Cubaris sp. Care Guide

Cubaris tend to have very similar requirements so I am going to group them all together for this guide. In rare cases, some species will require different care, which I will be including in the bottom of the page, in the "Species specific" section!

Housing

Cubaris require a spacious and secure enclosure to thrive, such as a terrarium or a plastic container with a well-fitting lid. A shoe box sized enclosure, or slightly smaller, will be good for a starter colony.

The enclosure should mimic their natural environment with a substrate composed of Organic soil, sphagnum moss, and leaf litter, which helps retain moisture and provides areas for burrowing (Coco Coir can be used, bit is not recommended). Adding hiding spots like cork bark, wood pieces, botanicals, etc., is essential to support natural behaviors such as molting, breeding, and exploring.

Diet

They are detritivores, primarily feeding on decaying organic matter. A base diet of leaf litter, such as oak or beech leaves, provides essential nutrition. To ensure a well-rounded diet, supplement with fruits / vegetables like carrots, apples, Cucumber etc, and protein sources such as fish flakes, shrimp pellets, freeze-dried minnows, bee pollen, etc. Calcium sources, such as cuttlebone or crushed eggshells, are also important for their exoskeleton development. Be sure to remove uneaten food regularly to maintain a clean environment and prevent mold outbreaks.

Temperature and Humidity

Maintaining proper temperature and humidity levels is critical for the health of isopods. They thrive in a temperature range of 70°F to 80°F (21°C to 27°C) and require a humidity levels of 70% to 90%. Med-High ventilation is also required for most Cubaris species. Regular misting helps maintain the enclosure’s humidity. Adding leaf litter is important as it helps to trap in moisture and creates tiny micro-climates that your isopods can travel around from. Sphagnum moss is also a great option - In all my enclosures, I personally have one side/corner comprised of 100% Sphagnum moss to give them an area that is always super moist, where they can go to molt.

Breeding and Life Cycle

Gestation time in Cubaris sp. is varied. Some produce super quickly, while other take a long time. See "Species Specific" section for more on each species. Providing ample hiding spots and maintaining optimal humidity and temperature levels encourages breeding success.