The Durian Spiky isopod (Laureola sp. "Durian Spiky") is one of the most striking species in the US hobby. Named for a heavily spiked shell that looks like the skin of a durian fruit, this small tropical isopod from Vietnam has a golden amber body covered in dark spines. Durian Spikies are our anchor species at Creature Cache, and this guide covers what they need to do well.
Durian Spiky Isopod Quick Facts
- Scientific name: Laureola sp. "Durian Spiky"
- Origin: Vietnam
- Adult size: 8 to 14 mm
- Care level: Intermediate
- Temperature: 72 to 80°F
- Humidity: 60 to 80%, with a moisture gradient
- Ventilation: Moderate. Enough to keep air fresh without drying the bin
- Breeding rate: Moderate
- Activity: Nocturnal and shy, uses leaf litter and vertical cover
Enclosure Setup
A 6 quart bin works well for a starter colony. Durian Spikies are small and reclusive, so stable humidity and temperature matter more than space. Add small holes or a strip of mesh for airflow. The balance between holding humidity and keeping air fresh is the most important thing to get right with this species.
Use 2 to 3 inches of substrate. 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 for hides
- Lichen covered sticks and bark pieces they can climb
- Clumps of damp sphagnum for moisture pockets
Humidity and the Moisture Gradient
Humidity is the most critical part of Durian care. Keep the substrate moist but never waterlogged, with one side wetter than the other and a clump of damp sphagnum on the wet side. Check every couple of days and mist when the surface starts to dry. If they cluster in the wet corner, the enclosure is too dry overall.
Temperature
Keep them between 72 and 80°F. Most homes are fine without added heat. Avoid anything below 65°F or above 85°F.
Feeding
Leaf litter and decaying hardwood are their main food and should always be available in a thick layer. Supplement sparingly with fish flakes, freeze dried shrimp, and occasional soft vegetables like zucchini or squash, and remove leftovers within a day or two to prevent mold.
Keep cuttlebone available at all times. Calcium is especially important for a heavily armored species like Laureola.
Breeding
Durian Spikies breed at a moderate pace. They are not as fast as common cleanup crew species, and a new colony may take a few months before you see mancae. Shipping, temperature swings, and enclosure changes all slow things down, so keep conditions stable, keep leaf litter topped up, and let them settle.
A group of 10 to 15 is a good foundation. Smaller groups can work, but they take longer to build momentum.
Common Mistakes
- Letting humidity drop. This is the number one killer. A dried out bin causes fast decline.
- Too much ventilation. Some airflow is good. So much that the bin cannot hold humidity is a problem.
- Overfeeding protein. It molds and attracts grain mites.
- Thin leaf litter. It is their primary food, not decoration.
Common Questions About Durian Spiky Isopods
What temperature do Durian Spiky isopods need?
72 to 80°F. Room temperature in most homes is fine. Avoid anything below 65°F or above 85°F.
What humidity do Durian Spiky isopods need?
60 to 80%, with a moisture gradient so they can move between wetter and drier zones.
What do Durian Spiky isopods eat?
Mainly leaf litter and decaying wood, with small amounts of protein and soft vegetables and constant calcium.
Are Durian Spiky isopods good for beginners?
They are intermediate. The main challenge is holding stable high humidity. Complete beginners may want to start with Rubber Duckies or Cherry Blossoms.
How fast do Durian Spiky isopods reproduce?
At a moderate pace. Expect a few months before a new colony produces young. Starting with at least 10 helps.
How big do Durian Spiky isopods get?
Adults reach 8 to 14 mm. They are a small species.
Can Durian Spiky isopods go in a bioactive setup?
They can live in a humid bioactive terrarium, but they are a display and collector species, not a cleanup crew. Their small size and shy nature mean they do not process waste the way common species do.
Where to Buy Durian Spiky Isopods
All Durian Spiky Isopods at Creature Cache are captive bred and ship FedEx Priority Overnight with a 100% live arrival guarantee. Shop Durian Spiky 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.