The Cherry Blossom (Cubaris sp. "Cherry Blossom") is one of the most loved isopods in the hobby, named for soft pink and cream tones that deepen as the animals mature. It is a color line selected in Japan from Cubaris sp. "Red Pak Chong," and a closely related line is sometimes sold in the US as "Sakura." That Red Pak Chong background tells you what they need: a warm, humid, well ventilated Cubaris setup.
Cherry Blossom Isopod Quick Facts
- Scientific name: Cubaris sp. "Cherry Blossom"
- Lineage: Color line selected from Cubaris sp. "Red Pak Chong"
- Adult size: About 15 mm
- Care level: Beginner to intermediate
- Temperature: 70 to 78°F
- Humidity: 70 to 80%, with a drier side
- Ventilation: Moderate
- Breeding rate: Moderate
- Activity: Burrows, but often out after misting and in the evening
- Lifespan: Commonly reported at 2 to 3 years
Enclosure Setup
A 6 to 10 quart tub with a snug lid and cross ventilation works for a starter colony. They love humidity, but stagnant, soaking air is one of the fastest ways to lose a colony, so make sure the bin breathes.
Give them 3 to 4 inches of substrate, since they burrow and keep their young down in it. We use our own ABG style mix in every bin: 12 parts sphagnum moss, 6 parts coco fiber, 4 parts orchid bark, 2 parts charcoal, and 2 parts worm castings. The full recipe is in our ABG substrate guide.
On top of the substrate, add:
- A thick layer of hardwood leaf litter, topped up as it gets eaten
- Decaying hardwood
- Cuttlebone for calcium, available at all times
- A culture of Tropical Pink springtails to keep mold and leftovers in check
- Cork bark and leaf piles for cover
Humidity and the Moisture Gradient
Keep one side noticeably damp and the other drier. Mist the damp side with dechlorinated water when it starts to dry, and keep a clump of damp sphagnum there. If they crowd the driest corner, the bin is too wet or too stagnant. If they pile on the wettest spot and stay there, it is too dry.
Temperature
Normal room temperature, roughly 70 to 78°F, works well. They like the warmer end of that range but should not get hot. Keep them out of direct sun and away from drafts.
Feeding
Leaf litter and decaying hardwood are the base of the diet and should always be available. We rotate small amounts of fish flakes, freeze dried shrimp, and occasional soft vegetables. Carrot and pumpkin are good occasional picks. Remove leftovers within a day or two to avoid mold.
Keep cuttlebone in the bin at all times for healthy molts.
A Note on Color
Juvenile Cherry Blossoms often look pale, grayish, or washed out compared to adult photos. This is normal. Their pink develops as they grow and molt, and freshly molted animals look paler for a short time until the new shell sets. Do not judge a colony by its youngest animals.
Breeding
Cherry Blossoms breed at a moderate pace once settled. Females carry their young in a pouch until tiny live mancae emerge. To keep a colony productive:
- Keep temperature and humidity stable.
- Keep calcium available at all times.
- Give them deep substrate and plenty of cover.
- Disturb the bin as little as possible, especially in the first few weeks.
- Split or upsize as the colony grows so it does not get crowded.
Common Mistakes
- Wet, stagnant bins. Always pair moisture with airflow.
- Letting the bin dry out. Keep the damp side damp.
- Skipping calcium. Failed molts often trace back to it.
- Expecting instant pink. Color comes with age.
Common Questions About Cherry Blossom Isopods
Are Cherry Blossom isopods good for beginners?
Yes, they are one of the better collector Cubaris for newer keepers, as long as you can hold a stable moisture gradient with airflow.
Why are my Cherry Blossoms not pink?
Juveniles and freshly molted animals are paler. Their color deepens as they mature.
Are Cherry Blossom and Sakura isopods the same?
They are closely related lines from the same Red Pak Chong background, but they are usually treated as separate lines.
How big do Cherry Blossom isopods get?
Adults reach about 15 mm.
Where to Buy Cherry Blossom Isopods
All Cherry Blossom Isopods at Creature Cache are captive bred and ship FedEx Priority Overnight with a 100% live arrival guarantee. Shop Cherry Blossom Isopods and pair them with a Tropical Pink springtail culture, or join the Creature Club for restock alerts and 10% off your first order.
More reading: How to Set Up Your First Isopod Enclosure, our ABG substrate recipe, and our springtail care guide.
Questions about your animals? Email us anytime at info@creaturecache.com.