Invertebrate · Millipede
Giant African millipede care guide
Archispirostreptus gigas
The giant african millipede is a beginner-level millipede from East Africa. Adults reach Body 25–33 cm and live 7–10 years in captivity. Needs deep soil to moult in.
- Enclosure 45 × 30 × 30 cm
- Temp 24–28°C
- Humidity 75–85%
How much does a giant african millipede cost in Canada?
Giant African millipede quick facts
- Skill level
- Beginner
- Adult size
- Body 25–33 cm
- Lifespan
- 7–10 years
- Activity
- Nocturnal
- Native range
- East Africa
- Minimum enclosure
- 45 × 30 × 30 cm (18 × 12 × 12 in, ≈ 11 US gal)
- Housing
- Up to 4 can share; add about 30% more floor space for each extra animal.
- Temperature
- 24–28°C
- Humidity
- 75–85%
- UVB
- Not needed
- Diet
- Detritivore – rotting wood, leaf litter, soft fruit and vegetables
- Bioactive style
- Invertebrate colony
Giant African millipede enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 45 × 30 × 30 cm (18 × 12 × 12 inches). Up to 4 can share; add about 30% more floor space for each extra animal. This species suits a invertebrate colony bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix12 cm
- Base layer – packed coco fibre8 cm
Leaf litter is food here, not decoration – keep a thick layer topped up. Keep one side damper than the other. This species digs, so give it 20 cm (8 in) of substrate in total. Only the top 12 cm needs to be bioactive soil; the 8 cm underneath can be cheaper coco fibre, dampened and packed firm.
Temperature: 24–28°C. Humidity: 75–85%. UVB: Not needed.
What does a giant african millipede eat?
Detritivore – rotting wood, leaf litter, soft fruit and vegetables. Keep rotting hardwood and leaf litter available and offer soft produce and calcium 1–2 times weekly.
Handling, temperament & health
Gentle and slow; wash hands after handling as they release irritating defensive fluids.
Health watch: Disturbing a moulting millipede in the soil can kill it.
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 giant african millipede bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (45 × 30 × 30 cm).
Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix
Bioactive top layer, 12 cm
Premium Coconut Fiber
Base layer, 8 cm – dampen and pack firm so burrows hold
Red Oak Leaves 15/Pack
Leaf litter – food and cover for the clean-up crew
Dry Sphagnum Moss 100g Pack
Sphagnum (humid corner)
Cork Bark Flats
Hides, breeding sites and a food source
Giant African millipede FAQ
Is the giant African millipede good for beginners?
Yes – the giant African millipede is a good choice for beginners. Gentle and slow; wash hands after handling as they release irritating defensive fluids.
What size enclosure does a giant African millipede need?
At least 45 × 30 × 30 cm (about 18 × 12 × 12 inches, roughly 11 US gallons) for one adult. Up to 4 can share; add about 30% more floor space for each extra animal.
How much does a giant African millipede cost in Canada?
Typically $40–90 CAD to buy, about $170–290 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $40–80 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a giant African millipede need?
Temperature: 24–28°C. Humidity: 75–85%.
What does a giant African millipede eat?
Detritivore – rotting wood, leaf litter, soft fruit and vegetables. Keep rotting hardwood and leaf litter available and offer soft produce and calcium 1–2 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.