How to Care for a Goliath Tarantula
As the name suggests, goliath tarantulas (Theraphosa blondi) reach an impressive size. An adult can grow to 12 inches. The large size goes along with a feisty nature; this species is one of the less peaceful tarantulas. Goliath tarantulas attack readily if they feel the least bit threatened. Because of this, and because they can live for a long time -- 25 years or more -- goliath tarantulas are not suitable pets for children. Their aggression also makes them a difficult pet for beginners. Experienced arachnid enthusiasts, however, may enjoy the challenge of keeping one of the largest spiders in the world.
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Things You'll Need
- 30-gallon or larger tank
- Cork bark or clay plant pot
- Chemical-free potting compost or similar substrate
- Heat mat
- Dish
- Plant mister
- Live food
Instructions
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1
Add a thick layer, 4 inches or more, of chemical-free potting compost to a large tank with a secure, well ventilated lid. Add a piece of cork bark or a clay plant pot as a shelter for the tarantula. Goliath tarantulas are more secure when they have a hideaway.
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Place the tank over a reptile heat mat, unless you are keeping it in a particularly warm room. Position the heat mat so it is at one end of the tank, not in the middle. Adjust the thermostat to maintain a temperature of about 78 to 82 F.
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3
Fill a shallow ceramic dish with spring water.
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Monitor the humidity. Goliath tarantulas do best at humidity of about 80 percent. Use a plant mister to raise the humidity as required. Good ventilation is necessary to prevent the damp air becoming stagnant.
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Feed the tarantula large live insects, such as roaches, locusts or crickets, once or twice a week. Gut-loaded insects -- insects that have been fed a calcium and vitamin supplement -- provide more of the essential nutrients for a tarantula. Judge how many insects to feed by how many the tarantula consumes -- if any are still alive after a day, feed fewer the next time.
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Remove any uneaten insect parts and molted skins and change the water daily. The tank itself only needs cleaning about once every six months, as tarantulas produce very little waste.
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Tips & Warnings
Never feed any species of tarantula during the molt or for several days afterwards. Tarantulas are very vulnerable at this time and a live insect could cause serious damage.
If you have never kept a tarantula before, consider acquiring a gentler species instead. Goliath tarantulas are very aggressive. They are also harder to maintain than more common species.
Tarantulas, especially this species, are not suitable pets if you have young children. Also, ensure that visiting children are not left unsupervised with the tank.
Always acquire captive-bred tarantulas. The trade in wild-caught exotic pets poses serious conservation problems. You might have to wait before you can purchase a captive-bred goliath tarantula. This species is bred in captivity, but not in large numbers. Joining tarantula clubs is one way of becoming one of the first to know when somebody in your area has goliath spiderlings for sale.
