Invertebrate · Isopod
Hoffmannsegg's isopod care guide
Porcellio hoffmannseggi
The hoffmannsegg's isopod is a intermediate-level isopod from Spain, Portugal. Adults reach Body 3–4 cm and live 3–4 years in captivity. Large, slow-breeding Porcellio; extra protein reduces cannibalism of moulting animals.
- Enclosure 30 × 20 × 20 cm
- Temp 20–26°C
- Humidity 50–70% with a dry end
How much does a hoffmannsegg's isopod cost in Canada?
Hoffmannsegg's isopod quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- Body 3–4 cm
- Lifespan
- 3–4 years
- Activity
- Nocturnal
- Native range
- Spain, Portugal
- 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
- 50–70% with a dry end
- UVB
- Not needed
- Diet
- Detritivore – leaf litter, rotting wood, vegetables, high protein
- Bioactive style
- Invertebrate colony
Hoffmannsegg's 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: 50–70% with a dry end. UVB: Not needed.
What does a hoffmannsegg's isopod eat?
Detritivore – leaf litter, rotting wood, vegetables, high protein. Keep leaf litter available and offer vegetables and protein twice weekly.
Handling, temperament & health
Large and robust; tolerates gentle handling.
Health watch: Prone to losses in overly wet setups without airflow.
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 hoffmannsegg's isopod bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (30 × 20 × 20 cm).
Hoffmannsegg's isopod FAQ
Is the hoffmannsegg's isopod good for beginners?
The hoffmannsegg's isopod is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Large and robust; tolerates gentle handling.
What size enclosure does a hoffmannsegg's 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 hoffmannsegg's isopod cost in Canada?
Typically $80–200 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 hoffmannsegg's isopod need?
Temperature: 20–26°C. Humidity: 50–70% with a dry end.
What does a hoffmannsegg's isopod eat?
Detritivore – leaf litter, rotting wood, vegetables, high protein. Keep leaf litter available and offer vegetables and protein twice 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.