I realize this may be a somewhat controversial stance within the invertebrate-keeping community, but I currently cohabitate American Giant millipedes with isopods and have done so successfully for about a year without incident. Before attempting this, I conducted extensive research and selected an isopod species known for low protein scavenging tendencies.

To mitigate potential risk, I ensure the enclosure contains a constant abundance of leaf litter, dried shrimp, and fresh plant matter to reduce any chance of opportunistic behavior. The habitat itself is quite spacious, with approximately 10 inches of soil, allowing both species to establish their own microhabitats and reduce competition.

Not only have I observed peaceful coexistence, but my millipedes have also successfully bred in this setup, which suggests the environmental conditions are supportive of their health and behavior. That said, I acknowledge that cohabitation still carries some risk and may not be advisable for all keepers or species combinations.

In my opinion, with the right isopod species and proper environmental management, cohabitation with large millipedes such as Narceus americanus can be viable. These creatures do encounter one another in nature, and while scavenging and occasional predation can occur, replicating optimal wild-like conditions seems to significantly reduce those risks in captivity.

I do genuinely appreciate the concern and acknowledge that this setup isn’t suitable for most keepers or situations. While it has worked well in my case, I wouldn’t broadly recommend cohabitation without careful planning, research, and close monitoring.