Isopod Species: How Different Types Behave (And Why It Matters)

Isopods are often talked about as if they’re interchangeable, but species choice quietly shapes how a setup behaves.

Some isopods stay small and hidden, while others spend their time out in the open. Some breed explosively, while others remain slow and stable. Moisture tolerance, activity level, size, and temperament can vary just as much as color.

There’s a lot to consider, is all I’m saying.

This page brings together some of the most commonly kept isopod species and morphs, focusing less on hype and more on how they behave in real setups.

Once those patterns click, the whole landscape of isopods starts to make sense.

While individual species and morphs can look wildly different, many isopods share the same underlying habits because genetically they belong to the same genus.

Once you start recognising those genus-level patterns, unfamiliar names become much less intimidating.

You can usually make a fair guess at how an isopod will behave, how active it might be, and what sort of presence it tends to have, even if you’ve never kept that exact species before.

It’s less about memorising names, and more about spotting the patterns.

Below are some of the most commonly kept isopod groups, along with the traits they tend to share.

Armadillidium Isopods

If you picture a classic “pill bug,” you’re probably thinking of an Armadillidium.

Species in this genus are often where people first encounter isopods. They’re generally hardy, forgiving of small mistakes, and slow enough in their habits to feel manageable.

Their rounded bodies allow them to roll into a tight ball when disturbed – we’ve all seen that familiar pattern growing up.

In practice, Armadillidium species are generally calm and steady. Population growth tends to be gradual, with activity settling into a predictable rhythm over time.

Common Armadillidium species and morphs include:

• Zebra Isopods.
• Clown Isopods
• Gestroi Isopods
• Magic Potion Isopods

They’re often considered beginner-friendly, not because they’re flashy, but because their behaviour is easy to read and their rhythms are consistent (not to say they can’t be flashy though – check out the Yellow Zebra morph).

Porcellio Isopods

Porcellio is often described as an “active” genus – and that’s true – but it doesn’t tell the whole story.

These isopods are fast-moving and enthusiastic feeders, yet they’re also surprisingly good at staying out of sight. In well-structured setups, Porcellio species will happily disappear into leaf litter, bark, and substrate layers, re-emerging quickly when food is available (and you’ve probably left).

That combination of speed and stealth makes them feel busy without necessarily being on constant display. It’s also part of what makes them such effective processors of organic material once established.

Common Porcellio species include:

• Dairy Cow Isopods
• Lava Isopods

They may not always be visible, but their impact is usually obvious.

Cubaris Isopods

Cubaris species are often slower, more deliberate, and more moisture-dependent than other genera.

Many stay smaller, spend longer periods hidden, and reproduce more slowly, which contributes to their reputation as “display” isopods.

That said, many Cubaris species can still function effectively in terrarium environments, just at a different pace than more aggressive feeders. There’s always a balance to be struck between function and beauty, after all.

Speaking of beauty, the common theme here is their delightful “ducky” faces!

Common Cubaris species and morphs include:

• Panda King Isopods
• Little Sea Isopods
• Rubber Ducky Isopods and Cappuccino Isopods

Porcellionides (Powder Isopods)

Okay, not a broader genus this time.

The “Powder” isopods are a collection of common isopod morphs all belonging to a single species – Porcellionides pruinosus.

Characterized by their soft, dusty appearance, often in blue, orange, or pale cream colors.

In terms of behaviour, powder types tend to be active and hungry. They move quickly, breed readily, and adapt fast to changing conditions, which is part of why they’re so commonly recommended for setups of all kinds.

Common powder-type isopods include:

• Powder Blue Isopods
• Powder Orange Isopods
• Oreo Crumble Isopods

Dwarf Isopods

Dwarf isopods are defined less by lineage and more by scale.

As the name suggests, they remain much smaller than most commonly kept isopods, often no bigger than a grain of rice even as adults. Because of their size, dwarf species are rarely noticed individually (we sell them in higher culture sizes, too).

They also behave differently to larger isopods.

Dwarf species spend most of their time within the substrate and leaf litter. They tend to blur the line between “present” and “invisible.” They’re rarely the stars of a setup, but once established, they’re often doing way more than they appear.

Common dwarf isopod types include:

• Dwarf White Isopods (Trichorhina tomentosa)
• Dwarf Purple Isopods (Trichoniscidae sp.)

There’s also the very cute White Shark Isopods (Dwarf Cubaris sp.), but they function way more like a typical Cubaris display species than these other bioactive powerhouses.

As more isopod varieties enter the hobby, it’s easy to feel like you need to memorise an ever-growing list of species and morph names.

In reality, many of those names describe simple visual differences layered on top of the same underlying behaviours.

Once you understand the broad types – how certain species eat, breed, and behave – new names stop feeling overwhelming. You can usually place an unfamiliar isopod fairly quickly by recognising the patterns it fits into.

Species names matter, but they’re rarely the whole story. Behaviour, scale, and pace tend to shape how isopods are experienced far more than color and jazzy markings alone.

You can explore our individual species profiles to dig deeper into specific traits and variations – or check out our collection of isopods for sale on our store.