Description
Centrobolus splendidus — the Mozambique Red Fire Millipede — is one of the most visually arresting millipedes in the hobby. Native to Mozambique in southern Africa, this species earns its name with a uniformly vibrant, all-red coloration that is as bold and saturated as it sounds. No patterns, no banding — just a rich, fiery red from head to tail that commands attention in any enclosure. Reaching a compact but impressive 2–3 inches at maturity, they pack serious visual impact into a manageable size. On an expo table or in a display setup, the Mozambique Red Fire Millipede stops people cold.
Beyond their stunning appearance, C. splendidus are robust, active detritivores that make excellent display animals for intermediate keepers. They move with purpose, spend time both on the surface and burrowing through substrate, and are impressive enough in person to consistently generate excitement. This is a species that photographs beautifully and stands out in any collection.
Like all millipedes in the Centrobolus genus, the Mozambique Red Fire Millipede produces defensive secretions when stressed — handle with care and wash hands thoroughly after contact. Their chemical defenses are part of what makes them so fascinating from a biological standpoint.
Care Highlights
- Adult Size: 2–3 inches
- Temperature: 72–82°F; stable warm conditions preferred
- Humidity: Moderate to high — 70–80%; keep substrate moist but well-ventilated to prevent mold
- Substrate: Deep layer of coconut fiber, leaf litter, and rotting hardwood; provide ample burrowing depth
- Feeding: Decaying leaf litter, rotting hardwood, fruits, vegetables, and calcium supplementation
- Enclosure: Escape-proof enclosure with cross-ventilation; secure lid essential
- Defensive Secretions: Produces quinone-based defensive chemicals when stressed — wash hands after handling
- Experience Level: Intermediate — straightforward care but defensive secretions warrant awareness
A Live Arrival Guarantee is included with every purchase. In the unlikely event of a DOA, photo and video documentation of the specimen in original packaging is required to process a claim.
