Invertebrate · Isopod
Giant orange isopod care guide
Porcellio expansus
The giant orange isopod is a intermediate-level isopod from Southern Spain, Morocco. Adults reach Body 2–3 cm and live 2–3 years in captivity. One of the largest Porcellio; give plenty of bark hides and a dry end.
- Enclosure 30 × 20 × 20 cm
- Temp 20–26°C
- Humidity 60–75% with a dry end
How much does a giant orange isopod cost in Canada?
Giant orange isopod quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- Body 2–3 cm
- Lifespan
- 2–3 years
- Activity
- Nocturnal
- Native range
- Southern Spain, Morocco
- Minimum enclosure
- 30 × 20 × 20 cm (12 × 8 × 8 in, ≈ 3 US gal)
- Housing
- A colony species – best kept in a group.
- Temperature
- 20–26°C
- Humidity
- 60–75% with a dry end
- UVB
- Not needed
- Diet
- Detritivore – leaf litter, rotting wood, vegetables, protein
- Bioactive style
- Invertebrate colony
Giant orange isopod enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 30 × 20 × 20 cm (12 × 8 × 8 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: 20–26°C. Humidity: 60–75% with a dry end. UVB: Not needed.
What does a giant orange isopod eat?
Detritivore – leaf litter, rotting wood, vegetables, protein. Keep leaf litter available and offer vegetables and protein 1–2 times weekly.
Handling, temperament & health
Large and calm; handle gently.
Health watch: Needs good ventilation; stagnant humid air causes losses.
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 orange isopod bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (30 × 20 × 20 cm).
Giant orange isopod FAQ
Is the giant orange isopod good for beginners?
The giant orange isopod is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Large and calm; handle gently.
What size enclosure does a giant orange isopod need?
At least 30 × 20 × 20 cm (about 12 × 8 × 8 inches, roughly 3 US gallons) for one adult. A colony species – best kept in a group.
How much does a giant orange isopod cost in Canada?
Typically $60–120 CAD to buy, about $100–170 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $20–50 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a giant orange isopod need?
Temperature: 20–26°C. Humidity: 60–75% with a dry end.
What does a giant orange isopod eat?
Detritivore – leaf litter, rotting wood, vegetables, protein. Keep leaf litter available and offer vegetables and protein 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.