Rubber Ducky Care
| Rubber Ducky Care | |
|---|---|
| Common name | Rubber Ducky |
| Scientific name | Cubaris sp. |
| Size | 1.2 - 1.8 cm |
| Lifespan | 2 to 3 years |
| Care level | Moderate |
| Activity level | Medium |
| Behavior | Terrestrial |
| Burrowing | Yes |
| Enclosure type | Tropical |
| Recommended substrate | Organic potting soil with additions |
| Temperature range | 72°-80°F |
| Humidity | 75%-90% |
| Ventilation | Low to Medium |
| Food |
|
| Supplements |
|
| Reproductive rate | Slow to Moderate |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
Rubber Ducky Isopod (Cubaris sp.)[edit | edit source]
Description[edit | edit source]
Rubber Ducky Isopods are known for their unmistakable face -- which is bright yellow like a bathtub rubber ducky. Rubber Duckies were only recently discovered and made available to the hobby, and are now among the most popular and sought after isopods in the hobby.
Appearance[edit | edit source]
Rubber Ducky Isopods average 1.2 - 1.8 cm in length as adults. They are distinguished by bright yellow cephalothorax ("head").[1] Rubber Duckies also occur in a more yellow-amber hue ("Blonde Duckies") as well as white ("White Duckies"). Other closely-related species of Cubaris are also available in colors like grey ("Panda Kings") and orange ("Pak Chong").
Reproduction[edit | edit source]
Rubber Duckies often require some time to become established before they start reproducing. They seem to reproduce readily in proper conditions, but less frequently and with fewer offspring than many other species.
Care[edit | edit source]
Moderate. Rubber Duckies require higher humidity, low to medium ventilation, and dietary calcium to thrive.
Shopping List[edit | edit source]
Required:
- 12 qt (11.4L) or larger waterproof storage bin (e.g., ezystorage 11.4L Storage Box, Sterilite 12Qt Gasket Box)
- Organic potting soil (e.g., FoxFarm Happy Frog)
- Rotting hardwood chunks / orchid bark
- Crushed charcoal
- Shredded sphagnum moss
- Leaf litter
- Spray or misting bottle
- Crushed limestone
- Mesh (120 mesh or finer recommended to prevent pests & escapes)
- Hot glue gun or Cyanoacrylate-based super glue
- Utility knife
Recommended:
- Cuttlebone
- Log or bark hides
- Scissors
Enclosure[edit | edit source]
A 12 quart (11.4L) waterproof storage container measuring about 16" L x 11.25" W x 6.75" H is suitable for a medium-sized colony (50+) of Rubber Duckies. The bin should include a "wet" and "dry" side on opposite ends of the enclosure, lengthwise, as well as mesh-covered vents for airflow.
The "wet" side should contain damp shredded Sphagnum moss on top of the substrate, and cover about 20-25% of the total surface area of the bin, while the "dry" end should contain exposed substrate only.
Features[edit | edit source]
The enclosure should include
- At least 4 inches (10 cm) of substrate
- Hardwood leaf litter for cover and foraging
- Hides consisting of hardwood logs or bark, or cork bark
- Calcium sources, like crushed or chunked limestone and cuttlebone
- A "wet" area at one end of enclosure consisting of damp, shredded Sphagnum moss
- A "dry" area at the opposite end with exposed substrate
- This species prefers only a small dry area, making up 1/6 of the surface area or less
- One or two mesh-covered vents cut into the sides of the bin, about 2"x2" in size to provide ventilation
- This species prefers only a small amount of airflow
Substrate[edit | edit source]
The enclosure should have at least 4 inches (10 cm) of substrate.
Mix:
- 1 gallon organic potting soil
- 1 cup of rotting hardwood chunks
- 1 cup of crushed charcoal
- 1 cup of crushed limestone
Temperature[edit | edit source]
Temperature should remain between 70-80°F (21-27°C).
Humidity[edit | edit source]
Maintain humidity levels between 75-90%. This can be achieved by misting about 90% of the enclosure weekly, and ensuring the sphagnum on the "wet" side (covering about 25% of the enclosure) feels damp to the touch, but is not dripping wet.
Hides[edit | edit source]
Hardwood pieces and bark, or cork bark should be added to the enclosure along with leaf litter and stones to provide cover.
Feeding & Supplementation[edit | edit source]
Diet[edit | edit source]
Rubber Duckies, like many other isopods, consume dead and decaying organic matter. Rotting wood and leaf litter provide suitable forage, while dried fish and shrimp can also be provided. Commercial diets, like high-protein fish flakes and pellets, or Repashy Morning Wood and Repashy Bug Burger, are also suitable.
Supplementation[edit | edit source]
Rubber Duckies require calcium sources to thrive. Limestone and cuttlebone are popular choices to provide dietary calcium, while some enthusiasts also utilize oyster shell. Any of these options are suitable sources of calcium carbonate.
References[edit | edit source]
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- ↑ Shultz JW (2018) A guide to the identification of the terrestrial Isopoda of Maryland, U.S.A. (Crustacea). In: Hornung E, Taiti S, Szlavecz K (Eds) Isopods in a Changing World. ZooKeys 801: 207-228. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.801.24146