Invertebrate · Isopod
Dwarf white isopod care guide
Trichorhina tomentosa
The dwarf white isopod is a beginner-level isopod from Tropical South America (now pantropical). Adults reach Body 0.3–0.5 cm and live 1–2 years in captivity. Tiny, burrowing clean-up crew.
- Enclosure 20 × 15 × 15 cm
- Temp 22–28°C
- Humidity 75–90%
How much does a dwarf white isopod cost in Canada?
Dwarf white isopod quick facts
- Skill level
- Beginner
- Adult size
- Body 0.3–0.5 cm
- Lifespan
- 1–2 years
- Activity
- Nocturnal
- Native range
- Tropical South America (now pantropical)
- Minimum enclosure
- 20 × 15 × 15 cm (8 × 6 × 6 in, ≈ 1 US gal)
- Housing
- A colony species – best kept in a group.
- Temperature
- 22–28°C
- Humidity
- 75–90%
- UVB
- Not needed
- Diet
- Detritivore – leaf litter, mould, frass, fish flakes
- Bioactive style
- Invertebrate colony
Dwarf white 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: 22–28°C. Humidity: 75–90%. UVB: Not needed.
What does a dwarf white isopod eat?
Detritivore – leaf litter, mould, frass, fish flakes. Feed a pinch of fish flakes or vegetables weekly in addition to leaf litter.
Handling, temperament & health
Too tiny to handle; move with a scoop of substrate.
Health watch: Dry substrate kills colonies quickly; keep the soil damp throughout.
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 white isopod bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (20 × 15 × 15 cm).
Dwarf white isopod FAQ
Is the dwarf white isopod good for beginners?
Yes – the dwarf white isopod is a good choice for beginners. Too tiny to handle; move with a scoop of substrate.
What size enclosure does a dwarf white 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 white 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 white isopod need?
Temperature: 22–28°C. Humidity: 75–90%.
What does a dwarf white isopod eat?
Detritivore – leaf litter, mould, frass, fish flakes. Feed a pinch of fish flakes or vegetables weekly in addition to leaf litter.
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.