Giant isopods are fascinating deep sea creatures that have recently gained popularity in the exotic pet trade. If you’ve seen photos of these alien-looking crustaceans and wondered if they would make good pets, you’re not alone!
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: keeping giant isopods as pets is possible but challenging due to their demanding environmental needs.
In this nearly 3,000 word article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the feasibility and care requirements of giant isopods as pets. We’ll discuss their natural history, typical behaviors, housing needs, diet, handling, common health issues, legalities, costs, and more to help you make an informed decision about bringing one of these unusual creatures into your home.
Natural History of Giant Isopods
Taxonomy and Physical Description
Giant isopods (Bathynomus giganteus) are a species of deep sea crustacean that belong to the suborder Asellota. They are closely related to common pill bugs or woodlice. These bottom-dwelling creatures have a distinctive segmented body with 7 pairs of legs, which gives them a centipede-like appearance.
Fully grown adults reach an awe-inspiring size of over 16 inches in length, earning them the name “giant isopod.” Their coloration can range from creamy white to grayish-brown. One of the most striking features of giant isopods are their compound eyes, which are adapted to the extreme darkness of their habitat over 2,000 meters below the surface.
In terms of taxonomy, there are over 20 described species of giant isopods under the genus Bathynomus.
Habitat and Range
As their name suggests, giant isopods live exclusively in the deep ocean all around the world. They are most abundant in cold, nutrient-rich waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Pacific Ocean and Indian Ocean at depths ranging from around 500 meters to over 2,100 meters.
At these crushing pressures and cold temperatures in perpetual darkness, giant isopods crawl along the seafloor in search of food. They can be found on a diversity of substrates including fine sediments, rocky areas, cold seeps, and coral rubble habitats.
While the global population status of giant isopods is unclear, they do not seem to be at risk as no major threats to the species have been identified.
Behavior and Lifestyle
Giant isopods demonstrate many specialized adaptations that allow them to survive the extreme conditions of the deep sea. They exhibit slow metabolisms that enable them to withstand food scarcity and long periods without eating. In fact, giant isopods can survive over two months without a meal!
They are also tolerant of cold temperatures near the freezing point of water. These creatures spend most of their time slowly crawling and foraging along the seafloor, using their sensitive antennae to locate scarce food sources like dead fish, whales, crabs and other organic detritus that falls from the ocean’s surface.
Giant isopods are believed to have long life spans exceeding many decades. Reproduction occurs year round and the female carries the eggs in a special pouch for around one and a half years before they hatch!
Research into the secret lives of these elusive giants is ongoing, but many mysteries still remain. Their alien-like bodies and intriguing deep sea adaptations continue to fascinate both scientists and observers alike!
Housing Requirements
Tank Size
Giant isopods are quite large, so they need an equally spacious habitat. The minimum tank size for a single giant isopod is a 10-gallon aquarium. However, a 20-gallon tank would be ideal as it allows you to create a naturalistic environment with plenty of floor space for them to roam around.
The more giant isopods you plan to keep, the bigger the tank needs to be. Make sure the tank has a tight-fitting lid without any gaps, as these creatures are incredible escape artists!
Substrate
An appropriate substrate is crucial for replicating the giant isopod’s natural habitat. A mix of sterilized potting soil and coconut fiber works well. The substrate should be at least 4 inches deep to allow them to burrow.
Add pieces of bark, cork, and dried leaves on top of the substrate to provide hiding spots and enrichment. Maintain moisture in the substrate but avoid sogginess.
Furnishings and Hiding Places
Giant isopods appreciate a cluttered and complex environment in the tank. Provide plenty of hides, caves, and tunnels made from ceramic pots, cork bark, driftwood, and plastic tubes. This allows them to feel secure and lowers stress.
Place live or artificial plants throughout the habitat for additional cover. Cholla wood, grapevine, and malaysian driftwood work nicely. Just be sure any wood added to the tank is pesticide-free.
Temperature, Lighting and Other Equipment
Giant isopods originate from warm, tropical regions. Ideal temperatures range between 70-80°F. Use an under tank heating pad or ceramic heat emitter to maintain proper temperatures, but make sure there is a cooler area in case they get too warm. Provide 12-14 hours of light daily.
Full spectrum or UVB lighting is recommended but not critical. Also include a hygrometer to monitor humidity levels, which should be around 80%. Adding springtails and isopods like dwarf whites can help keep the tank clean.
Giant Isopod Care
Diet and Feeding
Giant isopods are scavengers that feed on dead animals and plant matter in their deep-sea habitat. As pets, they should be fed a varied diet including fish, shrimp, squid, clams, and vegetation. Uneaten food should be removed to prevent fouling the water.
Juveniles should be fed small pieces while adults can tackle larger chunks. Target feeding your giant isopod 2-3 times per week and avoid overfeeding. Their high-calcium diet helps support the molting process.
Molting
Like all crustaceans, giant isopods must periodically shed their exoskeleton in order to grow. This process is called molting. Prior to molting, an isopod stops eating and often burrows into the substrate.
During a molt, the old exoskeleton splits along the back and the animal emerges soft, pale, and vulnerable. It takes 1-2 days for the new exoskeleton to fully harden. Delay feeding until the new skin has hardened to prevent possible cannibalism by tank mates.
Handling
Despite their imposing size, giant isopods do not bite and can be handled safely if done gently. Use two hands to scoop up the animal and avoid compressing its sensitive abdomen. Minimize handling when possible and never grab the uropods (tail paddles).
Gloves are recommended as giant isopods can transmit some parasites and bacteria to humans. Always wash your hands after touching any aquatic animal.
Tank Maintenance
Giant isopods require a habitat that mimics their deep sea environment as closely as possible. Use a large tank with plenty of hiding spots and a substrate of fine sand or mud at least 4 inches deep. Maintain water temperature between 59-75°F.
A high-quality protein skimmer, strong filtration, and weekly partial water changes will help control waste. Test water parameters regularly and keep ammonia and nitrates low. Shallow pools of brackish water can be provided for surface breathing.
With good husbandry, giant isopods may live 5-10 years in captivity.
Health Concerns
Diseases
Giant isopods can be susceptible to certain diseases in captivity, especially if care is not taken to provide proper conditions. Some common health issues include:
- Shell disease – A bacterial or fungal infection that erodes the exoskeleton, leaving lesions or pits in the shell.
- Calcium deficiency – Caused by insufficient calcium in the diet, leading to poor molting.
- Parasitic infections – Isopods can suffer from parasites like gregarines, ciliates, and flagellates if wild-caught.
To reduce the risk of disease, it is important to quarantine and treat new isopods before introducing them to your tank. Maintaining pristine water quality, appropriate temperature and salinity, a well-balanced diet, and low stress levels can also boost immune health.
Parasites
Giant isopods can host a variety of external and internal parasites, especially when wild-caught. Common parasites include:
- Nematodes – Roundworms that infect the gut.
- Acanthocephalans – Spiny-headed worms that attach to the intestines.
- Copepods – Small crustaceans that can infest the gills and mouth.
- Isopod bucephalid – A parasitic fluke unique to isopods.
Quarantining new specimens and routine microscopic examination of feces can help detect parasites before they spread. Anti-parasitic medications like praziquantel may be used for treatment under veterinary guidance.
Providing a balanced, nutrient-rich diet and optimal environmental conditions can help boost immune function and prevent parasitic infections in captive giant isopods.
Lifespan
Giant isopods are remarkably long-lived crustaceans. In the wild, they can survive for over a decade. Some key factors influencing their lifespan include:
- Food availability – Lack of food sources reduces lifespan.
- Predators – Isopods may get predated on by fish, sharks, marine mammals.
- Temperature – Colder waters extend lifespan compared to warmer regions.
- Sex – Females generally outlive males by a few years.
In captivity, giant isopods have survived over 20 years with proper care. Providing the correct dietary and environmental needs is key. With optimal conditions, giant isopods can outlive many common pet species.
Where to Obtain Giant Isopods
Wild Collection
Giant isopods are found in deep ocean habitats all over the world, but are most abundant in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. While they can sometimes be collected from shallow waters, giant isopods are most frequently found at depths of 560 to 7020 feet.
This makes them very difficult for the average person to collect from the wild.
In order to have any chance of collecting a giant isopod from its natural habitat, you would need access to specialized deep sea submersible vehicles or remote operated vehicles (ROVs). These vehicles enable humans to descend to the lightless depths of the abyssal zone where giant isopods thrive.
Even with such equipment, finding and capturing a live giant isopod in the wild would be quite challenging.
Additionally, indiscriminate harvesting of rare deep sea creatures is discouraged. Many scientists recommend leaving these fascinating animals in their natural habitats, rather than removing them simply for our own purposes.
Captive Breeding
Over the past few decades, advances in aquarium technology have enabled the successful captive breeding of giant isopods. While still uncommon, it is now possible to purchase captive bred specimens from specialty aquaculture facilities.
Several public aquariums, such as the California Academy of Sciences and Tokyo Sea Life Park, have established breeding programs for giant isopods. Their offspring are sometimes made available to private collectors once they reach a certain age and size.
There are also a handful of deep sea aquaculture companies that breed giant isopods and sell them to home aquarists. However, giant isopod babies produced in captivity remain quite pricey due to small batch production.
Captive bred giant isopods are preferable to wild caught specimens. Their availability reduces collection pressures on wild populations. Captive bred animals also tend to be hardier as they are already accustomed to aquarium conditions.
Costs
The cost of purchasing a giant isopod varies considerably based on its size and whether it is wild caught or captive bred.
Wild caught specimens usually range from $50 for a juvenile (2-3 inches long) to $150 for a large adult (12 inches long). Shipments of wild caught animals may have higher mortality rates due to collection and transport stress.
Captive bred babies and juveniles typically cost between $200 to $500. Availability is sporadic as they must grow to sellable size. Experienced breeders rarely offer adult captive bred isopods for sale.
Regardless of source, you’ll need a suitable aquarium setup which can add $500 or more in expenses. Ongoing costs include special lighting and live macroalgae or protein feeds. Over its lifetime, expect to spend at least $1000 properly caring for a giant isopod pet.
Laws and Regulations
Keeping giant isopods as pets is a controversial and complex issue that involves navigating regulations, ethics, and practical care considerations. Here is an overview of some of the key laws and regulations surrounding giant isopod ownership in the United States:
Federal Laws
There are no specific federal laws in the US that prohibit or restrict private ownership of giant isopods. They are not covered by the Endangered Species Act or the Lacey Act, which regulate trade in threatened/endangered species and wildlife.
State and Local Laws
Laws regarding exotic pets vary widely between states and local jurisdictions. Some places impose permit requirements, restrictions, or outright bans on owning certain exotic species as pets. Aspiring giant isopod owners should thoroughly research their state and city ordinances to determine if special permits or licenses are needed.
Import Regulations
Most giant isopods in the pet trade are wild-caught and imported. Their importation and export is regulated by the US Department of Agriculture and the US Fish & Wildlife Service. An import permit may be required, and shipments are subject to inspection at ports of entry to prevent introduction of pests, diseases, or ecologically harmful species.
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES)
While no giant isopod species are currently listed under CITES, their status is subject to change. CITES is an international agreement that tracks and regulates cross-border trade in vulnerable plant and animal species.
Permits and compliance with export/import regulations are mandatory for species covered by CITES.
Ethical Concerns
Beyond legal restrictions, debate persists around the ethics of removing giant isopods from their natural deep sea habitats for the pet trade. Some argue it disrupts delicate ocean ecosystems. Others counter that sustaining captive populations may relieve pressure on wild stocks.
It is a complex issue with reasonable arguments on both sides.
Conclusion
Giant isopods are fascinating creatures that have potential as pets, but only for extremely dedicated aquarists. Their specific environmental and dietary needs make them challenging and expensive to keep properly.
Make sure you fully research their care requirements and consider working with a breeder before bringing one of these unusual crustaceans into your home.
While a giant isopod would certainly be a conversation starter in any home aquarium, they are generally not ideal pets for beginners. With their demanding care needs met, however, they can thrive under human care and live for a decade or more.
If you have the resources and are up for the challenge, a giant isopod could make for a uniquely interesting pet.
