Invertebrate · Cockroach
Surinam roach care guide
Pycnoscelus surinamensis
The surinam roach is a beginner-level cockroach from Southeast Asia (now pantropical). Adults reach Body 1.8–2.5 cm and live 1 year in captivity. All-female burrowing clean-up crew for tropical bioactives; can uproot seedlings.
- Enclosure 30 × 20 × 20 cm
- Temp 24–30°C
- Humidity 60–80%
How much does a surinam roach cost in Canada?
Surinam roach quick facts
- Skill level
- Beginner
- Adult size
- Body 1.8–2.5 cm
- Lifespan
- 1 year
- Activity
- Nocturnal
- Native range
- Southeast Asia (now pantropical)
- Minimum enclosure
- 30 × 20 × 20 cm (12 × 8 × 8 in, ≈ 3 US gal)
- Housing
- A colony species – best kept in a group.
- Temperature
- 24–30°C
- Humidity
- 60–80%
- UVB
- Not needed
- Diet
- Omnivore – leaf litter, rotting wood, fruit, roach chow
- Bioactive style
- Invertebrate colony
Surinam roach 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: 24–30°C. Humidity: 60–80%. UVB: Not needed.
What does a surinam roach eat?
Omnivore – leaf litter, rotting wood, fruit, roach chow. Keep leaf litter available and add fruit and dry food weekly.
Handling, temperament & health
Burrowing and harmless; rarely seen.
Health watch: Colonies decline in dry substrate.
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 surinam roach bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (30 × 20 × 20 cm).
Surinam roach FAQ
Is the surinam roach good for beginners?
Yes – the surinam roach is a good choice for beginners. Burrowing and harmless; rarely seen.
What size enclosure does a surinam roach 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 surinam roach cost in Canada?
Typically $15–30 CAD to buy, about $120–220 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $10–30 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a surinam roach need?
Temperature: 24–30°C. Humidity: 60–80%.
What does a surinam roach eat?
Omnivore – leaf litter, rotting wood, fruit, roach chow. Keep leaf litter available and add fruit and dry food 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.