Description
The Cubaris sp. “Happy Nun” isopod stands out for its dramatic contrast and intricate coloration. Their dark bodies are dusted with bronze speckles, while skirts and cheeks vary from soft tan to deep charcoal gray. This layered coloration gives them a rich, almost metallic appearance under proper lighting.
Released to the hobby in 2023 by Richard’s Inverts, the “Happy Nun” nickname was chosen as a humorous counterpart to the famous “Angry Monk” Cubaris. The species quickly became popular among collectors thanks to both its memorable name and striking visual pattern.
To keep Happy Nuns thriving, aim for a consistently humid environment with plenty of depth for burrowing.
Breed Rate: Prolific
Origin: Thailand, isolated in the UK
Adult Size: 10-12 mm, 1-1.2 cm, .4-.5 in
Temperature: 70-78F
Habits: Active, social, and outgoing. Happy Nuns can conglobate, or roll into a ball, to protect themselves when threatened.
Husbandry: High Humidity (70-90%), Deep Substrate with a Moisture Gradient, Live Moss, Offer Plenty of Cover like Flat/Cork Bark, Leaf Litter, Wood Rot, Limestone, and Seed Pods (Magnolia, Sweet Gum, Lotus)
Primary Diet: Decaying Organic Matter, Leaf Litter, and Wood Rot
Supplemental Diet: Fish Flakes, Dried Shrimp, Cuttlebone or Egg Shells, Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Butternut Squash, Freeze-Dried Peas, Dried or Dead Insects, Zucchini, Cucumber, Commercial Food like Repashy Morning Wood
