Cubaris Sp. Yellow Tiger is a less common isopod in the hobby at this time. They display a pleasant range of yellows from pastel to bright. Freshly molted individuals are often very bright yellow. They are a bit on the needy side, but not exceedingly difficult to keep if you have a firm foundation with basic isopod care.
They typically average a half inch in size with mature males pushing 3/4 of an inch. They're nocturnal and will cautiously make there way about under the cover of darkness to forage and feed. This is the best time observe them without causing undue stress. As with any species, as population increases in a given space you will likely see them out and about more often.
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 for Yellow Tigers is 74-82F leaning more towards the warmer end if possible. Yellow Tigers do not need a pronounced moisture gradient like most other isopods. A small 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 65%-75% humidity level without large deviations will keep them in their comfort zone. 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. This species tends to enjoy bark flats slightly off or above the substrate so offer several hides with various levels of clearance from the substrate ranging from very close to a few inches so they can self regulate as needed.
Isopods are detrivores. Their primary diet in nature is dried 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. Yellow Tigers enjoy food options like squash, carrots, cucumbers and other veggies along with commercial isopod powdered food like Repashy Morning Wood.. 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 small chunks of Texas holy rock.
This isopod is a very slow reproducer so be patient and provide good consistent care and eventually you will be rewarded with small period broods o newcomers.
Quick Facts
- Origin: Southeast Asia and Thailand
- Classification: Armadillidiidae > Cubaris > Cubaris Sp.
- Average Size: 1/2" inch
- Activity level: Primarily nocturnal
- Care Level: Intermediate