This article elaborates on the pros and cons of purchasing from the importation of wild-caught isopods, versus buying from a local breeder. It is recommended that all isopod keepers read and understand this entire post before committing to any purchase and do their own research thoroughly.
Why Even Consider Wild-Caught?
Purchasing wild-caught isopods is generally abhorred due to the inherent issue of ethics when the animals are poached from their natural habitats and thinning their populations. Why do isopod keepers still purchase wild-caught isopods?
- Lower prices — The cost of poaching is much lower than cultivating a colony, so the prices will seem lower. However, after factoring in the deaths in the initial months, it would typically cost more than captive-bred ones. This is a mistake common among new isopod keepers.
- New species — This is the top reason when the said species is not available from other breeders yet. This is only for the adventurous and for those with thicker wallets who understand that the entire colony may perish for reasons beyond their control.
- Increasing gene pools — Introducing wild-caught individuals to an existing colony will increase the gene pool and reduce inbreeding issues.
- Higher availability — Some sensitive species are available captive-bred but the supply is limited, far below the demand, while wild-caught ones are almost always available. This is especially true for popular species like “Spiky Thai”, “Merulanella” and “Rubber Duckies” among many other species.
- Higher chances of gravid females — It is common for a wild-caught stock to have gravid females, so if they hatch successfully, you would have higher numbers than you purchased. However, gravid females are also more sensitive and would be the first to die in unfavourable conditions.
Wild-Caught Purchases Should be Discouraged
- Obviously, poaching thins the wild populations. It can cause the possible extinction of rare and sensitive species.
- Wild-caught isopods are typically held in less-than-desirable conditions for unknown periods by the hunter while waiting for orders.
- Transportation from the source country subjects the isopods to injuries and stress, largely from heat, unregulated moisture, ammonia buildup and premature moulting.
- Isopods subject to injuries during transport may die within the first 2 months for unknown reasons, even with the perfect setup and conditions. It is not uncommon for at least 20% of the stock to die within a week after arrival.
- Many deaths occur from the time of capture to successful delivery. In most instances, the females will die first, leading to an imbalance in the gender ratio.
- The care requirements of new species are generally unknown or unverified. The buyer will have to undergo trial and error and hope for the best, knowing that it is possible for the entire colony to perish.
Local Captive-Bred Advantages
- Conditioned to local climate and commercial diet.
- Minimal travel stress with shorter travel times.
- Breeders can provide accurate care requirements.
- Funds into supporting your local isopod breeder community, rather than to poachers.
Problems with Captive-Bred Stock
- Usually, sub-adults will be supplied and will take longer to mature and breed.
- Less likely to arrive with eggs.
- Longer waiting time for rare species.
- Some species may lose their original colouration after some generations of captive breeding. Examples include “Lemon Blue” and “Jupiter”.
Stress and Injuries During Transport
Isopods are subject to stress during transportation. Sometimes, it may be due to extreme temperatures, so avoid any form of transportation during the hot and freezing months.
When travelling beyond 2 days, isopods may accumulate ammonia in their tiny packing containers and are subject to ammonia poisoning. There are numerous reports of the pleopods melting and fusing together after a journey of 3 or more days. Though it is possible for them to recover after the next moult, many do not make it.
Is it Legal to Import Isopods?
Importing across countries is illegal without appropriate paperwork. Your parcel may get seized at either source or destination country if illegally imported.
How to Verify Captive Bred Stock
Isopod breeders would typically only sell part of their colonies when they have consistent multi-generational breeding and this takes months. The most common way to verify whether the stock is captive-bred is to ask for a photo or video showing the colony. It should be in decent numbers and show them in varying sizes.
If they were wild-caught or simply imported, the photos or videos would only show adults and sometimes of very young mancae. The poachers or importers would want to get rid of their stock ASAP as they risk deaths on their end by keeping them for longer periods.
Some sellers claim that their stock is captive-bred with pictures of mancae. This is insufficient as it is common for captive-stock isopods to be already gravid and give birth prior to dying from stress and injuries. Without their mother, the chances of survival of the mancae would be lessened considerably.
Another way is to ask the seller about the care requirements of the said species. A real breeder would be able to share all the details readily and confidently about their care and behaviour. A poacher or importer would be vague or only provide general isopod care details.
Ultimately, there is no full-proof way to verify if the stock you are receiving is captive-bred as some sellers may resort to importing wild-caught ones to supplement their supply. Try to get direct testimonials from others who purchased from the same seller as well and see how their purchases are doing after a few months.
Conclusion
Wild-caught isopods are no doubt exciting, especially with new species. But everyone must make sure that they understand the risks involved before committing to any purchase. Do not jump in without doing any research, and get demoralised unnecessarily when deaths may not be due to problems with your setup.
As animal lovers, always try to discourage poaching. Uncontrolled harvesting from the wild will eventually deplete the wild populations and destroy natural habitats. Hence when considering wild-caught isopods, always try sourcing from local breeders first.
