There are approximately 4000 species of Cockroach but there are only about 30 species which are kept as pets. The most commonly kept as pets are the large, heavy giants and the colourful ones, the most popular being the Hissing Cockroach

Cockroaches belong to the family Blattidae and are related to the mantids. The more common species, the American cockroach, are less lovable, several of the tropical species make interesting and entertaining pets.

All cockroaches are nocturnal and become active during the evening.

The Madagascan hissing cockroach is probably the most frequently kept species. It is capable of producing a hissing sound designed to startle possible enemies. This sound is produced by expelling air through the spiracles, a series of small pores along the sides of all insects through which they breathe. They are shiny black or dark reddish brown and have no wings.

They are among the largest species of cockroach and can grow up to 3.2 inches long. The males are broader than the females and have two lumps on their shield, immediately behind their head.

Their housing requirements are fairly basic, a small cage with some form of heating will be adequate. It is easy to keep them clean on a layer of kitchen paper, sprinkled with a layer of sawdust. They prefer confined spaces, so place some folded cardboard in their cage.

Supply water in a small container stuffed with damp absorbent cotton or spray the cockroaches every day, do not allow the cage to become too damp, as this encourages mites and parasites.