Species profile

Adinda sp "Grizzly Bear"

Don’t let the name fool you — this “grizzly bear” of the isopod world is anything but fierce. When disturbed, it would much rather play dead than do anything remotely energetic. In fact, this species is so convincing that many keepers have initially assumed their individuals were dead on arrival, only to realise it was simply putting on its classic act.

A highly sought-after species among experienced collectors, retaining a premium value due to its slow reproductive rate.

Quick facts

Genus
Adinda
Species
"Grizzly Bear"
Difficulty
Advanced
Country
Vietnam
Size
Medium to large
Temperature
22–26°C
Humidity
High
Ventilation
Moderate
Status
In current collection

Appearance

Visual characteristics and defining traits

This is a large species of isopod, typically reaching around 1.5 cm, with some individuals growing up to 2 cm. It displays a distinctive and striking tri-banded colouration, consisting of a prominent gold band flanked by black and brown bands, with the gold band giving the species its standout appearance. The exoskeleton is exceptionally thick and durable, among the most robust observed in isopod species. It is also notable for the prominent rows of setae on its face, which are believed to play a role in water movement or moisture sensing.

Behaviour

Activity, temperament, and visibility

This species is extremely calm and well known for its ability to convincingly play dead. When first keeping them, it is common to assume they have died, as they can remain completely motionless with no leg movement or signs of activity. In reality, this is simply a natural defence behaviour, so there is usually no cause for concern. When handled, they tend to stay tightly tucked in and remain still rather than attempting to flee, which can be surprising for new keepers. Overall, they are best described as living life in the slow lane, favouring stillness over activity.

Environmental requirements

Conditions that suit this species best

This species prefers high humidity and will often retreat into sphagnum moss to maintain moisture levels, with individuals spending the majority of their time in the dampest areas of the enclosure. They are best kept between 22–26°C, although they can tolerate cooler conditions down to around 20°C without issue. Good airflow is also important, so a medium to high level of ventilation is ideal while still maintaining overall humidity.

Diet

Feeding preferences and useful notes

This species is not particularly enthusiastic about typical supplementary foods, often showing little interest in vegetables, fish food, or added protein, although these can still be offered occasionally. In particular, they do not appear to favour protein-heavy foods, but may show interest in lighter options such as cucumber when offered. They also respond well to more natural food sources, with a clear preference for mushrooms, mycelium, and a variety of mosses. They appear to thrive primarily on a diet of leaf litter and decaying wood, so providing an abundance of leaf litter is essential, especially in the humid areas where they spend most of their time. As with all isopods, calcium is crucial for exoskeleton health, so incorporating calcium carbonate into the substrate and supplementing with crushed eggshells or cuttlefish bone is recommended.

Breeding and growth

Colony development and reproduction

This is a slow-growing species that is also slow to breed, making it less suitable for those seeking rapid colony expansion. Captive breeding has only been successfully established relatively recently, around 2023 in the UK, and while reproduction rates are low, established colonies tend to have strong survival rates with minimal die-off.

SUMMARY

Collector note

Adinda sp "Grizzly Bear" is a rare and highly sought-after species of isopod, notable for its unique appearance and calm demeanour. It is certainly one of my favourite isopod species that I keep. It belongs to the Scleropactidae family and is one of the few representatives of this family in the isopod hobby. Native to Vietnam in Southeast Asia, this species has only recently become slightly more widely available, thanks to successful breeding efforts.