Introduction
Cubaris isopods are among the most coveted species in the hobby — and for good reason. With their bold patterning, fascinating behaviour, and slightly more specialist care requirements, they represent a wonderful step up for keepers ready to go beyond the beginner species. In this guide we'll cover everything you need to keep your Mandarin, Black Panda, and King Panda Cubaris thriving.
About Cubaris
Cubaris is a genus of isopods native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia. Unlike the more forgiving Porcellio species, Cubaris prefer warmer, more humid conditions and are generally considered intermediate to advanced — though with the right setup they are very rewarding to keep. They are slower breeders than Porcellio laevis, but their striking appearance and behaviour more than make up for it.
The three species we stock are:
- Mandarin (Cubaris murina) — orange and white patterning, the most widely kept Cubaris species
- Black Panda (Cubaris sp.) — striking black and white contrast
- King Panda (Cubaris sp.) — larger, bolder patterning, highly sought after
Enclosure
- A well-ventilated tub or tank — less ventilation than Porcellio species; Cubaris need humidity to thrive
- Secure lids are essential — they are excellent escape artists
- For display, a glass tank with minimal ventilation works beautifully
- See our full How to Set Up an Isopod Enclosure guide for a step-by-step walkthrough
Substrate
Cubaris need a rich, moisture-retaining substrate. Use:
- Organic compost as your base — deep layer of 8–10cm minimum
- Worm castings — boosts nutrition and microfauna
- Shredded leaf litter — food and structure
- Rotten white wood — hides and a slow-release food source
- Crushed oyster shells — essential calcium for moulting
Keep the substrate consistently moist throughout — unlike Porcellio, Cubaris do not thrive with a dry side. The substrate should feel damp but never waterlogged.
Top dress generously with leaf litter and add cork bark and botanicals for enrichment.
Temperature & Humidity
- Temperature: 22–28°C — this is critical. Cubaris are tropical and will decline in cool UK rooms without supplemental heat. A heat mat on the side of the enclosure (never underneath) works well.
- Humidity: High — keep substrate consistently moist
- Avoid temperatures below 20°C or above 30°C
Feeding
- Leaf litter as a staple — oak, beech, and magnolia
- Vegetables: courgette, carrot, sweet potato (remove within 48 hours)
- Protein: fish flakes or dried shrimp once or twice a week — Cubaris particularly benefit from regular protein
- Calcium: crushed oyster shell or cuttlebone always available
- Botanicals: they love foraging on botanicals such as Bakuli pods, Alder cones, and Casuarina cones
Breeding
Cubaris are slower breeders than Porcellio but breed reliably in good conditions. Females carry eggs in a brood pouch and release fully formed mancae. Warmth is the single biggest factor — colonies kept at 24–26°C will breed far more consistently than those kept cooler. Be patient; a thriving Cubaris colony is well worth the wait.
Differences Between the Three Species
| Mandarin | Black Panda | King Panda | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Species | Cubaris murina | Cubaris sp. | Cubaris sp. |
| Size | Small–medium | Medium | Medium–large |
| Difficulty | Intermediate | Intermediate | Intermediate–Advanced |
| Breeding speed | Moderate | Moderate | Slower |
| Humidity | High | High | High |
| Temperature | 22–28°C | 22–28°C | 24–28°C |
Tips for Success
- Heat is non-negotiable — this is the number one reason Cubaris colonies fail in the UK
- Add springtails to help manage mould, which is more common in high-humidity setups
- Don't disturb the colony too frequently — Cubaris are more sensitive to stress than Porcellio
- Botanicals make a big difference to their enrichment and wellbeing
Quick Reference
| Care Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Species | Cubaris murina, Cubaris sp. |
| Morphs/Species | Mandarin, Black Panda, King Panda |
| Temperature | 22–28°C (supplemental heat recommended) |
| Humidity | High — consistently moist substrate |
| Substrate | Organic compost, worm castings, leaf litter, rotten wood, crushed oyster shell — 8–10cm |
| Feeding | Leaf litter, veg, protein, calcium, botanicals |
| Breeding | Moderate — slower than Porcellio |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
Final Thoughts
Cubaris are a step up from beginner species, but with the right setup they are incredibly rewarding. Get the temperature and humidity right, keep them well-fed, and you'll have a stunning, thriving colony. Shop our Mandarin, Black Panda, and King Panda Cubaris — all UK-bred and dispatched with our Live Arrival Guarantee.