Orange Koi Isopods (Porcellio scaber ‘Orange Koi’)

What Do Orange Koi Isopods Look Like?

Porcellio scaber ‘Orange Koi’ are small terrestrial crustaceans that range in size from 1/2-3/4 inch in length.

They are usually a deep orange-brown color, with a mottled pattern of red and black throughout their body.

They have a hard exoskeleton and two antennae that are used to sense the environment.

The underside of their body also features two tail-like appendages that are used for climbing and grasping.

A single pair of eyes is located at the front of the head. These simple, round eyes are used for detecting shadows and movement.

Benefits Of Using Orange Koi Isopods

Using Orange Koi Isopods in vivariums can be highly beneficial thanks to their unparalleled cleaning capabilities and ability to quickly break down organic matter.

First and foremost, the isopods will go to work sorting through the substrate, eating any non-digested food bits, leftover plant matter, and waste, which would accumulate and potentially turn toxic if left unchecked.

They are also scavengers, so they can be a huge help in providing a balanced diet for larger vivarium occupants and maintaining the highest water quality.

All this helps reduce potential odor and health risks.

Beyond their clean-up services, Orange Koi Isopods can also be quite the sight, adding color and pattern variation to your enclosure.

They are low-maintenance pets, making them a perfect choice for any type of vivarium.

 

Orange Koi Isopods Facts

Orange Koi Isopods are an easy-to-care-for species of woodlice with distinctive orange markings.

They feed naturally on decaying plant matter, fruit, and vegetables, have a gentle temperament, and can live up to 5 years.

Reproduction occurs sexually, and all stages of the life cycle (eggs, juveniles, and adults) spend time in the soil or on plant matter, where they scavenge for food.

Habitat

Porcellio scaber ‘Orange Koi’ is a delightful species of terrestrial crustacean native to parts of Europe, North Africa, and the Caucasus mountain region.

They belong to the family of Porcellionidae and their natural habitat consists of birch and beech woods, leafy meadows, and damp deciduous forest floors.

Conditions in these regions tend to be cool and moist all year round, with occasional dry spells during the heat of summer.

Orange Koi Isopods require ample stable moisture in their environment, so they naturally inhabit areas with a thick layer of organic matter, such as leaf litter, moss, and rotting wood.

To help maintain their desired levels of humidity, they often dig and hide in the moist soil beneath rocks and logs. 

Replicate their natural habitat perfectly with our Bioactive Isopod Substrate Blend, designed to provide the ideal moisture and organic content for your isopods.

Diet

In their natural habitats, they feed on decaying plant and animal matter, fungi, and a range of other organic sources.

Organic matter such as dead leaves and grass, bark, and sphagnum moss will all provide a healthy diet for Orange Koi Isopods.

They may also opportunistically feed on algae, lichens, and microbial mats. 

Porcellio scaber ‘Orange Koi’ are scavengers, so they need access to multiple food sources and plenty of variety in their diet.

Temperament

Orange Koi Isopods are usually not very skittish or hostile towards humans or other animals.

They are generally quite docile and tolerant towards gentle handling and don’t seem to mind the presence of other creatures.

When someone touches them, they may feel threatened and scurry away quickly, so care should be taken when handling them. 

Lifespan

Orange Koi Isopods can live surprisingly long lives, with an estimated lifespan between one to three years depending on their environment, diet, and the amount of care and attention they receive. 

Porcellio scaber ‘Orange Koi’ has a few development stages, beginning with the hatchling, which is about half of a millimeter long and will molt up to fifteen times for its early development before reaching maturity at three to four months old.

This relatively short juvenile stage is followed by the adult stage, where the isopod will reach its full size and lifespan.

During the adult stage, the isopod will breed and reproduce, laying up to ten eggs in one molt – a process that can continue throughout their life. 

Breeding

Porcellio scaber ‘Orange Koi’ mate and reproduce via an external form of fertilization.

The father will transfer sperm to the female during mating and impregnate her.

After mating, the mother will then lay eggs on the substrate of the enclosure, typically on the underside of a rock or leaf of some sort.

During the incubation process, the female will fiercely safeguard her eggs from predators.

The eggs will hatch after two to three weeks, and the young isopods will emerge as tiny versions of their parents.

After birth, the mother will stay with her offspring to help shield them from potential threats.

As the young isopods age, they will molt and cast their outer shells, to grow larger.

It is important to have the right conditions in the habitat to ensure healthy molting and growth.

Optimal temperature and humidity levels, along with a suitable substrate, are necessary elements in the caring process.

Where To Find Orange Koi Isopods

To find Orange Koi Isopods for sale, the easiest place to start is online. Many pet brands sell both live isopods and cultures online, with a range of prices to choose from.

If you’re looking to find wild Orange Koi Isopods, your best bet is to search in damp, shady, and humid areas.

These isopods live in boreal oak forests and cool ecosystems, such as gardens near rivers, so you should try searching in those areas.

It’s also worth noting that you won’t be able to find this species in all parts of the world, as it’s mainly found in North America, Europe, and Asia.