Invertebrate · Cockroach
Madagascar hissing cockroach care guide
Gromphadorhina portentosa
The madagascar hissing cockroach is a beginner-level cockroach from Madagascar. Adults reach Body 5–7.5 cm and live 2–5 years in captivity. Colony species. Escape-proof lid needed.
- Enclosure 45 × 30 × 30 cm
- Temp 24–30°C
- Humidity 50–70%
How much does a madagascar hissing cockroach cost in Canada?
Madagascar hissing cockroach quick facts
- Skill level
- Beginner
- Adult size
- Body 5–7.5 cm
- Lifespan
- 2–5 years
- Activity
- Nocturnal
- Native range
- Madagascar
- Minimum enclosure
- 45 × 30 × 30 cm (18 × 12 × 12 in, ≈ 11 US gal)
- Housing
- A colony species – best kept in a group.
- Temperature
- 24–30°C
- Humidity
- 50–70%
- UVB
- Not needed
- Diet
- Omnivore – vegetables, fruit, dry dog or roach chow
- Bioactive style
- Invertebrate colony
Madagascar hissing cockroach 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 Mix5 cm
Leaf litter is food here, not decoration – keep a thick layer topped up. Keep one side damper than the other.
Temperature: 24–30°C. Humidity: 50–70%. UVB: Not needed.
What does a madagascar hissing cockroach eat?
Omnivore – vegetables, fruit, dry dog or roach chow. Offer fresh produce 2–3 times weekly with dry food and a water source always available.
Handling, temperament & health
Docile and great for handling; hisses when disturbed.
Health watch: Phoretic mites are harmless; watch for dehydration and overcrowding.
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 madagascar hissing cockroach bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (45 × 30 × 30 cm).
Madagascar hissing cockroach FAQ
Is the madagascar hissing cockroach good for beginners?
Yes – the madagascar hissing cockroach is a good choice for beginners. Docile and great for handling; hisses when disturbed.
What size enclosure does a madagascar hissing cockroach 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 madagascar hissing cockroach cost in Canada?
Typically $5–15 CAD to buy, about $140–250 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $30–60 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a madagascar hissing cockroach need?
Temperature: 24–30°C. Humidity: 50–70%.
What does a madagascar hissing cockroach eat?
Omnivore – vegetables, fruit, dry dog or roach chow. Offer fresh produce 2–3 times weekly with dry food and a water source always available.
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.