Rubber ducky isopod (Cubaris sp. 'Rubber Ducky')
Photo: feklee / CC0 · via Wikimedia Commons

Invertebrate · Isopod

Rubber ducky isopod care guide

Cubaris sp. 'Rubber Ducky'

Advanced

The rubber ducky isopod is a advanced-level isopod from Thailand (cave/limestone habitat). Adults reach Body 1.2–1.5 cm and live 2–3 years in captivity. Slow-breeding showpiece colony. Needs high humidity.

  • Enclosure 30 × 20 × 20 cm
  • Temp 22–26°C
  • Humidity 75–90%

How much does a rubber ducky isopod cost in Canada?

Animal$80–200Typical 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$210–430All prices CAD, estimates

Rubber ducky isopod quick facts

Skill level
Advanced
Adult size
Body 1.2–1.5 cm
Lifespan
2–3 years
Activity
Nocturnal
Native range
Thailand (cave/limestone habitat)
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

Rubber ducky 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 rubber ducky isopod eat?

Detritivore – leaf litter, rotting wood, moss, protein. Provide leaf litter and soft rotting wood constantly with small protein offerings weekly.

Handling, temperament & health

Delicate showpiece; avoid handling and disturbing the colony.

Health watch: Sensitive to drying out and to temperature spikes 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 rubber ducky isopod bioactive

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

Rubber ducky isopod FAQ

Is the rubber ducky isopod good for beginners?

The rubber ducky isopod is an advanced species – best for experienced keepers. Delicate showpiece; avoid handling and disturbing the colony.

What size enclosure does a rubber ducky 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 rubber ducky isopod cost in Canada?

Typically $80–200 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 rubber ducky isopod need?

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

What does a rubber ducky isopod eat?

Detritivore – leaf litter, rotting wood, moss, protein. Provide leaf litter and soft rotting wood constantly with small protein offerings 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.