Panda King Isopods — Cubaris sp.

Panda King Isopods — Cubaris sp. “Panda King”

They’re hardy for a Cubaris and moderately prolific once established, with their bold black-and-white markings making them one of the most recognizable isopods in the hobby. Panda Kings thrive in a warm, humid environment with moisture-retaining substrate, plenty of leaf litter, decaying hardwood and sheltered hiding places. They’re an excellent choice for keepers looking to move into tropical Cubaris species. 🦎🐼

🌍 Origin: Panda Kings are generally associated with Vietnam, particularly humid forest and limestone/karst environments. However, because Cubaris “Panda King” is not yet formally described as a species, the exact wild range isn't scientifically confirmed. Some trade sources also report Thailand, so I would list Southeast Asia — primarily Vietnam on your website rather than claiming a definitive locality.

Best suited to warm, humid bioactive enclosures, with a clear moisture gradient. They need considerably more humidity than your Armadillidium species and should not be allowed to dry out completely.

A good setup is:

• 💧 Moisture: Keep the substrate consistently moist, with a slightly drier area available. The enclosure should be damp but never waterlogged.
• 🌿 Humidity: Approximately 70–85% humidity works well, with enough ventilation to prevent stagnant air and mold.
• 🍂 Food: Leaf litter and decaying hardwood should always be available. Supplement with vegetables and occasional protein such as dried shrimp, fish flakes or other suitable isopod food.
• 🪵 Hides & substrate: Provide 5–8 cm (2–3 inches) of moisture-retaining substrate, with plenty of leaf litter, cork bark, decaying wood and moss. They enjoy burrowing and will often congregate beneath bark and other hides.
• 🦴 Calcium: Provide a constant calcium source such as cuttlebone, limestone or calcium carbonate. Limestone is particularly useful for this cave-associated group.
• 🌡️ Temperature: Approximately 21–27°C (70–81°F), with around 22–26°C (72–79°F) being a comfortable target. Avoid prolonged excessive heat.
• 📏 Adult Size: Approximately 1–1.5 cm (⅓–½ inch).

Panda Kings are shy and often spend considerable time under the substrate, leaf litter and bark, particularly when a colony is small. Once established, they can reproduce quite reliably compared with many other Cubaris species.

They’re a great choice for someone ready to step up from beginner species such as Powder Blues or Dairy Cows. They require more consistent humidity and temperature, but are considered one of the more forgiving and accessible Cubaris in the hobby.

Warm & humid • Striking black-and-white pattern • Burrowing species • Great display isopod • Excellent clean-up crew

*10 Isopods