White Side/Penguin Isopods (Cubaris sp.)

Cubaris sp. “White Side” (Penguin)

Origin: Thailand/Cambodia, Southeast Asia (captive-bred)
Temperature: 20–28 °C (optimal ~25 °C)
Humidity: 55–80 %
Adult Size: 8–15 mm (typically ~10 mm)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (for Cubaris)
Rarity: Common
Scientific Name: Cubaris sp. “White Side”
Common Names: White Side, Penguin, Pinguin, Orca

Description:
A small, visually striking Cubaris species with a black or dark grey body and crisp white margins, giving it a penguin- or orca-like appearance. Considered one of the easiest Cubaris to keep, it’s hardy, adaptable, and reasonably priced, making it ideal for newcomers to Cubaris species.

Appearance & Behaviour:

• Rounded Cubaris body shape
• Black/dark grey central body with white edges along sides, head, rear, and underside
• Small and moderately visible compared to larger Cubaris
• Capable of defensive conglobation (rolling into a ball)
• Primarily nocturnal; shy and secretive, but more active in large established colonies
• Social, gregarious, and engages in grooming and foraging behaviour
• Burrows in deep substrate to regulate moisture and feel secure

Habitat & Care:

• Enclosure: Plastic or glass terrariums; dark, quiet location preferred
• Substrate: Deep (~15 cm) mix of organic topsoil, sphagnum peat moss, forest humus, decaying hardwood, leaf litter
• Moisture Gradient: ~70 % damp zone, ~30 % drier zone for self-regulation
• Ventilation: Medium; prevents stagnant air without drying substrate
• Décor: Cork bark, hardwood, moss, limestone for hiding and enrichment
• Temperature: 20–28 °C, stable conditions more important than exact numbers
• Humidity: Maintain within 55–80 %; too dry will cause moulting issues

Diet & Nutrition:

• Primary: Leaf litter, decaying wood, forest moss, lichen
• Supplementary: Organic vegetables, occasional fruit, fish flakes/pellets
• Protein: Twice weekly (fish food, dried shrimp, small meat scraps)
• Calcium: Cuttlebone, limestone, oyster shell, crushed eggshells

Breeding:

• Initial establishment is slow; reproduction picks up once colony stabilizes
• Moderately prolific when settled; females carry eggs in marsupium
• Colony growth requires patience in first few months
• Breeding enhanced by stable temperature, humidity, deep substrate, and abundant food

Bioactive Use:

• Contributes to nutrient cycling and waste breakdown in tropical or humid vivariums
• Small size and nocturnal habits mean less visible cleanup activity during the day
• Attractive, hardy species suitable for bioactive setups with compatible humidity

Suitability:

• Good for: Keepers seeking an accessible entry-level Cubaris, tropical vivariums, small display colonies, visually appealing black-and-white morph
• Less suitable for: Beginners unable to maintain humidity, those expecting immediate breeding, keepers wanting large or highly visible species

Care Level: Easy to Moderate for Cubaris; forgiving for a tropical species if humidity and substrate depth are maintained