Invertebrate · Cockroach
Discoid roach care guide
Blaberus discoidalis
The discoid roach is a beginner-level cockroach from Caribbean, Central and northern South America. Adults reach Body 4–5 cm and live 1–2 years in captivity. Popular feeder alternative to dubia where dubia are restricted.
- Enclosure 45 × 30 × 30 cm
- Temp 26–32°C
- Humidity 50–70%
How much does a discoid roach cost in Canada?
Discoid roach quick facts
- Skill level
- Beginner
- Adult size
- Body 4–5 cm
- Lifespan
- 1–2 years
- Activity
- Nocturnal
- Native range
- Caribbean, Central and northern South America
- Minimum enclosure
- 45 × 30 × 30 cm (18 × 12 × 12 in, ≈ 11 US gal)
- Housing
- A colony species – best kept in a group.
- Temperature
- 26–32°C
- Humidity
- 50–70%
- UVB
- Not needed
- Diet
- Omnivore – roach chow, vegetables, fruit
- Bioactive style
- Invertebrate colony
Discoid roach enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 45 × 30 × 30 cm (18 × 12 × 12 inches). A colony species – best kept in a group. This species suits a invertebrate colony bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix5 cm
Leaf litter is food here, not decoration – keep a thick layer topped up. Keep one side damper than the other.
Temperature: 26–32°C. Humidity: 50–70%. UVB: Not needed.
What does a discoid roach eat?
Omnivore – roach chow, vegetables, fruit. Keep dry chow available and offer fresh produce 2–3 times weekly.
Handling, temperament & health
Cannot climb glass and rarely flies; easy to handle.
Health watch: Mould and die-offs in poorly ventilated, wet bins.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Nothing needed most days.
Weekly
- Mist the damp side; add vegetables or protein food in small amounts and remove leftovers after 24–48 h.
Monthly
- Top up leaf litter and add a calcium source (cuttlebone).
- Thin out the colony or split it if it gets crowded.
Yearly
- Replace about a third of the soil, which turns into frass over time.
Recommended for a discoid roach bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (45 × 30 × 30 cm).
Discoid roach FAQ
Is the discoid roach good for beginners?
Yes – the discoid roach is a good choice for beginners. Cannot climb glass and rarely flies; easy to handle.
What size enclosure does a discoid roach need?
At least 45 × 30 × 30 cm (about 18 × 12 × 12 inches, roughly 11 US gallons) for one adult. A colony species – best kept in a group.
How much does a discoid roach cost in Canada?
Typically $30–60 CAD to buy, about $140–250 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $50–100 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a discoid roach need?
Temperature: 26–32°C. Humidity: 50–70%.
What does a discoid roach eat?
Omnivore – roach chow, vegetables, fruit. Keep dry chow available and offer fresh produce 2–3 times weekly.
Similar species
This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.