The Porcellionides pruinosus 'Orange Koi' is a distinctive, captive-bred color morph of the common plum woodlouse, known for its vibrant orange and white or cream patterning. It's a hardy, beginner-friendly species popular for its appearance and efficiency as a bioactive clean-up crew. This morph is often considered a variant of the 'Orange Cream' or 'Orange Pied' strains.
Appearance and Behavior
- Appearance: This isopod features a striking combination of a light orange base color with random white or cream-colored spots and patches, resembling the pattern of a koi fish. They have a smooth body with a characteristic "powdery" or velvety look. Adults typically reach a size of 1 to 1.7 cm in length.
- Behavior: 'Orange Koi' are active and social, often seen foraging on the substrate surface, which makes them great display pets. They are fast-moving and prefer to use speed to escape threats rather than rolling into a defensive ball.
Husbandry and Care
P. pruinosus 'Orange Koi' are easy to care for and adaptable, making them an excellent choice for novice keepers.
- Habitat: A well-ventilated enclosure with a moisture gradient is key. Provide a damp area with sphagnum moss and a drier area for them to regulate their moisture needs.
- Substrate & Hides: The substrate should be a mix of organic soil, decaying leaf litter (oak, magnolia), and rotting white wood, which serves as both food and shelter. Cork bark pieces or other decor provide essential hiding spots.
- Temperature & Humidity: They thrive in standard room temperatures, ideally between 18–26°C (64–79°F). While they can tolerate lower humidity, a range of 60–80% with access to a moist retreat is best.
- Diet: Their diet should primarily be decaying organic matter.
- Main diet: Abundant decaying hardwood leaf litter and soft, rotting wood.
- Supplements: Regular protein sources (e.g., fish flakes, freeze-dried shrimp) and a consistent source of calcium (e.g., cuttlebone, eggshells, limestone rock) are vital for healthy growth and exoskeleton development.
- Breeding: They are highly prolific breeders and establish large colonies quickly once the conditions are met.
Porcellionides pruinosus 'Orange Koi'
£10.00Price
