Invertebrate · Isopod
Magic potion isopod care guide
Armadillidium vulgare 'Magic Potion'
The magic potion isopod is a intermediate-level isopod from Captive-bred colour form (species from Europe). Adults reach Body 1.2–1.8 cm and live 2–3 years in captivity. Colony species.
- Enclosure 30 × 20 × 20 cm
- Temp 18–25°C
- Humidity 60–75%
How much does a magic potion isopod cost in Canada?
Magic potion isopod quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- Body 1.2–1.8 cm
- Lifespan
- 2–3 years
- Activity
- Nocturnal
- Native range
- Captive-bred colour form (species from Europe)
- Minimum enclosure
- 30 × 20 × 20 cm (12 × 8 × 8 in, ≈ 3 US gal)
- Housing
- A colony species – best kept in a group.
- Temperature
- 18–25°C
- Humidity
- 60–75%
- UVB
- Not needed
- Diet
- Detritivore – leaf litter, rotting wood, vegetables, calcium
- Bioactive style
- Invertebrate colony
Magic potion 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: 18–25°C. Humidity: 60–75%. UVB: Not needed.
What does a magic potion isopod eat?
Detritivore – leaf litter, rotting wood, vegetables, calcium. Keep leaf litter and calcium available and add vegetables and protein weekly.
Handling, temperament & health
Rolls into a ball and tolerates gentle handling.
Health watch: Keep isolated from other A. vulgare to preserve the colour line.
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 magic potion isopod bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (30 × 20 × 20 cm).
Magic potion isopod FAQ
Is the magic potion isopod good for beginners?
The magic potion isopod is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Rolls into a ball and tolerates gentle handling.
What size enclosure does a magic potion 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 magic potion isopod cost in Canada?
Typically $40–80 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 magic potion isopod need?
Temperature: 18–25°C. Humidity: 60–75%.
What does a magic potion isopod eat?
Detritivore – leaf litter, rotting wood, vegetables, calcium. Keep leaf litter and calcium available and add vegetables and protein 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.