Description
The Hemiblabera roseni, commonly known as Horseshoe Crab Roach, is a fascinating and hardy roach species featuring distinctive appearance and impressive size. This captivating roach displays unique horseshoe crab-like characteristics and is the largest Hemiblabera in culture, making it one of the most sought-after and recognizable burrowing roach species available in the hobby. This stock hails from Cuba and has long been a hobby staple, previously erroneously labeled as H.tenebricosa and H.brunneri, though recent evidence has shown they are almost certainly H.roseni.
This species reaches a size of 1.5–2 inches at maturity. Adults can live a year or two, with females generally living longer than males. Females gestate their broods for 3–4 months, and the resulting offspring take an additional 5–7 months to mature depending on conditions. This genus spends most of its time underground but will also run around on the surface a bit at night. Known for its impressive size as the largest Hemiblabera, hardy nature, fascinating burrowing behavior, ease of breeding, and unique horseshoe crab-like appearance, this species is a prized specimen for keepers who appreciate robust roaches with interesting characteristics and low-maintenance requirements.
Key Features:
- Largest Hemiblabera species in culture
- Unique horseshoe crab-like appearance
- Size reaching 1.5–2 inches in length
- Adults live 1–2 years
- Live-bearers with 3–4 month gestation
- Offspring mature in 5–7 months
- Fascinating burrowing behavior
- Incredibly hardy and easy to breed
- Long-time hobby staple from Cuba
- Excellent feeder insect or pet species
- Spends most time underground
- Beginner to intermediate care level
- Live arrival guarantee with safe, discreet shipping
Housing: Generally anything 1 gallon or bigger works for a starter culture. This genus spends most of its time underground but will also run around on the surface a bit at night. No hides are needed, just a substrate that's at least a couple inches deep. Substrate composition isn't very important—straight coconut fiber, potting soil, or a more organically rich medium can be used, as long as it holds moisture well and is easy to dig through. This genus generally prefers high humidity and isn't picky about ventilation either.
Temperature: Anywhere in the range of 68–85°F will work for breeding, though obviously the warmer it is, the quicker they'll grow and breed.
Diet: Dog food, fruits, and veggies will work well as the staple diet.
Perfect for keepers seeking the largest Hemiblabera species with unique horseshoe crab-like appearance and incredibly hardy, easy-to-breed characteristics. This long-time hobby staple from Cuba is a fascinating burrowing species that's perfect for both pet keeping and as a feeder insect. Each culture is carefully prepared and comes with comprehensive care information to ensure long-term success with this impressive species.
Photo credit to Tristan Shanahan
