Invertebrate · Cockroach
Lobster roach care guide
Nauphoeta cinerea
The lobster roach is a beginner-level cockroach from East Africa (now pantropical). Adults reach Body 2.5–3 cm and live 1 year in captivity. Prolific feeder; needs a barrier and secure lid as they climb and escape.
- Enclosure 45 × 30 × 30 cm
- Temp 26–32°C
- Humidity 40–60%
How much does a lobster roach cost in Canada?
Lobster roach quick facts
- Skill level
- Beginner
- Adult size
- Body 2.5–3 cm
- Lifespan
- 1 year
- Activity
- Nocturnal
- Native range
- East Africa (now pantropical)
- Minimum enclosure
- 45 × 30 × 30 cm (18 × 12 × 12 in, ≈ 11 US gal)
- Housing
- A colony species – best kept in a group.
- Temperature
- 26–32°C
- Humidity
- 40–60%
- UVB
- Not needed
- Diet
- Omnivore – roach chow, vegetables, fruit
- Bioactive style
- Invertebrate colony
Lobster 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 Mix3 cm
Leaf litter is food here, not decoration – keep a thick layer topped up. Keep one side damper than the other.
Temperature: 26–32°C. Humidity: 40–60%. UVB: Not needed.
What does a lobster roach eat?
Omnivore – roach chow, vegetables, fruit. Keep dry chow available and offer produce or water crystals 2–3 times weekly.
Handling, temperament & health
Fast and can climb smooth surfaces; not a handling species.
Health watch: Colonies crash in wet, mouldy conditions.
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 lobster roach bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (45 × 30 × 30 cm).
Lobster roach FAQ
Is the lobster roach good for beginners?
Yes – the lobster roach is a good choice for beginners. Fast and can climb smooth surfaces; not a handling species.
What size enclosure does a lobster 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 lobster roach cost in Canada?
Typically $20–40 CAD to buy, about $140–250 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $50–100 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a lobster roach need?
Temperature: 26–32°C. Humidity: 40–60%.
What does a lobster roach eat?
Omnivore – roach chow, vegetables, fruit. Keep dry chow available and offer produce or water crystals 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.