Last Updated on November 14, 2022 by Mamoona Mushtaq
If you’re a pet enthusiast or have been reading the latest on animal husbandry, you’ve likely heard about the unique, funky crustaceans known as isopods. You know about the benefits they can provide for any vivarium you may want to enrich, or you simply want a new, cool pet. However, you’re still stuck on what exactly would make a good first choice of isopod to own. You know that some are more difficult to breed and own than others, and you want to make sure that you’re making a good investment.
Fortunately, this guide with five good choices for beginner isopod species is here to help hopefully get you on the right track.
Powder Orange/Blue
With a fast reproduction rate and measuring in at just over half an inch, these isopods are known to make an easy to care for, versatile pet. While you may see these crustaceans listed under different names, they are actually the same species, but with different coloration. In other words, you can indeed breed them together. However, the “blue” gene is recessive, meaning that you can expect to see more orange isopods running around in your colony.
With their bodies being of a moderate thickness, they also make a great, easy to eat snack for a variety of other animals.
Dairy Cow
With their trademark black spotting on their white shell and growing to be just under an inch, it’s not difficult to see where the dairy cow isopod got its name. Like the other entries on this list, these are undemanding, hardy pets.
Armadillidium Peraccae
Native to Greece and surrounding mediterranean region, the Armadillidium Peraccae (common name Peracca’s Pill Woodlouse) is a frequent first choice for many isopod keepers. This is due to their naturally fast rate of reproduction, and the fact that they get fairly large at .70 inches. They may not be the flashiest isopod in the world, but they will certainly be of great use for whatever you need them for.
Sevilla
Now, for those looking for something a little bit more complicated and exotic than some of the other entries on this list while still being relatively beginner friendly, let us introduce the Sevilla. These isopods originate from the spanish Porcellio variety, meaning that they can thrive in similar conditions that you would be using to raise isopods in. While their reproduction rate does lend towards the slower side, these crustaceans are still sturdy, manageable pets.
Panda King
Yes, it’s true that isopods in the Cubaris sp family tend to be a bit harder to keep than many other varieties. However, the Panda King isopod is known to be able to adapt to a variety of conditions that others simply wouldn’t be able to thrive and proliferate in. While – like the Sevilla – they are a bit slow to proliferate, they would be a fine first option for anyone looking to dabble with the sometimes infamous Cubaris sp family.
Final Thoughts
The world of isopods for sale is weird, wonderful, and varied as the people who keep and raise them. If you are looking to raise isopods for yourself and possibly considering a breeding program, you have a variety of excellent options to work with. Additionally, you will have a wonderful community behind you to assist you with what you need.
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