Panda King Isopods
Cubaris sp. "Panda King"
Classic black-and-white panda-patterned Cubaris — a hobby staple.
Quick facts
- Genus
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Temperature
- 22–26°C
- Humidity
- High (75–85%), cross-ventilate
- Adult size
- ~12 mm
- Origin
- Southeast Asia
- Temperament
- Shy, secretive
About this species
Panda King Isopods (Cubaris sp. 'Panda King') are one of the most popular Cubaris morphs, named for their bold black body and crisp white face patches. They are hardy for a Cubaris, breed at a moderate pace, and thrive in humid, cross-ventilated setups with leaf litter and a calcium source.
- Size:
- ~12 mm
- Enclosure:
- A well-ventilated plastic bin or glass terrarium with cross-ventilation to keep air from going stagnant.
- Diet:
- Leaf litter (oak, magnolia) and decaying hardwood as the staple, plus vegetables and a protein source like fish flakes. A constant calcium source such as limestone is essential.
- Temperature Range:
- Maintain temperatures between 72 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Extreme heat or cold can prove detrimental.
- Reproduction:
- Slow breeders with smaller broods. Be patient and try not to disturb the colony.
- Substrate:
- Coconut coir or peat moss mixed with crushed limestone, kept consistently moist and topped with a deep layer of leaf litter.
- Humidity:
- Maintain high humidity (around 70–80%) paired with strong cross-ventilation. Keep one side moist to establish a gradient.
