Cubaris murina “glacier”

Technical Data Sheet: Cubaris murina glacier Isopod

Scientific Name: Cubaris murina glacier
Family: Armadillidae
Common Name: Cubaris Murina Glacier Isopod

Main Characteristics

• Size: Adults reach between 8-10 mm in length.
• Coloration: Features a white or light gray color, resembling ice or glaciers, with uniform tones that make them visually appealing.
• Shape: Oval body capable of rolling completely into a ball for protection.

Natural Habitat

• Origin: Tropical and subtropical regions of Southeast Asia.
• Conditions: Humid and shaded environments, such as forest floors or areas with abundant decomposing leaf litter.

Care Parameters

• Humidity: 70-90%. The substrate must always remain moist but not waterlogged.
• Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F), avoiding abrupt changes.
• Lighting: Low or indirect light, as they prefer dark environments.
• Substrate: Rich organic soil like coconut fiber, leaf litter, and sphagnum moss.

Diet

• Omnivorous-detritivorous. Their diet includes:
  • Dry leaves (oak, beech).
  • Fresh fruits and vegetables (zucchini, carrots).
  • Calcium supplements (cuttlefish bone or crushed eggshell).

Behavior and Reproduction

• Behavior: Calm and gregarious species, often forming large colonies in captivity.
• Reproduction: They reproduce easily under optimal conditions. Females carry their offspring in a ventral pouch until they hatch.

Uses and Benefits

• Ideal for terrariums and paludariums as part of the clean-up crew.
• Contribute to the recycling of organic matter in closed ecosystems.

Additional Notes

• They are non-toxic and pose no risk to other terrarium inhabitants.
• Avoid overcrowding by providing sufficient space and food.

Warning: This isopod requires specific care to thrive, making it unsuitable for beginners without prior knowledge of isopod care.