Cristarmadillidium muricatum 'Spiky Pineapple'

Cristarmadillidium muricatum ‘Spiky Pineapple’ – Textured Spanish Isopods

Creation Cultivated Cristarmadillidium muricatum ‘Spiky Pineapple’ is a miniature Spanish isopod recognized for its pale peach-yellow coloration and uniquely textured, pineapple-like exoskeleton.

Also known as the Crystal Pineapple or European Spiny Isopod, this species develops rows of small raised bumps that give each individual its distinctive armored appearance.

Spiky Pineapple isopods are best suited for collectors and keepers who can provide stable conditions, excellent ventilation, and a defined moisture gradient.

Why Isopod Keepers Choose Creation Cultivated

Unique Pineapple Texture — Covered in small raised bumps that create an unmistakable spiky appearance.

Attractive Coloration — Displays subtle cream, beige, peach, and pale-yellow tones.

Miniature Spanish Species — A remarkably small isopod originating from Spain.

Classic Pill-Isopod Behavior — Capable of rolling into a protective ball when disturbed.

Collector Favorite — Highly sought after for its unusual texture and miniature size.

Professionally Packed — Carefully prepared for secure live-animal transit.

Product Details

Scientific Name: Cristarmadillidium muricatum

Common Names: Spiky Pineapple, Crystal Pineapple, European Spiny Isopod

Origin: Spain

Coloration: Cream, beige, peach, and pale yellow

Adult Size: Approximately 0.24–0.31 in. (6–8 mm)

Activity: Primarily nocturnal

Care Level: Intermediate

Reproduction Rate: Slow to moderate while establishing

Natural differences in size, age, color, and texture should be expected.

Care Requirements

Temperature: Approximately 68–78°F (20–26°C)

Moisture: Maintain a smaller consistently moist retreat while allowing most of the enclosure to remain moderately dry.

Ventilation: Moderate to high cross-ventilation is recommended. Avoid uniformly wet or stagnant conditions.

Substrate: Use a nutrient-rich organic substrate containing decomposing hardwood leaves and rotting wood.

Diet: Provide abundant leaf litter and decaying wood with small portions of vegetables and supplemental protein.

Calcium: Keep cuttlebone, limestone, or another calcium source available.

Colony Care: Avoid frequent disturbance while the colony is becoming established.

Commonly Used For

Spiky Pineapple isopods are commonly kept as collector species, miniature display colonies, educational cultures, and supplemental cleanup crews in appropriately ventilated terrariums.

Because of their small size and slower colony development, they are generally better suited as display isopods than as a primary cleanup crew.

Our Commitment

Your satisfaction matters. If there is an issue with your order, contact us and our team will work to resolve it promptly and professionally.

Distinctive live isopods. Carefully raised. Professionally packed. Delivered directly to your door.

Disclaimer: Live animals. Not for human consumption. Never release isopods into the wild.