Armadillidium Gestroi is a large robust isopod and is among the handful that are pleasantly daytime active. They have 3-4 rows of blazing bright yellow splotching running down the length of the pereon and pleon sections that contrast nicely on their jet black base coloring. It is believed this bold coloration is an adaption mimicking the markings of venomous animals that serves a visual warning to predators to keep away. But no worries, Gestroi isopods are completely harmless. They are generally easy to keep and make an aesthetically pleasing display isopod.
This popular isopod is a bit of a tank, but the average 6 quart or small glass aquarium is fine for a starter culture amount of 12-12 individuals. Just know you will likely be needing to upgrade or make other plans sooner than later once they start producing offspring.
Average room temperature is fine for this species. A. Vulgare prefers a temperate environment, but slightly higher on the moist side. Good ventilation is key with this species as you do not want a completely semi tropical enclosure. Around one third to half of the enclosure should have damp (not wet) sphagnum moss with the remainder being a bit on the dry side, but not completely lacking some level of moisture. Their primary diet is dried leaf litter and soft decayed wood which should always be available in abundance. They also enjoy veggies like squash, carrots, radishes and similar. These can be added on a supplemental basis a few times a week. Other supplemental options such as commercial isopod powdered food like Repashy are also devoured without hesitation. Armadillidium Gestroi isopods also need some protein in their diets. Options like freeze dried minnows, shrimp, fish pellets, fish flakes and other protein based food sources work well. Be sure to feed these on the drier side as they can spoil quickly in humid environments and attract unwanted pests.
Armadillidium Gestroi is a fantastic isopod for beginners. It is not extremely sensitive and fairly tolerable to typical new keeper mistakes and learning curves. They will reproduce readily once established and is an all around rewarding species for any collection. See our full care guide for Armadillidium Gestroi which has comprehensive expanded details for all care aspects of this showy isopod species!
Quick Facts
- Origin: France and Italy
- Family Classification: Armadillidiidae > Armadillidium > Gestroi
- Size: Average is around 0.75 inches with large adults reaching 0.80+ inches
- Activity level: Generally outgoing and daytime active
- Difficulty: Easy
Armadillidium Gestroi Care
Housing- A larger enclosure is beneficial as these unique isopods do reach larger sizes and males are fiercely territorial. Provide plenty of hides such as cork bark, rotting wood slabs or egg crate to ensure minimal conflict between mature males. A gasket type tote or glass aquarium measuring 20-24 inches in length and 10-12 inches wide is ideal for a small to medium culture.
Temperature- Average room temperature of 70-78F. A small night drop no lower than the mid 60sF is fine. Daytime highs should not exceed the very low 80sF. Carefully consider the room and location where they will placed to ensure a relatively stable temperature range. Low wattage plant seedling heat mats with a thermostat can be used for supplemental warmth at night or during colder seasons if needed.
Humidity- 45-50% average humidity with a steep moisture gradient. Originating from the arid mountainous regions of Spain, these isopods need a slightly drier set up with sufficient ventilation to thrive. 1/4 to 1/3 of the enclosure should have damp (not wet) sphagnum mossing covering the hides and leaf litter. A slightly deeper substrate depth combined with a thin layer of leaf litter on top of the moss will do well to retain humidity and reduce the frequency of watering needed to keep the moist side from drying out. The rest of the enclosure can be allowed to dry out with just a periodic misting or light watering.
Diet- Always have an abundance of dried leaf litter and soft rotting wood as their primary diet. They will eagerly accept most any veggies and commercially available isopod foods like repashy morning wood or bug burger which can be offered on a supplemental basis 2-3 times per week. Being a classic porcellio, they do enjoy protein so items like freeze dried minnows and shrimp are also a good option. Use care to ensure all supplemental food is consumed within within 1-2 days max and remove any uneaten food that shows signs of spoiling.
Supplements- Crushed oyster shell, eggs shell or cuttlebone are highly recommended for calcium and can be replaced as needed. A good calcium source helps ensure easier molting, fast growth rates and optimal reproduction success for your culture.