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Jupiter Isopod (Cubaris sp.)
Cubaris sp. 'Jupiter'
The Jupiter Isopod (Cubaris 'Jupiter'). An Asian giant of the Cubaris family, considered the pinnacle of aesthetics for elite terrarium keepers (up to 0.7 inches). It literally resembles the planet Jupiter: very shiny and domed metallic graphite gray carapace, broken vertically by asymmetrical and fluid deep yellow or bright orange bands, and golden yellow lower skirts. Astronomical prices, very fragile to Asian humidity crashes, requires maniacal care and months to generate the first brood.
Class:Malacostraca
Order:Isopoda
Family:Armadillidae
Genus:Cubaris
Species:Cubaris sp. 'Jupiter'
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Environment
Terrestrial
Humidity
70 - 85 %
Day temperature
23 - 27 °C
Night temperature
20 - 23 °C
UVB
None
Species description
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Water-saturated undergrowths and karst tunnels invaded by epiphytic mosses in the deep Southeast Asia (Thailand).
Taxonomy and Genetics: Family Armadillidae. (Supreme design isopod). Species not yet scientifically classified (Cubaris sp.). It boasts a slightly larger size than the Rubber Ducky. It takes its name from the planet Jupiter due to the hypnotic pattern of its dorsal bands that resemble the gaseous storms of that world. The genetics of the coloration is unstable: some specimens ('Lemon Blue') turn strongly to neon blue/yellow.
Behavior and Habits: Hypogeal rock crystals. The behavior of the Jupiter is comparable to that of a motionless gem. They live in absolute darkness holed up in the belly of the moss and limestone. They detest sudden heat and escape direct light by diving in an instant into the wet mud and closing into a bite-proof sealed dome in which they remain locked even for a whole day.
Morphology: Total perfect enameled and shiny dome (Up to 0.7 inches / 1.8 cm). Unattainable aesthetic character: opalescent gray/black head (and not yellow like the Ducky), back furrowed by one or two very irregular and shaded deep yellow or sunset orange central bands (which cross the body diagonally or fused spots) and lateral 'skirts' (epimera) painted symmetrically of the same bright gold color.
Care, breeding and tankmates
Terrarium Setup: Guidance about terrarium setup for Cubaris sp. 'Jupiter' must rely exclusively on the parameters and sources listed on this record.
Lighting and Heating: Guidance about lighting and heating for Cubaris sp. 'Jupiter' must rely exclusively on the parameters and sources listed on this record.
Humidity and Hydration: Guidance about humidity and hydration for Cubaris sp. 'Jupiter' must rely exclusively on the parameters and sources listed on this record.
Feeding and Supplementation: Guidance about feeding and supplementation for Cubaris sp. 'Jupiter' must rely exclusively on the parameters and sources listed on this record.
Compatibility and Coexistence: Guidance about compatibility and coexistence for Cubaris sp. 'Jupiter' must rely exclusively on the parameters and sources listed on this record.
Health and Common Diseases: Guidance about health and common diseases for Cubaris sp. 'Jupiter' must rely exclusively on the parameters and sources listed on this record.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Water-saturated undergrowths and karst tunnels invaded by epiphytic mosses in the deep Southeast Asia (Thailand).
Origin
Central America and CaribbeanNorth AmericaEurope, Mediterranean, and West AsiaSouth and Southeast Asia
Terrestrial invertebrate profile
- Diet
- No verified data available
- Life expectancy
- No verified data available
- Adult size
- No verified data available
- Lifestyle/Microhabitat
- No verified data available
- Activity cycle
- No verified data available
- Sociality
- No verified data available
- Reproduction
- No verified data available
- Venom level
- No verified data available
- Handling tolerance
- No verified data available
- Brumation
- No verified data available
- Molting
- No verified data available
Image gallery
Licensed images linked to the species or, when marked, to the closest representative taxon.
Related species
Recommendations grouped by close relatives, companion choices, and similar care.
