California Zoological Supply

CALZOO'S REFERENCE SHEET > Tarantulas

GENERAL INFORMATION
This reference sheet covers the most commonly kept tarantulas, including, but not limited to: Black Velvet Tarantulas (Haplopelma minax) native to Thailand, Blood Leg Tarantulas (Brachypelma boehmi) native to Mexico; Colombian Purple Bloom Tarantulas (Xenesthis imanthis) native to Colombia; Curly Hair Tarantulas (Brachypelma albopilosa) native to Guatemala, Costa Rica, Nicaragua; Goliath Bird Eater Tarantulas (Theraphosa leblondi) native to French Guyana; Hercules Baboon Tarantulas (Hystocrates hercules) native to Nigeria; King Baboon Tarantulas (Citharischius crawshayi) native to Kenya; Mexican Painted Tarantulas (Brachypelma emilia) native to Mexico; Mexican Red Leg-Baby Tarantulas AKA Orange Knee Tarantulas (Brachypelma smithi) native to Mexico; Ornamental Tarantulas (Poecilotheria sp) native to India, Sri Lanka; Pink Toe Tarantulas (Avicularia sp) native to Guyana, Peru; Red Usumbura Highland Baboon Tarantulas (Pterinochilus affinus ssp.) native to Tanzania; Rose Hair Tarantulas (Grammostola cala or spatula) native to Chile; Starburst Baboon Tarantulas (Pterinochilus murinus) native to Tanzania; Tiger Rump-Doppel Ganger Tarantulas (Cyclosternum fasciatus) native to Nicaragua; Costa Rica, True Zebra Tarantulas (Aphonopelma semanni) native to Central America. A general rule of thumb: Desert tarantulas tend to grow slower and live longer than tarantulas from more tropical regions. Some tarantula species are very aggressive. Be careful. The King Baboon, Goliath Bird Eater and Black Velvet Tarantulas are just a few that will readily rear back and attack. Pink Toes, Rose Hairs, Mexican Red Leg and Zebra Tarantulas generally accept handling. Never let your attention sway. Pink Toes will flee at the slightest breeze across it's body. This includes a slight breath. The Pink Toe Tarantulas are the only species that can be housed together. Keep only those of similar size together.

ENCLOSURE
Tarantulas for the most part are inactive. Therefore small enclosures are ideal. 10 gallon aquariums are more than one needs to adequately set up most tarantulas. A 20 gallon or larger enclosure should be used for the larger species such as the Goliath Bird Eater (Theraphosa leblondi) or the King Baboon Tarantula (Citharischius crawshayi). Decorate with large, sturdy hiding places and climbing areas.

SUBSTRATE
Slightly damp potting soil (peat moss), vermiculite, ZOO MED REPTI-BARK™ or sphagnum moss are all fine choices. Each will hold moisture well. Keep only slightly damp.

TEMPERATURE & HUMIDITY
Most tarantulas will live comfortably with the temperature set within a couple degrees above or below 80ºf. The moisture from the dampened substrate will be sufficient to humidify the enclosure. Never allow the humidity levels to allow condensation on the glass. Slight misting once a day should be made available to Black Velvet Tarantulas, Pink Toe Tarantulas, and Ornamental Tarantulas.

HEATING
ZOO MED UNDER TANK HEATER™ (U.T.H.) permanently on and use with a ZOO MED RHEOSTAT™ for heat control. ZOO MED CERAMIC HEAT EMITTERS™ used in conjunction with a ZOO MED REPTI-TEMP THERMOSTAT™ work well too. Always use at least one thermometer, two is optimal. One on the cooler side, one on the warmer side. A ZOO MED MIN/MAX THERMOMETER™ works great to show the high and low temperatures in a 24 hour period.

LIGHTING
Standard incandescent lighting is sufficient for tarantulas. For nighttime viewing, use a low wattage red bulb.

FOOD & WATER
Crickets are the main diet for most tarantulas. Many adult tarantulas will occasionally take a pinkie mouse. Still other large tarantulas will take adult mice. These larger meals will last a tarantula far longer than crickets. An adult mouse will keep an adult King Baboon or Goliath Bird Eater satisfied for a few weeks It is recommended to feed pre-killed mice that are weaned to adult. If the tarantula gets an unsecured bite, the rodent will have an opportunity to inflict a fatal bite to the tarantula. A water bowl with the approximate size of the tarantulas abdomen filled with cotton or filter wadding is sufficient. Tarantulas can easily drown. Also their legs are very susceptible to deterioration if submerged in water for too long.

NOTES
Tarantulas can inflict painful bites. We do not recommend they be handled due to systemic effects in humans. Zebra Knee tarantulas will readily flick abdominal hairs. These hairs can irritate your skin, eyes and nose. It is advised that you wear gloves and eye protection when cleaning out their enclosures. Always wash your hands before and immediately after handling reptiles and amphibians. Never leave live food long term with reptiles & amphibians. They can inflict severe harm, even kill your pet. If your animals take some time to eat or you feed them at night, leave a slice of potato, carrot or dry dog food for the live food items to eat. Your local pet shop is an ideal source for reptile and amphibian related books and supplies. Please make sure you read and become familiar with any instructions provided with reptile support products you may purchase.

For further information on reptiles and amphibians we recommend you read REPTILES MAGAZINE and THE VIVARIUM. California Zoological Supply hopes you have enjoyed reading this reference sheet on Tarantulas. We hope that our guidelines will assist you with the care or possible purchase of your new pet.

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