Beginner Isopods: The Best Species to Start With
New to isopods? Start with a species that forgives mistakes. These are hardy, breed quickly and are easy to keep in a simple plastic tub, so you'll see babies within weeks.
Our top first picks are Magic Potion (Armadillidium vulgare) and Mandarin (Cubaris murina), or one of our starter bundles. Once you've got a thriving colony, the moderate-care Cubaris further down this page make a great next step.
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Ready for the next step?
Once your first colony is thriving, these moderate-care Cubaris are a great next species.
Questions
What is the easiest isopod to keep?
Magic Potion (Armadillidium vulgare) is about as easy as it gets: it copes with room temperature, a range of humidity and breeds fast.
What do I need to start?
A plastic tub with small vents, organic substrate, leaf litter, some bark and cuttlebone. Our beginner's guide walks through it step by step.
Are isopods good pets for children?
Yes, with adult supervision. They're quiet, don't bite, need little space and are fascinating to watch. Handle gently and keep the tub out of direct sun.