New Cubaris Isopods: 12+ Stunning Species (You Have to See!)

Cubaris isopods are the hot new trend in the isopod community.

There are already over 100 classified species of Cubaris, but these are not the ones that are taking the market by storm.

It’s actually the new ones that people are presuming to be Cubaris. New varieties are popping up so quickly that science can’t keep up!

Come with me on a campaign into the exploding world of the Cubaris – so you can see what exciting new species await you.

Let’s go.

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Thanks to the wild popularity of the Rubber Ducky Isopod, the Cubaris genus has been getting a lot of attention recently.

Seriously, take one look at their vibrant colors and unique patterns, and you’ll see why.

This has led to many isopod breeders turning their attention to developing new and interesting varieties. Hence this new wave of unclassified varieties (with increasingly weird names).

1. Cubaris ‘Panda King’ 

You could certainly argue that the Panda King Isopod is named after an animal almost as cute as the Rubber Ducky Isopod.

They’re actually one of the smaller Cubaris species, so their signature black-and-white coloration makes them look more like babies than giant pandas.

If you’re looking for a way to get started in the cute Cubaris pet isopod trend (without breaking the bank), Panda King Isopods could be the solution.

They’re also arguably the best beginner species here, being amongst the easiest Cubaris varieties to keep and breed – so you can rest assured your investment is a safe bet.

👉 Shop Panda King Isopods.

2. Cubaris murina (Little Sea Isopods)

Cubaris murina has taken a different path.

With their blueish, grey coloration, I wouldn’t say they’re the most visually striking Cubaris species (though they do have their subtle charms). So instead, they’ve become the default Cubaris for bioactive enclosures. 

Little Sea Isopods enjoy the high humidity of a tropical terrarium/vivarium, so it’s partly that.

They’re also reported to establish pretty well (though it’s probably best to still maintain a side culture just in case).

It certainly helps that they’re the cheapest Cubaris on this list!

👉 Shop Cubaris murina isopods.

3. Cubaris ‘Rubber Ducky’ (Rubber Ducky Isopods)

The variety that put Cubaris on the map, the Rubber Ducky Isopod!

Their little yellow faces have become the de facto face of the isopod hobby, and they continue to be super popular to this day. 

Alas, they continue to be challenging to source, so jump on the opportunity whenever you can.

If that’s not enough, there is also the ‘White Ducky’ and the pink-faced ‘Pak Chong‘ isopods to consider.

👉 Shop Rubber Ducky Isopods.

4. Cubaris ‘Papaya’

What happens if you take the strengths of Cubaris murina and turn up the cuteness factor?

You get the Papaya Isopods! 

As a (very aesthetic) pink/peach mutation, you get a lovely little terrestrial isopod that can serve as a pet or a bioactive cleaner.

The best of both worlds? I certainly think so.

👉 Shop Papaya Isopods.

5. Cubaris ‘Jupiter,’ ‘ Lemon Blue’ and ‘Amber’

Okay, so I’ve grouped these three together because they’re quite similar.

Looking a lot like a Rubber Ducky Isopod with a more developed yellow coloration, Cubaris ‘Jupiter,’  ‘Lemon Blue,’ and ‘Amber’ are all super cute and beautiful to see.

• ‘Jupiter‘ has more of a yellow skirt along with the typical Rubber Ducky face
• ‘Lemon Blue‘ loses the complete yellow face and instead gains a yellow skirt that goes the whole way around (kind of giving it a much smaller yellow face).
• ‘Amber‘ is predominantly yellow (surprisingly not amber-colored) with quite a blue dome top.

They’re all very rare and highly sought-after. 

Are one of these the next big thing? Maybe.

6. Cubaris ‘Cappuccino’

Honestly, I think these are my new personal favorites.

Cubaris ‘Cappuccino’ is full of deliciously mottled coffee colors. Just like those images of fresh espresso mixing into cold milk, you’ll see unique combinations of creamy whites, dark browns, and warm tans.

Though they’re pretty new (and very rare), I’m hoping these take off. 🤞

👉 Shop Cappuccino Isopods.

8. Cubaris ‘Red Tiger’

This tiger has earned its stripes!

One of the more established Cubaris species, the Red Tiger Isopod, is also on the larger side at just under 2cm fully grown.

The black and orange markings are unique to each isopod in their expression and intensity. Some look deep red, whereas others look bright orange. 

The Cubaris ‘Red Edge’ is similar (as is Cubaris iriomotensis), with a lovely red skirt.

👉 Shop Red Tiger Isopods.

9. Cubaris ‘Sabah’

Gilded beauties like these are not to be missed.

Sabah Isopods bring a touch of class to the isopod hobby with stunning gold-flecked carapaces.

Though they are reportedly a bit slow to grow, thankfully, they are one of the more forgiving Cubaris species. Worth considering as a bioactive cleaner, perhaps?

👉 Shop Sabah Isopods.

10. Cubaris ‘Silver Ghosts’

Sticking with our theme of precious metals, we have the ‘Silver Ghosts.’

With silverly grey (and sometimes purple) tones, they really stand out against the earthy tones of an isopod enclosure or terrarium.

They can get pretty large too.

👉 Shop Silver Ghost Isopods.

The market for Cubaris isopods for sale is exploding online. With new varieties popping up every week (no exaggeration).

So why are Cubaris isopods so expensive?

The strong push for new varieties paired with the fact that they’re more challenging to breed – and, to a lesser extent, keep – means that many Cubaris can often be challenging to produce at scale – making them rare and expensive isopods.

Thankfully, there are some more forgiving (and therefore cheaper) Cubaris isopods that have begun to come to market too. 

So be sure to check back regularly!

Well, we’ve seen an absolute boatload of Cubaris isopod inspiration in one place.

Which is your favorite? Or maybe there’s a new isopod species that I haven’t mentioned and absolutely need to see? 

Let me know! Share the love.