Cubaris Sp. Salmon is a robust isopod from the island of Martinique. An nation within the Lesser Antilles island chain in the Caribbean. It's no surprise their coloration is a pleasant pink to orange-ish salmon color. Younger individuals tend to be bright and vibrant where mature individuals are typically a deeper in hues. However this can and does vary per individual.
A 6 quart gasket sealed storage bin or small glass aquarium is sufficient for a small starter culture. Standard or bioactive enclosures can be enhanced with natural botanical items to simulate the isopods habitat in the wild. This helps them feel secure which in turn promotes their natural processes like eating and breeding. Average room temperature will suit them just fine but keep in mind they are native to tropical to sub tropical areas so so do not let it get too cool. A good temperature range is 72-80F leaning more towards the warmer end if possible. Cubaris Sp. Salmon Martinique isopods do not need a pronounced moisture gradient like most other isopods but are also more forgiving if conditions go just a little bit astray for a short time period. A small moisture gradient is fine, but a consistent lightly damp (not wet) enclosure is ideal. They will not fare well if allowed to get any level of dry. A 75% humidity level without large deviations will yield a fast growing culture within a time frame of 3-4 months. A few pieces of cork bark strategically placed over different parts of the enclosure will help retain the humidity levels and reduce the frequency of watering needed to maintain a proper moisture gradient.
Isopods are detritivores. Their primary diet in nature is leaf litter and decayed wood. Both of these should always be available in abundance. They will also happily consume any other decomposing organic plant or animal matter they come across. As such it is vital to supplement your isopods with other food sources on a semi regular basis. These festive invertebrates enjoy food options like squash, carrots, cucumbers and other veggies along with commercial isopod powdered food. They also tend to be protein hungry so offer them things like freeze dried minnows, shrimp, fish pellets, dried insects and other protein based food sources. Be sure to feed these on the drier side as they can spoil quickly in humid environments and attract unwanted pests. As with most any other Cubaris isopod, it's recommended to have some limestone in their enclosure. This mimics their natural cave environments and they do seem to enjoy it. This can be in the form of crushed pellets they can nibble or small light weight stones they can crawl on and hide under. In our experience either will work, but our pods seem to enjoy Texas holy rock.
If you have a semi tropical, to tropical enclosure and are in need of a bioactive clean up crew suited for these conditions, the Salmon Martinique isopod is an ideal candidate for your needs. Simply give them consistent temperatures and the humidity they need and they will produce and work so long as these parameters are kept in check. Their various light and dark hues are a nice touch and they're not extremely sensitive like many other cubaris types.
Quick Facts
- Origin: Various parts of Thailand and Vietnam
- Classification: Armadillidiidae > Cubaris > Cubaris Sp. > Salmon Martinique
- Average Size: 0.5 to 0.6" inch
- Activity level: Primarily nocturnal. Some day activity in larger cultures is normal.
- Care Level: Intermediate