Good video, Rus. As for keeping them as clean-up crew. I can tell you that mantis don't seem interested in eating them and in return they don't bother a moulting mantis...so far.
My friend bought a 10 ct culture for me as a graduation gift, I ended up having a massive population boom right as the original 10 died off. For some reason, their numbers then dropped, so I assume they've reached an equilibrium and have since been steady and happy
I just got them recently! They're my first isopods and are recommended as 'beginner isopods' in South Korea. I don't see them a lot but hopefully they're doing well and I'll see some population growth soon..!
I just thought up of a cool video idea while watching this you could try. Isopod comparison videos? Going over the pros and cons of of each species and what kind of keeper it would be ideal for? It would be incredibly beneficial because I have lots of isopods on my wishlist but can only see myself getting a handful in the next few years. Maybe Cubaris Panda Kings Vs. Murina? Porcellio scaber Vs. Porcellio laevis?
Take this first part of this comment with a grain of salt; but you look like chuck norris. Second! I LOVE your videos! I feel like you’re the absolute most informative when it comes to isopods. I wouldn’t rather watch anyone else when it comes to learning about isopods but I feel the stage presence is a little dull. I find myself walking away from some of the videos 2-3 times before I actually finish them. When I do finish them I’m so glad I actually did because I felt like I just got a book worth of knowledge in a 5-15 min session. You’re absolutely brilliant! I feel like at times. I’m back in 2003 watching a video with my fellow classmates. Maybe it’s the monotone? I can’t exactly put my finger on it but it just seems a tiny bit dry. 9/10 content all the time. Just find a way to juice it up a little bit! - random critic with zero credentials.
This is welcome feedback. I admit that getting in front of a camera often makes me feel like I have to tone my energy down. I am much more energetic in person, and I know I should stay like that in front of the camera, but I struggle with it. I’ll keep working on it, though!
Awesome video! Mine are super prolific as well, I was very surprised when the population exploded, I was expecting a slower reproduction rate. I'm not sure what the taxonimic name is now, people have been going back and forth between Cubaris and Nesodillo but the Nesodillo archangelii 'Shiro Utsuri' are almost as prolific as my Dairy Cows. I think I saw you'd recently gotten some of them as well. I'm not sure if you've got them, but I'd love to see a video about Cubaris sp "Red Tiger Stripe" specifically because they seem to be more of a true Cubaris with the slow reproduction rate, incredibly specific environment to thrive, ect than the Panda Kings and Shiro Utsuri, at least for me. I got them in a mystery bag buy and Cubaris species are still a little finicky for me, dialing in what they need has been a small challenge
I’ve settled on attempting to use panda kings as the main isopods in my dart frog (T.azures) and mourning gecko 25 gallon long terrarium along with dwraf whites and of course springtails.
I use pandas and little seas as clean uo crews for my Leachianus. I put zero effort into to keeping them alive. I just feed and water the leachies and they breed like crazy from the scraps
I'm using Pandas as a cleanup crew for a giant Achatina, although being my first isopods I don't really know if they're doing good... the substrate is moist, although not deeper than a centimeter in some parts, but there's plenty of moss, cuttle bone + egg dust, lots of tree barks and decent leaf litter. The terrarium is also warmed by a heat mat on one of its sides. However, I rarely see the pandas! I started with 10ish not more than three or so months ago, and although I did find a couple hiding late at night last week, I haven't seen any since! I am afraid they might have died, or are simply not reproducing The dwarf whites I had put in also are nowhere to be seen, which considering what they say about them, seems like a very alarming sign
I give mine quite a mix of different hardwood leaves, such as a lady pear, maple, apple, plum, yellow pod, pecan, etc. I offer them hardwood white rot wood as well.
They are definitely one of my favorite pet isopods! Also do you have any tips for rubber duckies? My mom actually just got me some duckies that will be arriving soon I got them one of those Zilla microhabitat cages that kind of look like the tarantula crib but with puzzle piece kind of sides do you think that’ll be too big to start them out in?
Congrats on the duckies! Have you seen my rubber ducky guide? I know of the enclosures you are talking about, but I have not tried one yet. I am somewhat worried that young isopods might slip through the vents…
I'm looking for isopods that will be both a cleaning crew, and also add to the beauty of a large bioactive for a ball python. I wonder what you would suggest? To give an idea, I love the look of montenegros. Also flavomarginatis, chocolate zebras, red tigers, etc. I don't mind paying a little more for something, if it's likely to do well. Temps will be high 70s to mid 80s, and humidity 50-60%
I imagine the Bioactive will be planted, is that the case? Many Armadillidium will munch on the plants, so a Porcellio species that is good with high humidity could be a good choice. Porcellio scaber “lava” or or ‘orange koi’ perhaps?
@@Aquarimax yes, I intend to plant it, I didn't know that was a potential problem. I'll look into those two varieties. Any other suggestions on which types do or do not attack live plants?
@@rheopepticity Another great option is Porcellionides pruinosus. A lot of potential color varieties there. Porcellio dilatatus or Cylisticus convexus could work as well.
I got my P.K.s in October 2023 so....6 months ago. And as far as I can tell, unless most immediately dig down while I'm still pulling their bin out, I only have....maybe 2 dozen. I started with 10 juveniles, one died the next day due to stuck shed issues, so 9). I only ever see maybe 2 adults and a handful of juveniles of various sizes. is that roughly the normal amount with a 6 month old colony of P.K.s?
No, I would say that is not a normal number, they are usually more prolific. There may be more buried in the substrate that you can readily see, though.
Hi Russel, my name is Mert, i am keeping different isopod species, your videos thought me a lot along the way. Thank you very much. I got a question. Some months ago i got some local millipedes, everything seems fine they eat & breed but there are too many poop around and it seems that springtails are not enough even tough there is a good population. Should i get some Por. pruinosus help? I also have Cylisticus convexus due to my understanding from your other videos Por. Seems to be more efficient but, will they somehow overpopulate and stress millipede’s ?
They could quite possibly cause problems for the millipedes, especially when the millipedes molt. That said, some people succeed with isopods and millipedes together.
Nothing against cubaris, but I don't see what others see in them. But that is probably a good thing, because I'm not particularly fond of keeping more moist conditions, or the price tag that seems to come along with most of them. Maybe one day....
@@Aquarimax some of them are striking, and I think for someone who lives perhaps in the Philippines or maybe Florida that's different. But I live in Michigan, and in an apartment. Even if I found when I was drawn to, and the price tag wasn't outlandish, I would be hesitant because I'm not sure the conditions I live in would be conducive or optimal for them. As a disabled veteran, I can't really afford to have rooms with lights or heaters on all the time. Again, your videos have been exceptionally helpful in helping me navigate some of these things beforehand, as opposed to responsively.
I got a colony of panda kings just over 2 weeks ago and I haven’t noticed much activity from them, I understand that they like to burrow and I’ve definitely noticed a lot of that and I keep their substrate fairly moist but I feel like I haven’t seen them at the surface /eating their food at all! Is this fairly normal behavior for them to take this long to acclimate? I know these behaviors were mentioned in the video I’m just anxious about how long they’ve been buried (they are alive, I dug up a couple to make sure they didn’t die from the stress of their new environment but besides that I haven’t touched any of them)
Hi Rus, l have an idea for a segment or 2, if you're interested. I know you're busy, so no worries. If you are interested, reply and I'll share it. But if you know you are not interested for whatever reason, which I totally get, I'd rather not waste our time. Either way, looking forward to more.
@@Aquarimax Ok, so I think it would be interesting to do a segment on isopods that are similar in appearance, and how to tell the differences. For example. I'm collecting porcellio spinicornis which look similar to the common woodlouse. Gestroi and Armid maculatem high yellow. Porc scaber lava and Trachelipus rathkii. Those are a few examples off the top of my head. Perhaps even one that goes over the various differences in, I believe the term is genus? But the differences, and perhaps some of the similarities, between armadillium, cubaris, porcellio etc. Just some food for thought. Me.
Are these just as shy and light sensitive as rubber duckies? Would they wander out into the open at all? Was thinking of putting them in a display enclosure... thanks in advance 🙏🏽
I was waiting for this.Thank u soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo much
You’re very welcome !!
Most loyal viewer
@@axjagfilmshe changed his pfp :(
the little ball of pandas on the fish pellet is ADORABLE
After binge watching several of your videos I am now officially the proud owner of a tiny Porcellio Scaber ranch! 🚜 👍
Good video, Rus. As for keeping them as clean-up crew. I can tell you that mantis don't seem interested in eating them and in return they don't bother a moulting mantis...so far.
My friend bought a 10 ct culture for me as a graduation gift, I ended up having a massive population boom right as the original 10 died off. For some reason, their numbers then dropped, so I assume they've reached an equilibrium and have since been steady and happy
That could be what is going on…sounds like expected population dynamics.
I love my pandas, don't think i have quite enough to split yet but I love seeing all the babies :)
If you’re seeing babies, it won’t be long now! 😁👍
I'm trying them as a cleanup crew for one of my juvenile giant African land snails at the moment, I'll update as the colony and snail grows!
I absolutely love the matte finish of the Cubaris genus. I’ll definitely have to get some Cubaris soon.
Those isopods collection are so cool Rus I love learning about the different species that I don't have
Thank you Crystal!! I hope you get to keep this species someday!
I adore my Panda Kings, they are so cute.
Brill video, definitely going to watch more of yours
Thank you, I am glad to hear your found it helpful, I’ve got lots of isopods videos for you 😁
I just got them recently! They're my first isopods and are recommended as 'beginner isopods' in South Korea. I don't see them a lot but hopefully they're doing well and I'll see some population growth soon..!
You’ll see more of them soon…it is surprising how prolific they are once they get going!
Tell the girl idols that of they keep wearing combat boots they are going to get killed
I just thought up of a cool video idea while watching this you could try. Isopod comparison videos? Going over the pros and cons of of each species and what kind of keeper it would be ideal for? It would be incredibly beneficial because I have lots of isopods on my wishlist but can only see myself getting a handful in the next few years. Maybe Cubaris Panda Kings Vs. Murina? Porcellio scaber Vs. Porcellio laevis?
Another thing worth adding is I can feel your passion for these animals . Much respect for that.
Thank you! I am glad it comes through 😁👍
Take this first part of this comment with a grain of salt; but you look like chuck norris.
Second! I LOVE your videos! I feel like you’re the absolute most informative when it comes to isopods. I wouldn’t rather watch anyone else when it comes to learning about isopods but I feel the stage presence is a little dull. I find myself walking away from some of the videos 2-3 times before I actually finish them. When I do finish them I’m so glad I actually did because I felt like I just got a book worth of knowledge in a 5-15 min session. You’re absolutely brilliant! I feel like at times. I’m back in 2003 watching a video with my fellow classmates. Maybe it’s the monotone? I can’t exactly put my finger on it but it just seems a tiny bit dry. 9/10 content all the time. Just find a way to juice it up a little bit!
- random critic with zero credentials.
This is welcome feedback. I admit that getting in front of a camera often makes me feel like I have to tone my energy down. I am much more energetic in person, and I know I should stay like that in front of the camera, but I struggle with it. I’ll keep working on it, though!
@@Aquarimax you’re doing absolutely great! Keep up the good work! You’re Very inspiring for the rest of us! 😁
How do you capture such great video? I'm always amazed by your up-close and detailed videos. Thanks
I use an a first-generation IPad Pro on a tripod, with a clip-on macro lens for the closeups. 😁👍
@@Aquarimax You prove that the equipment is not as important as the technique of the photographer. You take amazing videos.
What a timely video as I am getting ready to order some pandas
Excellent timing!
I love his humor
😁👍 Delighted to hear it !
Your channel is one of my favorites! Thank you, please keep doing this!
Need this in my life eventually
Yes, I agree! 😁👍
these are the kind i very much want to get so thanks very much for the tips! 🙏
Awesome video! Mine are super prolific as well, I was very surprised when the population exploded, I was expecting a slower reproduction rate.
I'm not sure what the taxonimic name is now, people have been going back and forth between Cubaris and Nesodillo but the Nesodillo archangelii 'Shiro Utsuri' are almost as prolific as my Dairy Cows. I think I saw you'd recently gotten some of them as well.
I'm not sure if you've got them, but I'd love to see a video about Cubaris sp "Red Tiger Stripe" specifically because they seem to be more of a true Cubaris with the slow reproduction rate, incredibly specific environment to thrive, ect than the Panda Kings and Shiro Utsuri, at least for me. I got them in a mystery bag buy and Cubaris species are still a little finicky for me, dialing in what they need has been a small challenge
Great feedback! I do have Red Tigers… I should make a video about them for this playlist !
@Aquarimax please do!
Excellent Video Rus! Love the Panda Kings!
Thank you Frank!!
I stopped at your booth at the recent expo in my area it was cool seeing you this video really helped! Thank you!
I’ve settled on attempting to use panda kings as the main isopods in my dart frog (T.azures) and mourning gecko 25 gallon long terrarium along with dwraf whites and of course springtails.
The dwarf whites may outcompete them, but I hope it works out!
Great video
Glad you enjoyed it!
I love vids like this, very cool!
😁👍
Sir you have made me get 16 isopods species ,I am addicted
I use pandas and little seas as clean uo crews for my Leachianus. I put zero effort into to keeping them alive. I just feed and water the leachies and they breed like crazy from the scraps
Great info…are they in planted vivaria? Do they nibble the plants?
Woah, this is sick, Rus!
Could we get a care guide on Atlantoscia Floridana (Florida Fast)?
😁 Great idea!
Yeeees! Thank you 😍
I have a friend who has these, and she has had to split the culture up multiple times due to how much they breed.
Yeah…I have never seen Cubaris breed like these!
I'm using Pandas as a cleanup crew for a giant Achatina, although being my first isopods I don't really know if they're doing good... the substrate is moist, although not deeper than a centimeter in some parts, but there's plenty of moss, cuttle bone + egg dust, lots of tree barks and decent leaf litter. The terrarium is also warmed by a heat mat on one of its sides. However, I rarely see the pandas!
I started with 10ish not more than three or so months ago, and although I did find a couple hiding late at night last week, I haven't seen any since! I am afraid they might have died, or are simply not reproducing
The dwarf whites I had put in also are nowhere to be seen, which considering what they say about them, seems like a very alarming sign
Check under the drainage layer
What kind of leaf litter/wood do these little friends like? Also, happy to see you recommend Wallys isopod chow! 🥰
I give mine quite a mix of different hardwood leaves, such as a lady pear, maple, apple, plum, yellow pod, pecan, etc. I offer them hardwood white rot wood as well.
@Aquarimax thank you for your wisdom! I have some Pandas otw and I have a huge variety of wood on my property to bake sterilize but wasn't sure 100%
They are definitely one of my favorite pet isopods! Also do you have any tips for rubber duckies? My mom actually just got me some duckies that will be arriving soon I got them one of those Zilla microhabitat cages that kind of look like the tarantula crib but with puzzle piece kind of sides do you think that’ll be too big to start them out in?
Congrats on the duckies! Have you seen my rubber ducky guide?
I know of the enclosures you
are talking about, but I have not tried one yet. I am somewhat worried that young isopods might slip through the vents…
@@Aquarimax ok do you think a glass aquarium will work with a screen top with plastic on it like I’ve done for dart frogs?
@@Mercedes_may they do like some ventilation, auge more than dart frogs do. You can probably make it work
@@Aquarimax ah ok, so maybe cover the top with plastic but cut off the corners to leave some screen open?
niceeeeeeeeeeee
I'm looking for isopods that will be both a cleaning crew, and also add to the beauty of a large bioactive for a ball python. I wonder what you would suggest?
To give an idea, I love the look of montenegros. Also flavomarginatis, chocolate zebras, red tigers, etc. I don't mind paying a little more for something, if it's likely to do well. Temps will be high 70s to mid 80s, and humidity 50-60%
I imagine the Bioactive will be planted, is that the case? Many Armadillidium will munch on the plants, so a Porcellio species that is good with high humidity could be a good choice. Porcellio scaber “lava” or or ‘orange koi’ perhaps?
@@Aquarimax yes, I intend to plant it, I didn't know that was a potential problem. I'll look into those two varieties. Any other suggestions on which types do or do not attack live plants?
@@rheopepticity Another great option is Porcellionides pruinosus. A lot of potential color varieties there. Porcellio dilatatus or Cylisticus convexus could work as well.
just got six of them at a expo
I got my P.K.s in October 2023 so....6 months ago.
And as far as I can tell, unless most immediately dig down while I'm still pulling their bin out, I only have....maybe 2 dozen.
I started with 10 juveniles, one died the next day due to stuck shed issues, so 9).
I only ever see maybe 2 adults and a handful of juveniles of various sizes.
is that roughly the normal amount with a 6 month old colony of P.K.s?
No, I would say that is not a normal number, they are usually more prolific. There may be more buried in the substrate that you can readily see, though.
are panda kings and rubber duckies pretty similar in their care? seems like it from what i've researched. im getting both after christmas
Yes, fairly similar, but panda kings seem to do well in a wider range of conditions and are more prolific.
Does anyone know where to find Cubaris Jupiter care?
Hi Russel, my name is Mert, i am keeping different isopod species, your videos thought me a lot along the way. Thank you very much. I got a question. Some months ago i got some local millipedes, everything seems fine they eat & breed but there are too many poop around and it seems that springtails are not enough even tough there is a good population. Should i get some Por. pruinosus help? I also have Cylisticus convexus due to my understanding from your other videos Por. Seems to be more efficient but, will they somehow overpopulate and stress millipede’s ?
They could quite possibly cause problems for the millipedes, especially when the millipedes molt. That said, some people succeed with isopods and millipedes together.
Nothing against cubaris, but I don't see what others see in them. But that is probably a good thing, because I'm not particularly fond of keeping more moist conditions, or the price tag that seems to come along with most of them. Maybe one day....
I hear you! There are some Cubaris that are not particularly striking, despite the high price tag.
@@Aquarimax some of them are striking, and I think for someone who lives perhaps in the Philippines or maybe Florida that's different. But I live in Michigan, and in an apartment.
Even if I found when I was drawn to, and the price tag wasn't outlandish, I would be hesitant because I'm not sure the conditions I live in would be conducive or optimal for them.
As a disabled veteran, I can't really afford to have rooms with lights or heaters on all the time.
Again, your videos have been exceptionally helpful in helping me navigate some of these things beforehand, as opposed to responsively.
Another A grade video, what make of fish pellet do you use for your isopods ?
Thank you! I generally use Omega One or Hikari 👍🏼
I got a colony of panda kings just over 2 weeks ago and I haven’t noticed much activity from them, I understand that they like to burrow and I’ve definitely noticed a lot of that and I keep their substrate fairly moist but I feel like I haven’t seen them at the surface /eating their food at all! Is this fairly normal behavior for them to take this long to acclimate? I know these behaviors were mentioned in the video I’m just anxious about how long they’ve been buried (they are alive, I dug up a couple to make sure they didn’t die from the stress of their new environment but besides that I haven’t touched any of them)
Yes this is normal behavior. Isopods could take months to acclimate, usually when they get breeding they will start being a bit more bold
Technically red pandas look nothing like pandas 🐼 either. So I guess the red isopods are just keeping it real. 😁
Hi Rus, l have an idea for a segment or 2, if you're interested. I know you're busy, so no worries.
If you are interested, reply and I'll share it. But if you know you are not interested for whatever reason, which I totally get, I'd rather not waste our time. Either way, looking forward to more.
I’m always interested in new video ideas!
@@Aquarimax Ok, so I think it would be interesting to do a segment on isopods that are similar in appearance, and how to tell the differences. For example. I'm collecting porcellio spinicornis which look similar to the common woodlouse.
Gestroi and Armid maculatem high yellow.
Porc scaber lava and Trachelipus rathkii.
Those are a few examples off the top of my head.
Perhaps even one that goes over the various differences in, I believe the term is genus? But the differences, and perhaps some of the similarities, between armadillium, cubaris, porcellio etc.
Just some food for thought.
Me.
@@Aquarimax if you have done these in a prior video or stream, I apologize. I am slowly going through your content and have not seen these.
Why are a lot of cubaris listed as Cubaris sp. "Morph name"? Have they not been classified down to species? Is each morph a different species?
Your suspicion is correct: of them have not been properly classified. A lot of them will probably not even remain in the Cubaris genus.
Would you recommend getting panda kings as my first cubaris species, or a species like c. Murina?
Are these just as shy and light sensitive as rubber duckies? Would they wander out into the open at all? Was thinking of putting them in a display enclosure... thanks in advance 🙏🏽
I think they are a bit less shy, but they are also more prolific , so you’ll end up seeing more of them either way 👍🏼
Thank u sir 🙏🏽
I'll usually see at least one of mine out on the surface, for what it's worth!
Day 2 of having pandas and they are awesome always out and about in the light and quite active compared to ambers...
How often do you need to feed these species supplemental food?
Porc Spinicornis please?
how many did you star out with
I think it was around 20, maybe?
Is coconut coir okay for their substrate?
What breathable medical tape would you recommend for ventilation? Some of the links in the description aren't working for me.
Transport medical tape works well
Hwo do you get these isopods
Do you mean this specific type?
@@Aquarimax no I just mean any
@@Corgi_bro Well, a lot of people sell them online (like I do), and most reptile expos have them. These days, many oet stores do too!
Poor guy at 3:30
He took a tumble! I’ll bet he is ok now.