Periscyphis sp. “Hallaniyat Island, Oman”

Origin:

Temperature:

24-27 °C (Source of warmth is needed)

size:

about 1,7 cm

Social Behaviour:

The animals live on rocks and stones. There’s hardly any vegetation. They’re nocturnal and mostly live in huge groups. Only when the temperature rises to about 25 degrees, the isopods get more active and start moving quicker. That’s why I’m of the opinion that a source of warmth is definitely needed.

For that I use a 3 W heating pad on one side of the tank. That way you create different climate zones and the isopods can choose a place they feel comfortable in. I watch differences depending on age and stage of molting.

Breeding:

They’re relatively slow to grow and don’t really get a lot of offsprings. Therefore, they’re a challenge, even for experienced isopod-freaks!

Special features:

The climate in Hallaniyat Islands is almost like in a desert. There’s hardly any rain over the whole year. The average temperature is 23,7 °C. Spread over the whole year you get rainfalls of only about 94mm. That’s why it’s so interesting that you can find isopods there.

TIPP: Compared to other kinds of isopods you should be careful with how much water you put into the tank. Periscyphis sp. “Hallaniyat Island” only need a tiny damp corner. I put a fist-sized chalk stones in my isopod terrarium and only fill the slots with soil and sand.