Which Isopod species can be kept as pets
If you are new to the world of insect and reptile keeping, you may just be hearing about the wonders of isopods. Still, wrapping your head around owning a crustacean like this can be a little difficult. Most of us aren’t used to pets that live in colonies, after all. They’re certainly not traditional pets, although they are known for being exceptionally useful and easy to care for. To clear up any confusion, let’s review why someone may want to keep a few of these not-so-creepy crawlies, and which species of isopod may make better pets than others.
1. Why People Keep Isopods
Before seeking out a species of isopod for yourself, it’s important to consider why they’re kept in the first place. Isopods make excellent additions to a variety of vivariums in part of their ability to eat the food and animal wastes that may be laying around your reptile or arthropod’s cage. Because of this, these critters are excellent at stopping the spread of disease and parasites. They also make an excellent, protein-rich food source for animals that like to forage for food, like bearded dragons.
2. Picking The Right Isopod for You
The species of isopod you end up acquiring will entirely depend on what you want to use it for. If you want a healthy, nutritious snack for your other pets, it may be best to buy an isopod that is inexpensive and proliferates quickly. This includes the dwarf white and powder blue/orange varieties of isopod.
If you want to truly get into isopod raising as a hobby, breeding your own lines and creating new varieties, you may want to get the more expensive, flashy heavy hitters. This includes the rubber ducky and shiro utsuri isopods. Some of these crustaceans cost around $100 per shipment and are known for being exceptionally hard to raise and breed. However, if you manage to master their care and rear them through generations, the rewards are great.
3. Common Pet Isopods
It is important to consider that some species of isopods are more popular than others for a reason. While most isopods require little more care than a houseplant, others need a little bit more specificity and patience in their husbandry. Especially if you want to proliferate a colony of them. Some of the more widely available and easy to care for species of isopod for sale include:
If you are raising isopods for the first time, it would be a good idea to start with cheaper, hardy, easy to raise isopods. That way, you won’t have to worry about having a heavy monetary investment in crustaceans that won’t produce the results you want.
4. Final Thoughts
Isopods are an excellent pet for a variety of people. Whether you’re a first-time pet owner or keeping several different types of animals already, the isopod is bound to make an excellent, low-maintenance edition to your home. Just make sure to do your due diligence and understand the needs of your preferred isopod for sale before making a commitment.