Complete Guide for New Rubber Ducky Isopod Pet Owners

There are many exotic animals today that are made as pets. One of these is the Rubber Ducky isopods. They came originally from Thailand and can now be found in many homes taken care of as pets. As its name suggests, the Rubber Ducky isopods have rubber duck-like facial features. Its uniqueness makes it one of the bestselling isopods worldwide. Read this guide for beginners if you want to start keeping these tiny creatures as pets.

Identifying Rubber Ducky Isopods

Isopods are not difficult to identify. Still, it is important that you know more about these creatures first. Do your research before you bring them home. It is crucial that you can identify them from other species.  Rubber Ducky Isopods are unique in their appearance.

• Size: They are typically about 1 to 1.5 inches long when fully mature.
• Shape: These isopods have oval, segmented bodies and broad, short, flat, and stubby legs.
• Color: The isopods range from yellow to beige. Some may appear speckled or translucent.

Creating the Best Isopod Tank

Prepare their aquarium beforehand. Create an environment that is somewhat similar to their natural habitat. It must have clean freshwater and enough hiding spots. You must also provide them with organic matter for food. Here’s how to create the best tank for your isopods

• Tank Size. A 10-gallon aquarium is often enough for a small colony. A larger tank will make it easier to provide space for the isopods.
• Water Conditions. It should be slightly acidic to neutral and temperature of 68°F to 78°F.
• Substrate. Use one that allows the isopods to burrow and scavenge.
• Lighting. They do not like bright lighting and prefer dimmer environments.

Understanding Their Behavior

They are naturally peaceful and tend to be social creatures. That is why many pet owners love to have them. These isopods often gather in small groups. They do not threaten other species and are ideal tank mates for various freshwater aquariums.

These isopods often feed on algae, residue, and decaying organic matter. This is why they contribute well to the tank ecosystem. They are the scavengers and cleaners of the tank.

Feeding the Isopods

They need to have a protein and calcium-rich diet. The isopods require all the essential nutrients to survive in this man-made environment. They will grow fast if you feed them right. Make sure that you do your research on feeding options. You can also talk to your local veterinarian with isopods for sale about your feeding options.

• Calcium: They need a diet packed with calcium to grow and reproduce.
• Protein: This is crucial to the breeding health of the isopods.
• Leafy Greens: Only give them pesticide-free leaf litter.

Breeding Isopods – The Life Cycle

You might want to expand your isopod family. The female isopods are ready for breeding at three months old. And once they reach this stage, ensure you give them a humid and warm environment. High humidity and temperature are crucial for the breeding and hatching of eggs. They usually like to lay their eggs in the substrate. Sometimes they create small holes in the tank parts. The isopod eggs will hatch in a few weeks in a good environment. The newborns grow pretty quickly too. This will make it easy for you to grow them in numbers.

It is crucial that you are prepared to have isopods in your pet sanctuary. They are preferred by many since these creatures are easy to take care of. They are also not high maintenance. All they need is a cozy home and lots of food to survive. So make sure that you do your research before you decide to have one.