Zebra Isopods

The classic zebra isopod: bold black-and-white stripes on a big, chunky roller. Hardy, active and out in the open, they're one of the best display species in the hobby and a great clean-up crew for drier and room-temperature setups.

Choose a pack

One £7.95 next-day delivery per order · first order? code KERNOW10 = 10% off

Data sheet

• Scientific nameArmadillidium maculatum
• Adult sizeup to 1.5–1.8 cm
• OriginCaptive bred (CB) in Cornwall, UK
• DistributionSouthern France (Mediterranean)
• Temperature18–24 °C
• HumidityModerate, with one damp hide
• Breeding rateModerate
• Care level★★☆☆☆ (2/5, easy)

How to keep Zebra isopods

• Hardy and beginner-friendly: room temperature is fine.
• Likes a drier tub than Cubaris, with one damp corner of moss.
• Give them cuttlebone: Armadillidium need plenty of calcium for their thick shells.
• Feed leaf litter and decaying hardwood as a staple, with cuttlebone for calcium and a small pinch of protein (fish flakes or dried shrimp) once a week.
• Use a tub with small vents and deep organic substrate (topsoil, coco fibre, leaf litter), with cork bark for hides.

Read next

• How to Start an Isopod Colony (UK Beginner's Guide)
• Best Isopods for a Clean-Up Crew (Geckos, Frogs & Tarantulas)
• What Do Isopods Eat? A Complete Feeding Guide (UK)

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