handling
Handling
Safe; harmless
Communal
Yes – colony/communal; standard high-reproduction cleaner
Defense / stress signs
Rapid dispersal, hiding
Reproduction
Reproduction
Marsupium brooders; extremely prolific
Common health problems
Common health issues
SignsVery hardy; tolerates husbandry mistakes
Red flags / quarantine
SignsQuarantine; watch pest mites
Good to know
- Its powdery blue-grey bloom rubs off — hence 'powder'; a top feeder species.
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 scaberDwarf White IsopodTrichorhina tomentosaClown IsopodArmadillidium klugiiZebra IsopodArmadillidium maculatum