{"title":"Gotta Catch Them All","description":"\u003cp data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStart your isopod-keeping journey with our \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIsopop Starter Collection\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e! 🪴\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWe’ve hand-picked a selection of beginner-friendly isopods and essential accessories to help you get started with confidence. Explore popular easy to look after varieties, including Dairy Cows, Oranges, Lava and Glacier isopods, alongside our Kids Starter Enclosure Kit and calcium bar.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhether you’re starting your first colony, introducing children to the fascinating world of isopods, or expanding your collection, these selected species and supplies will help you build a healthy, thriving colony.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEverything you need to take the first step into the wonderful world of isopods!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"porcellio-scaber-lava-morph-isopod","title":"Porcellio Scaber 'Lava Morph'","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePorcellio scaber\u003c\/em\u003e ‘Lava Morph’ is a striking and highly variable colour form of the hardy \u003cem\u003ePorcellio scaber\u003c\/em\u003e. Its dark, textured body can range from deep black and charcoal grey through to rich, dark red and fiery orange-red, creating a pattern reminiscent of lava slowly cooling from molten rock.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the most appealing features of the Lava Morph is the \u003cstrong\u003eindividual variation within the colony\u003c\/strong\u003e. No two are exactly alike. Some individuals may be almost entirely black, while others display deep red colouring across much of the body, with many showing an attractive mixture of black, grey, red and orange. This variation gives a colony a particularly interesting and constantly changing appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAs a form of \u003cem\u003ePorcellio scaber\u003c\/em\u003e, the Lava Morph retains the species' reputation for being hardy, adaptable and easy to keep. It is an excellent choice for both beginners looking for a forgiving first colony and experienced keepers who appreciate unusual and highly variable colouration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIts combination of rugged appearance, striking lava-like colours and individual variation makes \u003cem\u003ePorcellio scaber\u003c\/em\u003e ‘Lava Morph’ a rewarding addition to both bioactive enclosures and dedicated isopod collections.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Isopop","offers":[{"title":"5 count","offer_id":48742967312633,"sku":null,"price":2000.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0821\/0330\/4441\/files\/Porcellio_Lava_closeup3.jpg?v=1789221302"},{"product_id":"porcellio-laevis-dairy-cow-isopod","title":"Porcellio Laevis 'Dairy Cow'","description":"\u003cp\u003eA fantastic beginner-friendly isopod, Porcellio Laevis 'Dairy Cow' is black and white just like a Holstein cow, hardy and easy to keep. They thrive at room-temperature and do well in a variety of humidities and conditions. They are active around the clock so they are great fun to watch and are popular in vivariums or on their own. They also are very fast to come to new food, and not shy of light, so it is fun to watch them eating treats. Warning they eat any and all plants, so not recommended for terrariums!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Isopop","offers":[{"title":"10 count","offer_id":48742922191097,"sku":null,"price":100.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true},{"title":"20 count","offer_id":50518711927033,"sku":null,"price":180.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0821\/0330\/4441\/files\/Dairy_Cow_close_up.jpg?v=1791406527"},{"product_id":"cubaris-murina-sp-glacier-isopod","title":"Cubaris Murina sp. 'Glacier'","description":"\u003cp\u003eA rare isopod — the Cubaris Murina sp. 'Glacier' is a beautiful white Cubaris isopod. Their pale colouration makes them very striking. They are considered the easiest Cubaris isopod to care for.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Isopop","offers":[{"title":"5 count","offer_id":48742840697081,"sku":null,"price":1000.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0821\/0330\/4441\/files\/Cubaris_murina_glacier_closeup.jpg?v=1789383346"},{"product_id":"porcellio-laevis-orange-isopod","title":"Porcellio Laevis 'Orange'","description":"\u003cp\u003eA fantastic beginner-friendly isopod, Porcellio Laevis 'Orange' is a bright, hardy and easy to keep. They thrive at room-temperature and do well in a variety of humidities and conditions. They are active around the clock so they are great fun to watch. They are also very forgiving to humidity mistakes, so great for kids.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Isopop","offers":[{"title":"10 count","offer_id":48742705234169,"sku":null,"price":100.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0821\/0330\/4441\/files\/prod_porcellio_laevis_orange_1.jpg?v=1785046020"},{"product_id":"caco3-bar","title":"Isopop Calcium Bar","description":"\u003cp\u003e\n  The Isopop Calcium Bar is made with pure, food-grade Calcium Carbonate (CaCO₃) mixed with a nutritional powder. Each ingredient in this bar serves a specific purpose to support your isopods' growth, shell health, and vibrant colours. The bar consists of 10 pieces that can easily be broken off, allowing you to control how much you feed your isopods.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\n  \u003cstrong\u003eCalcium Carbonate:\u003c\/strong\u003e This is essential for isopods to build and maintain their exoskeletons.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBuilds sturdy shells:\u003c\/strong\u003e Isopods are land-based crustaceans. They require calcium to harden their calcified exoskeletons.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSupports successful moulting:\u003c\/strong\u003e A steady calcium supply supports healthy moulting. Poor moulting can contribute to colony losses.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSupports breeding:\u003c\/strong\u003e Gravid females use substantial amounts of calcium to produce healthy broods in their marsupium (brood pouch).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\n  \u003cstrong\u003eSpirulina:\u003c\/strong\u003e An excellent source of protein, minerals, and fatty acids that assists with immune function and isopod growth.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHigh in protein:\u003c\/strong\u003e Contains up to 70% easily digestible plant protein. This helps fuel growth in mancae (baby isopods).\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eContains essential fatty acids:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provides lipids that assist with cellular repair and healthy shedding cycles.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eContains trace minerals:\u003c\/strong\u003e Delivers bioavailable iron, potassium, and magnesium.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\n  \u003cstrong\u003eBeetroot:\u003c\/strong\u003e An excellent source of energy and antioxidants, supporting colony growth and stabilisation.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eProvides energy:\u003c\/strong\u003e Assists isopods throughout their life stages, whether fuelling growth in mancae or supporting cellular repair in older or injured isopods.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAntioxidant support:\u003c\/strong\u003e Beetroot contains betalains. These compounds protect cells from oxidative damage and support long-term colony health.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Isopop","offers":[{"title":"Beetroot","offer_id":49018656915705,"sku":null,"price":80.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true},{"title":"Spirulina","offer_id":49018656948473,"sku":null,"price":80.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true},{"title":"Carrot","offer_id":67232076759289,"sku":null,"price":80.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0821\/0330\/4441\/files\/BeetrootSprirulinaBars.jpg?v=1788783563"},{"product_id":"isopop-calcium-igloo","title":"Isopop Calcium Igloo","description":"\u003cp\u003eGive your isopods their own little hideaway with our unique \u003cstrong\u003eIsopop Calcium Igloo\u003c\/strong\u003e! Made from gypsum, a naturally occurring calcium sulfate mineral, this distinctive hide combines practical shelter with a health benefits.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIsopods naturally spend much of their time in sheltered spaces beneath bark, wood, leaf litter and other structures. The igloo provides a secure retreat where your colony can hide, rest and establish its own microhabitat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBecause it is made from \u003cstrong\u003ecalcium sulfate gypsum\u003c\/strong\u003e, the igloo also introduces a calcium-rich mineral material into the enclosure. Calcium is an important mineral for isopods, particularly for maintaining their exoskeleton and supporting healthy moulting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSecure shelter\u003c\/strong\u003e – Provides a protected hide for adults, juveniles and moulting isopods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCalcium-rich mineral material\u003c\/strong\u003e – Made from gypsum, adding a natural mineral element to the enclosure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePerfect for humid habitats\u003c\/strong\u003e – The solid mineral structure works naturally within the humid environment of an isopod enclosure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNaturalistic hardscape\u003c\/strong\u003e – Adds structure and visual interest while giving your colony another place to explore and inhabit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSuitable for a wide range of isopods\u003c\/strong\u003e – A fun and functional addition to both breeding enclosures and display setups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImportant:\u003c\/strong\u003e The igloo should be considered a habitat feature and additional mineral source, rather than a replacement for a dedicated calcium source such as cuttlebone or limestone. Always provide your isopods with a balanced diet, suitable substrate, leaf litter and reliable access to calcium.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Isopop","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67290396098809,"sku":null,"price":100.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0821\/0330\/4441\/files\/isopop_calcium_igloo.jpg?v=1791210653"},{"product_id":"kids-starter-enclosure-kit","title":"Kids Starter Enclosure Kit","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKeeping isopods is a wonderful way for children to explore the natural world. With adult guidance, they can learn about habitat preparation, moisture management, feeding, moulting, reproduction and the important role that these small crustaceans play in breaking down decaying organic matter.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eIsopop Kids Starter Enclosure Kit \u003c\/strong\u003eis a beginner-friendly kit that  provides the essential materials for setting up a small isopod habitat, giving young nature enthusiasts the opportunity to observe these fascinating little crustaceans up close.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom preparing the substrate to arranging hiding places and learning about humidity, children can enjoy a hands-on nature project while discovering how to care for a living colony. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eChildren can also personalise their enclosure with the included decorations and enjoy observing the colony as it grows.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e⚠️ \u003cstrong\u003ePlease note: Isopods are NOT included in this kit and must be purchased separately.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat's Included?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVentilated enclosure with lid:\u003c\/strong\u003e A home for your isopods, with ventilation to support airflow.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrganic, fertiliser-free peat moss:\u003c\/strong\u003e Substrate for preparing the enclosure.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSphagnum moss:\u003c\/strong\u003e Helps create a humid area within the enclosure.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBark and dried hardwood leaves:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provide natural hiding places and a food source.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCrushed eggshells:\u003c\/strong\u003e A supplementary source of calcium.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCrushed goldfish food:\u003c\/strong\u003e A supplementary protein source.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDecorations:\u003c\/strong\u003e Assorted decorative items to personalise the habitat.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eGetting Started\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSet up the enclosure with the substrate, create a moist area using sphagnum moss, and add bark and dried leaves for shelter and food. Arrange the decorations, lastly introduce your separately purchased isopods, and provide appropriate ongoing care.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdult supervision is recommended during setup and routine maintenance. Always wash hands after handling enclosure materials, and handle the isopods gently.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTip:\u003c\/strong\u003e Freeze any additional wood collected for the enclosure for at least 24 hours before use. This helps reduce the risk of introducing unintended occupants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePlease Note\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNatural materials and decorative items may vary. \u003cstrong\u003eLive isopods are not included\u003c\/strong\u003e and must be purchased separately. Isopods require appropriate moisture, ventilation, food and ongoing care to thrive. This kit is a starting point for setting up a habitat, and the colony will need regular monitoring and maintenance.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Isopop – Isopods in South Africa","offers":[{"title":"Fossil","offer_id":67332649025785,"sku":null,"price":250.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":false},{"title":"Fairy","offer_id":67332649058553,"sku":null,"price":250.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0821\/0330\/4441\/files\/isopop_kids_starter_enclosure_kit_contents.jpg?v=1791634035"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0821\/0330\/4441\/collections\/isopop_isopods_gotta_catch_em_all.jpg?v=1791640551","url":"https:\/\/isopop.co.za\/collections\/gotta-catch-them-all.oembed","provider":"Isopop – Isopods in South Africa","version":"1.0","type":"link"}