Invertebrate · Isopod

Panda king isopod care guide

Cubaris sp. 'Panda King'

Advanced

The panda king isopod is a advanced-level isopod from Thailand. Adults reach Body 1.5–2 cm and live 2–3 years in captivity. Slow-breeding, high-value Cubaris; give cork bark, moss and constant humidity.

  • Enclosure 30 × 20 × 20 cm
  • Temp 22–26°C
  • Humidity 75–90%
Plan this build Best plants for this animal

How much does a panda king isopod cost in Canada?

Animal$150–400Typical captive-bred price
Bioactive enclosure$100–170Enclosure $30–60 · equipment $20–40 · bioactive supplies ≈ $60
Yearly upkeep$30–60Food, supplements, bulbs, power, vet fund
First year total$280–630All prices CAD, estimates

Panda king isopod quick facts

Skill level
Advanced
Adult size
Body 1.5–2 cm
Lifespan
2–3 years
Activity
Nocturnal
Native range
Thailand
Minimum enclosure
30 × 20 × 20 cm (12 × 8 × 8 in, ≈ 3 US gal)
Housing
A colony species – best kept in a group.
Temperature
22–26°C
Humidity
75–90%
UVB
Not needed
Diet
Detritivore – leaf litter, rotting wood, moss, protein
Bioactive style
Invertebrate colony

Panda king 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.

  1. Leaf litter2 cm
  2. 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: 22–26°C. Humidity: 75–90%. UVB: Not needed.

What does a panda king isopod eat?

Detritivore – leaf litter, rotting wood, moss, protein. Keep leaf litter and rotting wood available and offer protein weekly.

Handling, temperament & health

Delicate showpiece; avoid handling.

Health watch: Sensitive to drying out and heat above 27°C.

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 panda king isopod bioactive

Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (30 × 20 × 20 cm).

Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix Bioactive soil layer, 8 cm Qty: 2 × 3Lfrom $12.99 Red Oak Leaves 15/Pack Red Oak Leaves 15/Pack Leaf litter – food and cover for the clean-up crew Qty: 1 pack$10.99 Dry Sphagnum Moss 100g Pack Dry Sphagnum Moss 100g Pack Sphagnum (humid corner) Qty: 1$17.99 Cork Bark Flats Cork Bark Flats Hides, breeding sites and a food source Qty: 2 × Smallfrom $7.99

Panda king isopod FAQ

Is the panda king isopod good for beginners?

The panda king isopod is an advanced species – best for experienced keepers. Delicate showpiece; avoid handling.

What size enclosure does a panda king 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 panda king isopod cost in Canada?

Typically $150–400 CAD to buy, about $100–170 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $30–60 CAD a year to keep.

What temperature and humidity does a panda king isopod need?

Temperature: 22–26°C. Humidity: 75–90%.

What does a panda king isopod eat?

Detritivore – leaf litter, rotting wood, moss, protein. Keep leaf litter and rotting wood available and offer protein weekly.

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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.