{"product_id":"crystal-pineapple-isopods-cristarmadillidium-muricatum","title":"Crystal Pineapple Isopods (Cristarmadillidium Muricatum)","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCrystal Pineapple Isopods (Cristarmadillidium muricatum “Crystal Pineapple”)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare Info\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOrigin: Spain\u003cbr\u003eTemperature: 18–24°C\u003cbr\u003eHumidity: 50–70%\u003cbr\u003eAdult Size: 6–8 mm\u003cbr\u003eDifficulty: Medium\u003cbr\u003eRarity: Uncommon\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct Description\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCrystal Pineapple Isopods are one of the most distinctive small species in the hobby.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith their spiky texture and soft yellow-to-orange tones, they genuinely resemble tiny walking pineapples—arguably one of nature’s more creative decisions. Subtle, unusual, and quietly impressive, they are a perfect choice for keepers looking for something different without going fully high-maintenance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey are not loud. They are not flashy. They are, however, very hard to ignore once you notice them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverview\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNative to the dry Mediterranean regions of Spain, this species stands apart from many other isopods by preferring a more ventilated, slightly drier environment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey are small, shy, and best appreciated by those who enjoy the finer details of a setup. While not overly difficult, they do require a bit more awareness than beginner species—particularly when it comes to airflow and moisture balance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn short, they reward good care with quiet elegance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAppearance \u0026amp; Behaviour\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCrystal Pineapples are known for their textured, almost spiked exoskeleton, giving them their signature “pineapple” look.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTheir colour ranges from pale yellow to soft orange, often with a slightly translucent, frosted quality that adds to their appeal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey can roll into a ball when disturbed, although their first instinct is usually to disappear into the nearest hiding spot. Activity is mostly nocturnal or during low-light hours.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey are small, discreet, and not particularly interested in being the centre of attention—which somehow makes them more interesting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare \u0026amp; Conditions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis species prefers stable, moderate conditions with a noticeable emphasis on ventilation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTemperature should remain between 18–24°C, with humidity around 50–70%. Unlike many tropical species, they do not appreciate excessive moisture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA moisture gradient is essential. One area should remain slightly damp with moss, while the rest of the enclosure stays relatively dry and well-aired.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToo wet, and they will let you know—usually by not thriving.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet \u0026amp; Feeding\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs detritivores, their diet is simple but important.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLeaf litter and decaying wood should always form the foundation of their nutrition. This doubles as both food source and habitat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSupplement with small amounts of vegetables such as carrot or cucumber, alongside occasional protein like fish flakes or dried shrimp.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCalcium is essential for proper moulting. Cuttlebone or limestone should always be available.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey are not demanding eaters, but they do expect consistency.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEnclosure Setup\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA well-ventilated enclosure is key for this species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse a structured substrate made from organic soil, coir, and decaying wood, topped with leaf litter. Keep the substrate depth moderate, allowing space for hiding and light burrowing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdd cork bark and natural hides to create a layered environment. Sphagnum moss should be placed in one section only, providing a controlled humidity zone rather than saturating the entire enclosure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThink dry woodland floor, not tropical rainforest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSubstrate \u0026amp; Habitat\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA balanced substrate is essential for long-term success.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOrganic soil provides nutrients, while coir helps retain just enough moisture. Decaying wood and leaf litter act as both food and environmental structure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVentilation should never be an afterthought. These isopods prefer airflow, and plenty of it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey like things fresh, dry-leaning, and well-managed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBreeding\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCrystal Pineapple Isopods breed at a steady, manageable pace when conditions are correct.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey are not explosive breeders, but with proper care, colonies will establish and grow reliably over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePatience is part of the process—but so is the satisfaction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare Level\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMedium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuitable for keepers who understand basic isopod care and are ready to pay a little more attention to environmental balance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey are not difficult—but they are specific.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy Choose Crystal Pineapple Isopods?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey offer something genuinely different.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSmall, detailed, and visually unique, they stand out not through bold colours, but through texture and form.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA refined choice for keepers who appreciate subtlety—and who don’t mind leaning in a little closer to see it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShipping Information\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDispatched Monday to Thursday via Royal Mail Tracked 24 \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e24\/7 live chat is available, although responses may occasionally pause while we sleep.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"invertopia","offers":[{"title":"5","offer_id":54116132127060,"sku":null,"price":17.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"10","offer_id":54116132159828,"sku":null,"price":30.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1024\/3627\/4516\/files\/crystals_fab34ff2-ae46-45c6-95b6-9a6525189d99.jpg?v=1775416045","url":"https:\/\/invertopia.co.uk\/products\/crystal-pineapple-isopods-cristarmadillidium-muricatum","provider":"invertopia","version":"1.0","type":"link"}