Invertebrate · Cockroach
Giant cave roach care guide
Blaberus giganteus
The giant cave roach is a intermediate-level cockroach from Central and northern South America. Adults reach Body 7.5–10 cm and live 1–2 years in captivity. Colony species.
- Enclosure 45 × 30 × 30 cm
- Temp 26–30°C
- Humidity 60–70%
How much does a giant cave roach cost in Canada?
Giant cave roach quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- Body 7.5–10 cm
- Lifespan
- 1–2 years
- Activity
- Nocturnal
- Native range
- 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
- 26–30°C
- Humidity
- 60–70%
- UVB
- Not needed
- Diet
- Omnivore – vegetables, fruit, roach chow
- Bioactive style
- Invertebrate colony
Giant cave 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 Mix8 cm
Leaf litter is food here, not decoration – keep a thick layer topped up. Keep one side damper than the other.
Temperature: 26–30°C. Humidity: 60–70%. UVB: Not needed.
What does a giant cave roach eat?
Omnivore – vegetables, fruit, roach chow. Keep dry chow available and offer fresh produce 2–3 times weekly.
Handling, temperament & health
Docile adults handle well; nymphs burrow.
Health watch: Needs consistent warmth to breed; colonies stall below 25°C.
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 cave roach bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (45 × 30 × 30 cm).
Giant cave roach FAQ
Is the giant cave roach good for beginners?
The giant cave roach is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Docile adults handle well; nymphs burrow.
What size enclosure does a giant cave 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 giant cave roach cost in Canada?
Typically $30–60 CAD to buy, about $150–260 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $40–80 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a giant cave roach need?
Temperature: 26–30°C. Humidity: 60–70%.
What does a giant cave roach eat?
Omnivore – vegetables, fruit, roach chow. 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.