Lava Isopod Care: Everything You Need To Know
Posted by Amelia Robinson on Apr 5th 2024
Lava Isopods belong to the crustaceans group, which is brightly orange-red and has an interesting texture of their external body. They are common in terrariums, and many pet lovers like to keep them as pets.
This guide from TopFlight Dubia is for anyone buying their first terrarium or already owning one and wanting more information on caring for lava isopods.
What are Lava Isopods?
They are terrestrial ostracods that inhabit warm and humid localities. Their name refers to their outer skin color, which is reddish, imitating molten lava. This makes them an excellent addition to most bioactive enclosures. These isopods are most important in cleaning the enclosures as they feed on waste, uneaten food, and rotting plant material.
Preparing the Habitat
Creating the perfect environment for your isopods is essential to ensure their health and happiness.
01. Enclosure Selection
They do not need complex terrariums to survive or thrive. A small container, such as a terrarium or vivarium, is ideal. Ensure enough air supply for them to roam and play around.
02. Substrate
Use a mix of:
- Coconut coir
- Natural soil without the use of any fertilizers
- Leaf litter
Rotting wood or bark will also improve the reserve's environment.
03. Temperature and Humidity
Temperature: Keep the range of 72°F to 85°F. Heat may also be needed in some cases, significantly where it is located, for instance, in colder climates.
Humidity: They prefer a high level of humidity, which ranges between 70-80%. This way, the substrate remains wet, though not waterlogged, and this is done by systematic misting.
04. Hiding Spots
This should be achieved by placing many hiding places, often made from rocks, cork bark, and leaf litter. These hiding places help them release stress.
Feeding Your Lava Isopods
A lava isopod is a detritivore whose diet consists of decomposing organic materials or matter. Here’s what you can feed them:
Primary Diet: Logs, branches, twigs and cones, dead fish, and other animals.
Supplementary Foods: Carrots, zucchini, squash, and other greens.
Calcium Source: For the exoskeleton to grow, they need crushed eggshells or cuttlebone.
Feed your isopods in small portions so there is no uneaten food, as this could lead to the development of molds that could be toxic to their surroundings.
Breeding Lava Isopods
Breeding them is quite fun. They are good breeders if all the requirements are met appropriately.
Maturity: They take a few months to reach reproductive or maturity to reproduce quickly.
Reproduction: Females retain eggs in a pouch until the resultant young are ready to hatch.
Population Growth: Always check that the pet enclosure is manageable.
Common Challenges & Solutions
01. Mold and Fungal Growth
Mold can occur from moisture or leftover food that has not been cleared off. Clean up spilled food immediately, offer a well-ventilated space, and avoid overstocking food.
02. Predators in Mixed Enclosures
If placed alongside other species, ensure other animals do not eat lava isopods.
03. Low Humidity
Dry environments can cause them to lose their appetite, feel weak, and be deprived of the necessary fluids. It is recommended that they be enclosed appropriately and that the humidity be controlled.
Why Keep Lava Isopods?
Lava isopods are not just some gorgeous crustaceans; they have this inherent capacity to clean enclosures and are particularly useful for bioactive habitats.
They also provide a pretty engaging look at the micro worlds of terrariums.
Conclusion
Lava isopods are relatively easy to care for and are fun for pet owners. If treated well, they do very well and play a significant role in enhancing the health of your bioactive setup.
If you want them to thrive, ensure their enclosure provides heat, humidity, a diverse diet, and enough hiding places.