Panda King Isopods: Simple Care Guide + Best Places to Buy

As an enthusiast of terrariums and all the tiny creatures that inhabit them, I’m excited to share my knowledge about one of the most fascinating isopods out there: the Cubaris Panda King. If you’re interested in learning more about these little critters and how to care for them, you’ve come to the right place.

I’ve been keeping and breeding these creatures for years and have gained a wealth of knowledge about their needs, habits, and unique characteristics. In this article, you’ll learn to care for the Cubaris Panda King, in a detailed yet simple manner. I’ll also provide a list of popular vendors that sell them internationally.

Enjoy!

Sources:

When you buy the Cubaris Panda King, you’ll typically receive 10-25 juvenile isopods, and a culture start-up system of peat moss, isopod food, and oak leaves. Everything you need to get started.

Here are the most popular, and some of the cheapest vendors that you can shop from:

Appearance

a picture of a panda next next to a picture of the panda king isopods

The Panda King is a unique species of isopod that is highly sought after by terrarium enthusiasts due to its distinct black-and-white coloring. They typically grow to be around 2 cm in length and 1 cm in width, with a slightly curved body shape. The black and white coloration of the Panda King isopod is not only striking, but it also serves as a natural form of camouflage in the wild.

Panda Kings are sexually dimorphic, meaning males and females have different physical characteristics. Males are generally larger than females, and they have broader pleopods (the appendages on their underside used for swimming). Females, on the other hand, have a slightly wider body shape, which allows them to carry and protect their young.

Care Instructions

Here’s everything you need to know about caring for these amazing creatures.

Habitat

To create a suitable habitat for Panda King Isopods, you will need to replicate their natural environment as closely as possible. The best way to do this is by using a terrarium. Here are some tips for creating a habitat for your Panda King Isopods:

Substrate: The substrate is an essential component of the habitat. The substrate should be damp and must have good moisture retention properties. A mix of organic materials such as peat moss, coconut coir, and sphagnum moss can be used. Avoid using substrates with high levels of calcium, as they can lead to the formation of hard exoskeletons in your isopods.
Hiding spots: Panda King Isopods love to hide, so make sure to provide them with plenty of hiding spots. Use natural materials like cork bark, rocks, and wood to create hiding spots for your isopods. This will provide them with a sense of security and help them feel more comfortable in their environment.
Temperature: Panda King Isopods thrive in temperatures between 68°F to 78°F. Avoid placing your terrarium in direct sunlight, as this can cause the temperature to rise too high.
Lighting: Panda King Isopods are nocturnal, so they do not require any special lighting. However, providing a low-level light source can help them feel more comfortable in their habitat.

Feeding

Feeding Panda King Isopods is easy, and they are not picky eaters. You can feed them a variety of foods, including:

leaf litter (from oak, maple, or other deciduous trees)
fruits (any)
vegetables (any)
commercial isopod diets
fish food

One of the best ways to feed your Panda Kings is to scatter the food across the substrate in their enclosure. This allows them to forage for their food, just like they would in the wild.

It’s important to ensure that their food is fresh and not spoiled.

When feeding your Panda Kings, make sure to remove any uneaten food after a day or two. This helps prevent mold and other harmful bacteria from growing in their enclosure.

You don’t need to feed your Panda King Isopods every day, however, it’s a good idea to provide fresh food at least once a week to ensure their nutritional needs are met.

Maintenance

Panda King Isopods are relatively low-maintenance pets, but there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure their health and happiness.

Cleaning: Regularly clean the terrarium by removing any uneaten food, feces, or dead plant matter. This will prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and ensure that your isopods have a clean environment to live in.
Substrate: It is important to maintain the substrate in the terrarium. Keep it moist and replace it periodically to prevent mold growth.
Observation: Monitor your isopods regularly to ensure that they are healthy and active. If you notice any changes in behavior or appearance, such as lethargy, lack of appetite, or discoloration, it may be a sign of an underlying health issue.

Breeding

The Panda King isopods are prolific breeders, and you can expect them to breed very rapidly once they settle down in their new environment.

If you keep them in good conditions, as we discussed, you will not have any problems.

Here are some important things to keep in mind when breeding Panda King Isopods:

Age and Maturity

Panda King Isopods reach sexual maturity at around six months of age. Before breeding, ensure that your isopods have reached this age to avoid stunted growth and unviable offspring.

Temperature and Humidity

Temperature and humidity play a crucial role in the breeding process of Panda King Isopods. The ideal temperature for breeding is between 72-78°F, and the humidity should be maintained at around 80%. Ensure that your isopods have access to moist hides and substrate to provide the necessary moisture.

Feeding

Providing a balanced diet rich in protein and calcium is essential for breeding Panda King Isopods. Offer them a variety of foods, such as leaf litter, fish food, and decaying wood. Feeding them every other day will provide them with the necessary nutrients for successful breeding.

Encouraging Breeding

Providing plenty of hiding places and substrate will encourage breeding. You can also add more females to the breeding group to increase the chances of successful breeding. With the right conditions, your Panda King Isopods should begin breeding and producing offspring in no time.

Conclusion

If you’re interested in terrariums and tiny creatures, the Cubaris Panda King isopod is a unique species worth considering. These isopods are highly sought after for their distinct black-and-white coloring, and they are relatively low maintenance as pets. Providing them with suitable a habitat, fresh food, and regular monitoring can help ensure their health and happiness. With the right conditions, they can reproduce rapidly. Overall, the Panda King isopod is a fascinating and rewarding pet for enthusiasts who are willing to provide the care they need.