Duckies & Other Cubaris Isopods

Cubaris is one of the most sought-after genera of isopods in the hobby, famous for unusual shapes, striking colours, and rare collector species. The best known of these is the iconic Rubber Ducky, a species that quickly became legendary among isopod keepers thanks to its distinctive “duck-like” face.

Many Cubaris species originate from tropical limestone regions in Southeast Asia, where they live in humid cave systems and forest floors rich in decaying wood and leaf litter. In captivity they thrive in stable environments with high humidity, natural materials, and plenty of hiding places.

Because of their unusual appearance and rarity, Cubaris species are often considered collector isopods and are a favourite among experienced hobbyists.

What makes Cubaris unique?

Cubaris species are known for their rounded body shape and thick, armoured plates. Many species have highly distinctive facial structures and colour patterns, which gives them their famous “characterful” appearance.

  • Unique shapes and facial structures
  • Often brightly coloured or patterned
  • Many rare collector morphs
  • Prefer tropical, humid environments
  • Highly sought after by hobbyists

The famous Rubber Ducky and its related morphs helped drive global interest in the isopod hobby.

Habitat and enclosure setup

Cubaris species prefer tropical environments with high humidity and plenty of natural materials. They benefit from stable setups that mimic the humid forest floors and limestone environments where they are found in the wild.

A typical Cubaris enclosure should include:

  • Deep organic substrate rich in nutrients
  • Large amounts of dried leaf litter
  • Cork bark hides
  • Chunks of decaying hardwood
  • Limestone or calcium sources
  • A clear moisture gradient

Many Cubaris species appreciate areas with limestone or mineral content, which reflects their natural habitats.

Temperature and humidity

Cubaris species are tropical isopods and prefer warm, stable environments.

  • Temperature: 21–26°C
  • Humidity: High with a clear moisture gradient

Stable conditions help support healthy moulting and colony growth.

Feeding Cubaris isopods

Like most isopods, Cubaris species feed primarily on leaf litter and decaying wood. These materials should always be present inside the enclosure.

You can occasionally supplement their diet with:

  • Fish flakes
  • Shrimp pellets
  • Vegetables such as carrot or courgette
  • Specialised isopod diets

A calcium source such as limestone or cuttlebone is important to support healthy moulting.

Popular Cubaris species

Some of the most popular Cubaris species and morphs include:

Discover Cubaris isopods

Cubaris species are some of the most distinctive and fascinating isopods available in the hobby. Their unusual shapes, bright colours, and collector appeal make them a favourite among enthusiasts.

Explore our Cubaris species to discover Rubber Duckies and other rare tropical isopods.

Beginner-Friendly Isopods

If you’re new to keeping isopods, these species are the perfect place to start. Beginner isopods are hardy, adaptable, and forgiving if conditions aren’t perfect while you’re learning. They establish quickly and are excellent for both display colonies and bioactive setups.

Explore our beginner species to find an easy, reliable starting point.

Beginner-Friendly Isopods

Duckies & Other Cubaris

Cubaris is one of the most famous genera in the isopod hobby, known for unusual shapes, bold colours, and highly sought-after collector species. The iconic Rubber Ducky isopod helped spark global interest in exotic isopods.


These tropical species thrive in warm, humid enclosures with deep substrate, leaf litter and natural hides.


Discover Rubber Duckies, Panda Kings, Phipun Tigers and other fascinating Cubaris species.

Duckies & Other Cubaris Isopods

Zebra Isopods & Other Armadillidium

Armadillidium species are among the most recognisable isopods in the world and are commonly known as pill bugs. Their ability to roll into a ball makes them both distinctive and fascinating to observe.


Hardy species such as Zebra isopods are popular with beginners and experienced keepers alike.


Explore Armadillidium species including Zebra, Klugi, Peraccae and other colourful pill bugs.

Zebras & Other Armadillidium Isopods

Ember Bees & Other Ardentiella Isopods

Ardentiella is a colourful tropical genus known for striking patterns and active behaviour. Species like the Ember Bee are especially popular thanks to their vivid orange and black markings.


These tropical isopods thrive in warm, humid environments with strong ventilation and naturalistic substrates.


Discover Ember Bees, Aurora, Pink Lambo, Scarlet and other beautiful Ardentiella species.

Ember Bees & Other Ardentiella Isopods

Black Rib & Other Porcellio

Porcellio species are known for their larger size, fast movement and fascinating behaviours. Unlike pill bugs, they cannot roll into a ball and instead rely on speed and agility.

Many species are excellent display isopods thanks to their activity and striking patterns.

Explore popular Porcellio species including Black Rib, Expansus, Bolivari and Haasi.

Black Rib & Other Porcellio Isopods

Clean-Up Crew (CUC)

Clean-up crew isopods are widely used in bioactive terrariums and vivariums where they help recycle waste, break down organic matter and improve soil health.

These species reproduce quickly and thrive alongside reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates.

Discover the best isopods for bioactive setups including Porcellio scaber, Cubaris murina and Armadillidium species.

Clean-Up Crew (CUC) Isopods

Tropical & Collector Isopods

Collector isopods include some of the most unusual and beautiful species in the hobby. Many originate from tropical forests and limestone cave systems where they live in warm, humid environments.

These species are prized for their colours, patterns and rarity.

Explore exotic isopods including Cubaris, Laureola, Troglodillo and other rare collector species.

Tropical & Collector Isopods