Lemon Blue Isopods (Cubaris sp.) for Sale UK
SKU: 63336315175

Lemon Blue Isopods (Cubaris sp.) for Sale UK

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Description

Lemon Blue Isopods (Cubaris sp.) for Sale UKThe Cubaris Lemon Blue is one of the most visually striking premium Cubaris in the hobby a Thai species defined by its bold lemon yellow body and the blue tinted inner segments that flash under direct light. The colour combination is genuinely unusual; most isopods don't combine warm and cool tones like this, and the effect when light catches them properly is unmistakable. They've been described as looking like "candy," and the comparison isn't a

The Cubaris Lemon Blue is one of the most visually striking premium Cubaris in the hobby — a Thai species defined by its bold lemon-yellow body and the blue-tinted inner segments that flash under direct light. The colour combination is genuinely unusual; most isopods don't combine warm and cool tones like this, and the effect when light catches them properly is unmistakable. They've been described as looking like "candy," and the comparison isn't a stretch.

That said, this is not a beginner species. Lemon Blues are slower breeders than most Cubaris, and their famous colouration depends heavily on diet — they will fade without consistent carotenoid-rich feeding. They reward keepers who put in the effort and disappoint those who don't. If you've kept other Cubaris successfully and want a genuine display species, they're one of the best choices available.

Available in groups of 5, 10, or 20. Captive-bred stock from established UK colonies.

Quick Care Summary

  • Scientific Name: Cubaris sp. 'Lemon Blue'
  • Common Name: Lemon Blue Isopod, Cubaris Lemon Blue
  • Family: Armadillidae
  • Origin: Thailand and parts of southern China — limestone karst regions near Cubaris sp. 'Jupiter' habitat
  • Adult Size: 15–20 mm
  • Lifespan: 2–4 years typical
  • Difficulty: Medium to High — not for beginners
  • Temperature: 21–29°C (70–85°F)
  • Humidity: 60–80% with moisture gradient
  • Ventilation: Low to medium — humidity retention prioritised
  • Behaviour: Conglobates, semi-social, more active than shy Cubaris species
  • Breeding: Slow — colony establishment takes 3–4+ months minimum

What Makes Lemon Blue Isopods Special

The visual appeal is the main draw, and it's genuine:

The yellow-blue colour combination is unique. Most isopods are predominantly one colour family — warm browns, oranges, and reds, or cool greys and blacks. Lemon Blues combine bright lemon-yellow with blue-tinted inner pereon segments visible through the exoskeleton. When direct light catches them at the right angle, the blue tones flash against the yellow background — a genuinely striking effect.

Distinctive yellow "skirt". Unlike Jupiter Isopods where yellow forms outlines around each individual segment, Lemon Blues display a continuous yellow band running front-to-back along the body edge. This creates the "skirt" appearance that's diagnostic for the species.

Colours improve with age. Newly arrived specimens often look underwhelming compared to mature, well-fed adults. Given time, proper conditions, and appropriate diet, the colours deepen and the blue tones become more pronounced. Patient keepers are rewarded.

Active and observable. Unlike some shy Cubaris species that hide constantly, Lemon Blues are reasonably active once established. They venture out to forage during dim conditions and don't disappear at the first sign of disturbance. This makes them genuinely viable as display animals rather than cleanup crew you rarely see.

Hard exoskeleton. Lemon Blues have firmer exoskeletons than some softer-bodied Cubaris, which means they're not easily predated in mixed enclosures. This also means they're not suitable as feeders for small reptiles or amphibians — but at this price point, you wouldn't be using them as feeders anyway.

How Lemon Blue Compares to Other Cubaris

If you're choosing between premium Cubaris species, here's how Lemon Blues fit in:

  • vs Jupiter Isopods: The closest comparison since both come from the same broader Thai region (Jupiter habitat is reportedly near Lemon Blue habitat in the wild). Jupiters have segment-by-segment yellow outlines on a black body; Lemon Blues have a continuous yellow skirt with blue inner segments. Jupiters are easier to breed and less colour-dependent on diet. Lemon Blues are more visually impressive when properly maintained but more demanding overall.
  • vs Panda King: Panda Kings are cheaper, breed faster, and have black-and-white patterning. Lemon Blues have richer colouration but slower breeding and more demanding husbandry. Panda Kings are the better gateway Cubaris; Lemon Blues are a step up.
  • vs Rubber Ducky: Rubber Duckies are larger with the iconic ducky-face shell shape. Lemon Blues are smaller but more colourful. Different aesthetic appeals — Rubber Duckies for shape, Lemon Blues for colour.

Browse the full Cubaris collection to compare all options.

The Diet Reality — Why Colour Matters

This is the most important section for anyone considering Lemon Blues. Their colouration isn't fixed — it depends on diet, and it can fade significantly without proper feeding.

The yellow tones come primarily from carotenoid pigments accumulated through diet. Carotenoids are natural plant pigments found in vegetables like carrot, sweet potato, butternut squash, and pumpkin. Isopods can't synthesise these pigments — they get them from food, store them in tissues, and display them through the exoskeleton. Without consistent carotenoid intake, the yellow fades. The blue tones seem less diet-dependent but overall vibrancy still reflects nutritional health.

Practical implication: Lemon Blues need carotenoid-rich foods offered several times weekly, not just occasionally. This is more frequent feeding attention than you'd give to species where colour isn't the main appeal. If you're not willing to maintain this feeding consistency, choose a different species — neglected Lemon Blues look disappointingly muted, like washed-out versions of the photos that drew you to them in the first place.

Setting Up the Enclosure

A 6–10 litre tub or small glass enclosure suits a starter colony of 5–10. Plastic tubs with clip-lock lids work well — they hold humidity better than glass terrariums, and humidity retention matters here.

Ventilation should be low to medium. Lemon Blues tolerate slightly more airflow than strict cave-dwelling species but still need humidity preserved. Small holes on opposite sides of the enclosure provide cross-ventilation without dropping humidity. Avoid wide mesh sections — they dry the enclosure out too quickly. Our accessories collection has appropriate enclosures and small-vent options.

Substrate

Build a layered substrate that matches their Thai limestone karst origins:

Base layer (5–6 cm): Organic topsoil mixed with flake soil for nutrition. Mix in sphagnum peat moss for moisture retention.

Calcium throughout: Generous quantities of crushed limestone mixed throughout the substrate. Lemon Blues come from limestone karst regions and benefit from substrate-level calcium availability, not just placed pieces on top.

Middle layer: Kinshi pieces and rotting white hardwood. Both provide food value and structural complexity. Tropical Cubaris actively feed on fungal-decomposed wood.

Top layer: Generous leaf litter using magnolia leaves for long-lasting cover, bamboo leaf litter for structure, and Asian leaf mix for native Thai/Vietnamese leaves. Add multiple cork bark pieces for hides — Lemon Blues use them actively for shelter and moulting.

Sphagnum moss patches: Place in corners to maintain localised humidity zones without making the entire enclosure too wet.

Humidity and the Moisture Gradient

Maintain humidity at 60–80%. Lemon Blues handle a slightly broader range than some cave-dwelling Cubaris but still need consistent moisture. Mist regularly and ensure the substrate stays damp without being waterlogged.

Create a moisture gradient:

  • Damper side (around half the enclosure): Moist substrate with sphagnum moss and damp leaf litter
  • Slightly drier side: Drier substrate where they can choose drier conditions if needed

The gradient lets the colony self-regulate. It also helps prevent mould issues that develop in uniformly humid enclosures.

Temperature

21–29°C is the comfort range. They tolerate a reasonable range, but stable conditions matter more than hitting any specific point. Most UK homes provide acceptable temperatures during warmer months; in winter, a low-wattage heat mat on the side of the enclosure (never underneath) connected to a thermostat keeps the colony in the breeding-friendly range. Avoid sustained exposure below 20°C or above 30°C.

Diet — The Critical Section

Diet is where Lemon Blue care most clearly differs from other Cubaris. The colour-maintaining feeding regime isn't optional.

Primary diet (always available):

  • Decaying leaf litter — magnolia, oak, beech
  • Rotting white hardwood
  • Kinshi — fungal-decomposed wood

Carotenoid-rich vegetables (essential — offer 2–3x weekly):

  • Carrot — particularly high in beta-carotene
  • Sweet potato — orange-fleshed varieties especially
  • Butternut squash and pumpkin
  • Cucumber as variety
  • Sweet pepper (orange or red)

Protein supplementation (1–2x weekly):

Calcium (always available):

  • Cuttlebone permanently in the enclosure
  • Limestone mixed into substrate (essential for limestone-karst species)

Repashy supplements: Morning Wood is well-suited to Lemon Blues — calcium-fortified, plant-based, and contains additional carotenoid sources (paprika, marigold flower, calendula). It's one of the few formulated products that supports the colour-maintenance feeding regime.

Bee pollen: Often suggested for Cubaris and worth offering. Some keepers report Lemon Blues take it readily; others report indifference.

Breeding

Lemon Blues are slow breeders, even by Cubaris standards. Set realistic expectations — this is not a species you buy expecting rapid colony growth.

Establishment time: 3–4 months minimum before stable breeding begins. Often longer. Don't panic if your colony isn't producing offspring in the first quarter.

Brood characteristics: Moderate brood sizes when breeding does occur. Population growth is gradual rather than explosive.

Conditions for breeding:

  • Stable warm temperatures (22–27°C)
  • Consistent humidity (60–80%)
  • The full colour-maintaining diet (well-fed colonies breed better than malnourished ones)
  • Abundant calcium
  • Deep substrate for security and moulting
  • Minimal disturbance, especially during establishment
  • Larger starter groups (10+) provide better genetic diversity

Patience is essential. Resist constantly checking the enclosure during the first few months. Undisturbed colonies establish faster.

Pair With Springtails

Add a thriving springtail culture from day one. Lemon Blues need consistent humidity, and humid enclosures develop mould without springtail cleanup. Springtails handle frass and microbial growth at a scale isopods can't manage. They coexist peacefully with Lemon Blues and are essential rather than optional.

Who Should Buy Lemon Blue Isopods?

Good choice for:

  • Keepers with successful Cubaris experience wanting a genuine display species
  • Collectors building a Cubaris collection across visual styles
  • Anyone willing to maintain consistent carotenoid-rich feeding
  • Keepers who value visual impact and have patience for slow colony growth
  • Display setups where appearance matters more than population size

Not ideal for:

  • Beginners — start with hardier species first (Dairy Cows, Porcellio scaber) or accessible Cubaris (Panda King, Jupiter)
  • Anyone wanting low-maintenance, set-and-forget species
  • Keepers expecting fast breeding or population growth
  • Reptile/amphibian keepers wanting feeders (their hard exoskeletons make them poor prey, and the price doesn't justify feeder use)
  • Anyone unwilling to maintain consistent carotenoid feeding (your animals will fade)

Realistic Expectations

Newly arrived Lemon Blues often look less impressive than the marketing photos. This is normal. Stress from shipping, recent acclimation, and diet variability all affect colour. Given 2–3 months of stable conditions and proper feeding, the colours deepen significantly. Mature, well-fed adults develop richer yellow tones and more visible blue flashing than newly-arrived juveniles.

The flip side: poorly maintained Lemon Blues fade. Without consistent carotenoid intake, the lemon-yellow loses saturation. With inadequate calcium, moulting becomes problematic. Without humidity stability, the colony stresses and stops breeding. They're rewarding for keepers who put in the effort, and they punish neglect more visibly than hardier species.

Building Your Setup — Pairs Well With

For a complete Lemon Blue setup:

For more on Cubaris species, read our blog post 23 different types of Cubaris isopods you should know about. Browse the full Cubaris collection or all isopods for more options. New keepers should also see our setting up guide for full enclosure walkthroughs.

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Ashlee
Houston, US
★★★★★ 4
A Decent Fae Romance
Format: Kindle
** 3.5 Stars rounded up to 4 ** First off I want to say that I found the author, J. D. Linton, on TikTok right before the release of the sequel. I bought the first 2 books to support her release, so congrats to her for the release of the sequel! Overall, I liked the story & plot, I liked the characters, and I liked the spice. The downfalls: not enough development between the characters for the romance, and it leaned a little heavy into the tropes. A lot of stuff is told to you, which could have been used as devices to drive the plot and emotions of the characters. 🛑🛑 Mild Spoilers ahead, I tried to hide the obvious ones 🛑🛑 This is very obviously a fated mates, which is a trope I usually really enjoy. But I wish the relationship between Ara & Rogue had much more development before it's realized that they're mates, instead of Rogue knowing almost immediately and using it for nefarious purposes (at least in the beginning before they get to know each other). By revealing this within the first quarter of the book, I feel like it leaves less room for them to fall for each other organically (albeit with help from the mating bond) and they love each other because of the mating bond. I was disappointed as soon as Rogue know (literally only 5% in) and I literally made a note: "As much as II love a good mating trope, I wish we had to work for it a little more. Where's the fun in just telling us?" I believe that by holding out and feeding the reader snippets of a potential bond, it would've been more rewarding as a reader. I also wish there was more world building - we are told of a war between human & fae but don't get to really experience any of it. Ara is sheltered in her human home, then sheltered in Rogue's castle. There's bits and pieces about what the war has done on either side - but we're more told of the aftermath and don't really experience any of it. Ara's father is supposed to be the king's #1 general - yet he is at home with his family & with Ara for the first couple chapters. Her, her family, nor her village seem to be affected by the 10 year war going on on their borders. I wish there was a little more setup to make this conflict - an actual war - feel more than a skirmish between fighting territories. Linton could also be a little repetitive - with the biggest culprit being when Ara is upset she "brings [her] knees to [her] chest]" and either sits like that or cries. Every time she is upset this phrase is mentioned. I would get it if this was her crutch, or how she copes with grief and stress, but that should be explained why she does it so often or it becomes repetitive. I started to get annoyed with how often she would sit like this solely because it happens every couple chapters. However, I did really like the spice. I love an enemies to lovers trope, especially when it results in spicy scenes. The spicy scenes weren't anything new, but they were fun. Wish there were more but that could also just be me - there is no such thing as too much spice 😂 Would I read again? Probably not, I'm super picky with rereads. Although I did genuinely enjoy my first read through! Will I continue the series? Probably, at least for the sequel. As for #3, kind of depends on where I am with my TBR once that is released All in all an enjoyable, fast paced read
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Reviewed in the United States on March 8, 2024
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Ashton Taylor
Boise, US
★★★★★ 3
I love indie authors
Format: Kindle
Let me preface this by saying—writing a book is HARD! Coming up with characters so real that they take on a life of their own, building an entire world, the political/magic system. Designing all of this is no easy feat. That being said. This book had so. Much. Potential. I was so excited to read this book, and I plan to finish it for the sake of finishing it. But. At this point, I would have set I’d aside as a DNF. The book could have benefited from some form of a developmental editor, or an in depth beta reader. I will say this. Within 5 chapters, there are so many… phrases that I’ve highlight that I’ve latched onto. Phrases about books and storms that were written BEAUTIFULLY! So, bravo Linton for hitting the nail on the head as to why readers disappear like they do! However, 5 chapters in and I can already guess where a majority of the story is going. But that’s also because I read like a mad-woman and have read this particular type of story, many different ways. Enemies to lovers where the FMC isn’t who she thinks she is. I am all about supporting indie authors. BUT. I also feel like criticism should be constructive, and not degrading. So if I could give this book a 4 1/2, strictly because I know the work the author put into this, I would. So if you’re looking for an easy read with characters that aren’t hard to follow, look no further! They are easy to love and easy to care for. One of the biggest issues they lacked, to me, was depth and plausible reactions to their situations. JD, you have done BEAUTIFULLY writing this book. I applaud and will continue to buy your books in the future. My BIGGEST recommendation is to definitely hire some form of an editor for any upcoming books. Or in turn, I will be happy to beta read for you. Should my opinion change of the book by the time I finish, I will happily get on here and say I was wrong, delete this review and post a different one. Until then…
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Reviewed in the United States on November 20, 2022
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Hannah Durham
Louisville, US
★★★★★ 5
this book set my soul ablaze! <3
Format: Paperback, Format: Paperback
"i had never really cared about the weather before, but now, clear skies meant everything to me, and i was grateful to see another calm morning." this book. this book! i loved the last storm so much. the writing style. the descriptions. the world-building. the characters. the plot twists. the tropes. the sexual tension. the—everything. everything was magic. the last storm follows our two main characters, ara and rogue, giving us dual POV from both characters (which i loved, btw). ara, a human girl who has been locked away in her father’s estate most of her life, just wants to see the world. all she dreams of is seeing what else is out there. but when her father announces her engagement, she knows that dream will become nothing more than just that—a dream. rogue, the fae king, is tired of the attacks being rained down on his people. in hopes of finding out the human king adon’s secrets, rogue infiltrates auryna’s borders. in his last resort to gain information, he visits the local pub. to his surprise, the general’s precious only child is sitting at the bar, drink round after round of mead. now he just needs to figure out how to take her without anyone noticing. first and foremost, let’s talk about the endless list of my favorite tropes and aspects that this book had. ›› enemies to lovers ›› fated mates ›› one bed ›› the chosen one ›› elemental magic ›› actually good and shocking plot twists!!! ›› badass female lead ›› morally-grey love interest ›› fae/human war ›› force proximity ›› touch her and die ›› who did this to you? ›› captor/captive ›› praise k!nk (panting profusely) “you are entirely the opposite of everything that i am, and i would gladly wear your shackles if it meant i could have you.” it’s been a long while since i read a book i liked this much. but i just loved this book. it set my soul ablaze. thank you to the author for writing this beautiful story and for blessing me with an eARC! i loved it so much that i immediately bought the paperback upon release! every aspect of this book was just beautiful. i was blown away by the way the world was described, the way feelings were portrayed, the way the elements were used in the fae’s magic. it just—AHHH! i just absolutely adored it all. i cannot wait for the second book to release next year! also the way he calls her “little storm” sets my heart on fire. this was a fast-paced read and if you are a lover of acotar, fbaa, deal with the elf king, or any other similar books, then please stop everything you’re doing and read this book right now. you won’t regret it. thank you again, jd linton, for giving me the privilege of reading your arc and for blessing this world with the world you created. <3 "something about him pulled me in, like a moth to a flame, and it felt as if i was just waiting for the inevitable burn that came with flying too close to the fire."
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Reviewed in the United States on November 15, 2022
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Sean
Houston, US
★★★★★ 4
Fun, both heartwarming and heartbreaking
Format: Kindle
Only my second first person written selection, I am still getting used to that aspect, but unlike my first, I enjoyed that the story was told through both MCs. A great enemies to lovers, forced proximity, fated love etc, that resonated to me. There were some small twists that I could see coming, but also a few that I didn’t quite see until the characters were also seeing. Personally, I am more interested in the story than the spice, but with that said, it was well seasoned! I am kind of new to the spice world so I can’t say for sure how this would rate, but it definitely had some heat. I am very glad I happened across this author, and I do plan on also reading the next book….if nothing else, just to see for myself the “transformation” of the characters I’ve grown to love!
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Reviewed in the United States on May 23, 2024
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Havinne Akins
Fort Morgan, US
★★★★★ 5
😍😍 BEST DEBUT NOVEL EVER
Format: Paperback
I’m having trouble finding accurate words to describe the way this book made me feel, but I am going to do my best. To start off with basic elements, the character and world building are phenomenal. I feel a strong bond to not only the two main characters, Ara and Rogue, but to each and every character introduced throughout the book. The author did a stellar job of giving each of them unique personhood. All of the scenes are beautifully described. So much so that throughout the entirety of the book, I could see every scene: the towns, the castles, the meadows, the landscape. I have had difficulty with this and with distinguishing between outlying characters while reading in the past, but I did not have to think to remember details of world or character building because they flowed naturally within the story and were described well. I have read book series before that made me want to be a part of that world, but I actually felt like I got to step into Auryna and Ravaryn! The plot twists!! Although this is not a suspense novel, it still had me on a rollercoaster of emotions and on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. I haven’t cried actual tears over a book since I was in high school (and I’ve read a LOT). This book finally broke the floodgates in the final few chapters. Multiple times. And we love a good cliffhanger. It truly made me FEEL. THE SPICE is a solid 3.5/5. Some of the scenes had me flushed, some had me taking notes, some just had my jaw slack and my mouth hanging open. Bravo, JD Linton, bravo. The relationships: friendships, family, romantic, ALL of the relationships in this book have so much meaning. The author does a great job at making you feel the love, the anger, the peace, the frustrations, the safety, the familiarity, etc. between the characters. Ara and Rogue. I can not say enough and I also do not want to say too much. Just know that I feel like I know them both, to their core. I know what their childhood looks likes, their darkest moments, their biggest fears, their dreams and passions, what they want in life… The POV switches were seamless. I am so happy this author decided to let us see from both sets of eyes. I can not wait for book two after that cliffhanger. And there is SO much potential for at least one prequel, I can’t wait to see where this author goes! I hope this series continues and flourishes. Fingers crossed!
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Reviewed in the United States on December 5, 2022

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