10-12 Count per Culture

The Papaya Isopod, scientifically known as Cubaris murina, is a delightful little crustacean prized for its vibrant coloration and ease of care. They're a popular choice for bioactive setups and among isopod enthusiasts, adding a pop of color and serving as helpful detritivores. Here's a comprehensive overview:  

Appearance:

• Size: They're relatively small, reaching about 1 cm in length.  

• Color: Their most distinctive feature is their bright orange-yellow coloration, reminiscent of a ripe papaya, hence their name.

• Body: Like other isopods, they have a segmented body with seven pairs of legs and two antennae.

Habitat and Care:

• Enclosure: A small container with good ventilation is sufficient for these tiny isopods. A plastic tub or even a glass jar can work.  

• Substrate: They thrive in a moist environment with a substrate that retains moisture, such as coconut coir, sphagnum moss, and leaf litter.  

• Humidity: High humidity is crucial for Papaya Isopods. Regular misting is necessary to keep the substrate damp.

• Temperature: They prefer temperatures between 70-80°F (21-27°C).  

• Hiding Spots: Provide plenty of hiding spots like cork bark, leaf litter, or small pieces of wood.  

Diet:

• Detritivores: They primarily feed on decaying organic matter like leaf litter, wood, and vegetable scraps.  

• Supplementation: You can supplement their diet with occasional feedings of fruits, vegetables, and protein sources like dried shrimp or fish flakes.  

Benefits in Bioactive Setups:

• Clean-up Crew: They are excellent for bioactive terrariums and vivariums, acting as a "clean-up crew" by consuming waste and decaying matter.  

• Soil Aeration: Their burrowing activity helps aerate the soil, which is beneficial for plants.

• Nutrient Cycling: They contribute to nutrient cycling by breaking down organic matter, making essential elements available to plants.  

Breeding:

• Relatively Easy: They are relatively easy to breed in captivity with proper conditions.  

Interesting Facts:

• Social Creatures: They are social animals and prefer to live in groups.

• Nocturnal: They are most active at night.

• Hardy: They are known for being relatively hardy and adaptable to different conditions.