Keeping report Isopods

Cubaris murina

Written by

Frank

21. August 2019

Known color variants	Cubaris murina “orange”
Origin	Pantropical species, tropical and subtropical zones of all continents
Temperature	22-27 °C during the day
Size	up to 1.2 cm

Cubaris murina is a showy and very active beginner species. When looking into the terrarium, you can always see animals on the substrate

run around. As you can see in the short video, they search the substrate for anything that can be used. They are picky

industrious isopods do not. Sometimes the rummaging through the upper surface layer is reminiscent of the behavior of wild boars.

When their hunger is satisfied, they like to wait under a hiding place with many of their own kind until dusk comes and they can finally see what has fallen to the ground during the day.

It is very brash and fearless in its nature. It is something very special to see a Cubaris murina curled up on the ground. Their escape behavior is much more pronounced: As soon as they feel disturbed, they run around in panic until they find somewhere to hide.

Container:

As this isopod species is one of the smaller isopods with its 1.2 cm, you can keep 12 animals in a 1 liter can without hesitation.

start. However, you should be prepared for the fact that offspring will appear very quickly and you will have to rely on a

larger containers.

The substrate height should be at least 3 cm, as Cubaris murina likes it a little more moist. The deciduous forest humus ensures good absorption

of moisture and serves as a reservoir that slowly releases the water into the air. Cubaris murina feels right at home at a humidity of 70% or more.

Everything else you need to know about containers and set-up can be found in my article “The isopod terrarium”.

Cubaris murina

17,00 € incl. VAT, plus shipping

An easy-to-care-for Isopod species that is perfect for beginners in Cubaris keeping.

In stock

Like all animal and plant species that have not only adapted to a small regional area, but can have a worldwide distribution, Cubaris murina is also uncomplicated to breed.

The average number of young isopods born per litter is 25, and the incubation period is only half a day slower at 17 days

than Porcellionides pruinosus “Cuban isopod”.

(Source: Brazilian Journal of Biology)

These figures quickly reveal the potential of this isopod species as a soil police and protein source, especially in wet terrariums.

I have found that no other isopod species likes to eat fruit as much as Cubaris murina. They really pounce on anything that tastes sweet.

They no longer pay attention to whether it is day or night. In addition, the animals should be offered sufficient protein. Thereby

can have a positive influence on the birth rate and cannibalism.

The typical Cubaris duckface and the reddish uropod at the end of the Isopod give it a very imposing appearance. Especially for

For those who want to get into Cubaris husbandry, it is a perfect choice for a successful start. For me it is the

Floor police ace for all terrariums with a relative humidity of 70% or more.