Invertebrate · Isopod
Dwarf striped isopod care guide
Atlantoscia floridana
The dwarf striped isopod is a beginner-level isopod from SE United States, Caribbean, South America. Adults reach Body 0.4–0.6 cm and live 1–2 years in captivity. Fast-breeding dwarf clean-up crew for dart frog and small tropical vivariums.
- Enclosure 20 × 15 × 15 cm
- Temp 20–28°C
- Humidity 70–90%
How much does a dwarf striped isopod cost in Canada?
Dwarf striped isopod quick facts
- Skill level
- Beginner
- Adult size
- Body 0.4–0.6 cm
- Lifespan
- 1–2 years
- Activity
- Nocturnal
- Native range
- SE United States, Caribbean, South America
- Minimum enclosure
- 20 × 15 × 15 cm (8 × 6 × 6 in, ≈ 1 US gal)
- Housing
- A colony species – best kept in a group.
- Temperature
- 20–28°C
- Humidity
- 70–90%
- UVB
- Not needed
- Diet
- Detritivore – leaf litter, mould, frass, fish flakes
- Bioactive style
- Invertebrate colony
Dwarf striped isopod enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 20 × 15 × 15 cm (8 × 6 × 6 inches). A colony species – best kept in a group. This species suits a invertebrate colony bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix8 cm
Leaf litter is food here, not decoration – keep a thick layer topped up. Keep one side damper than the other.
Temperature: 20–28°C. Humidity: 70–90%. UVB: Not needed.
What does a dwarf striped isopod eat?
Detritivore – leaf litter, mould, frass, fish flakes. Keep leaf litter available and add a pinch of fish flakes weekly.
Handling, temperament & health
Too small and fast to handle.
Health watch: Dry substrate kills colonies quickly.
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 dwarf striped isopod bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (20 × 15 × 15 cm).
Dwarf striped isopod FAQ
Is the dwarf striped isopod good for beginners?
Yes – the dwarf striped isopod is a good choice for beginners. Too small and fast to handle.
What size enclosure does a dwarf striped isopod need?
At least 20 × 15 × 15 cm (about 8 × 6 × 6 inches, roughly 1 US gallons) for one adult. A colony species – best kept in a group.
How much does a dwarf striped isopod cost in Canada?
Typically $15–30 CAD to buy, about $110–200 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $10–30 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a dwarf striped isopod need?
Temperature: 20–28°C. Humidity: 70–90%.
What does a dwarf striped isopod eat?
Detritivore – leaf litter, mould, frass, fish flakes. Keep leaf litter available and add a pinch of fish flakes 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.