Cubaris sp. "Pluto"
A dark, mysterious Cubaris species — demanding tropical care with the slow breeding typical of the genus.
About this species
Cubaris sp. "Pluto" is a dark-coloured Cubaris from Southeast Asia. Its deep, almost black colouration gives it a distinctive look among the often lighter-coloured Cubaris species in the hobby. Like other members of this genus, it is associated with limestone cave habitats and requires stable tropical conditions.
This is an advanced species. Like all isopods, it is a terrestrial crustacean that breathes through gill-like pleopods. Cubaris species are particularly sensitive to desiccation — their pleopods dry out faster than those of temperate species, and once humidity drops too low, decline is rapid. Do not attempt this species without prior tropical isopod experience.
Enclosure
A well-sealed plastic tub with small, controlled ventilation holes. The core challenge is the same as with all Cubaris: maintaining 75–90% humidity with enough airflow to prevent mould. Include limestone or calcium-rich rock to replicate the cave environment, along with cork bark, sphagnum moss, and dried hardwood leaves.
Substrate
- 50% coco coir
- 20% organic topsoil
- 15% crushed limestone or calcium powder
- 15% sphagnum moss
Keep consistently moist but not waterlogged — wrung-out sponge consistency. Standing water kills. Depth 5–8 cm, topped with dried hardwood leaves and sphagnum moss. Never use softwood (pine, cedar) — toxic to isopods.
Feeding
- Dried hardwood leaves (oak, beech) — primary food
- Cuttlefish bone — leave permanently in the enclosure
- Small vegetable portions: courgette, carrot
- Weekly protein: dried shrimp, fish flakes
- Bee pollen — beneficial supplement for Cubaris species
Remove uneaten fresh food within 24 hours. Warm, humid conditions cause rapid spoilage.
Breeding
Cubaris sp. "Pluto" breeds slowly, as expected for the genus. Females carry small broods in a marsupium, producing mancae infrequently. Start with at least 10–15 individuals for a viable breeding group. Colony growth is measured in years. Patience and stable conditions are more important than any single care parameter.
Common mistakes
- Starting with too few — small groups often fail to establish breeding colonies
- Humidity crashes — even brief drops below 70% can cause pleopod desiccation and death
- Neglecting ventilation — sealed, stagnant enclosures grow mould that kills faster than low humidity
- Expecting quick results — Cubaris colonies grow slowly; this is normal, not a sign of failure