Ceratogyrus sanderi Care Guide

The Namibian Horned Baboon Tarantula

Revision Date: March 2025

Introduction

Ceratogyrus sanderi, commonly known as the Namibian Horned Baboon Tarantula, is an Old World fossorial species endemic to Namibia and parts of Angola. Like others in the Ceratogyrus genus, this species possesses a distinctive foveal horn, though it tends to be more subtle and less pronounced than those of Ceratogyrus darlingi or Ceratogyrus marshalli. This species is known for its obligate burrowing behavior, strong feeding response, and defensive temperament.

As an African baboon tarantula, C. sanderi lacks urticating hairs and instead relies on its speed, potent venom, and threat displays for defense. While not ideal for beginners, it makes an excellent addition to an experienced keeper’s collection due to its hardiness, unique appearance, and fascinating behaviors.

Quick Species Snapshot

• Scientific Name: Ceratogyrus sanderi

• Common Name: Namibian Horned Baboon Tarantula

• Type: Fossorial (Obligate Burrower)

• Category: Old World

• Native Range: Namibia, Angola

• Size: Up to 5” (13 cm) DLS

• Growth Rate: Medium to Fast

• Life Expectancy: Females 12–15 years / Males 2–4 years

• Experience Level: Intermediate

• Urticating Hairs: No

• Venom Potency: Strong (painful bite; symptoms include muscle cramping, nausea, and headaches)

Taxonomy, Etymology & Natural Environment

Ceratogyrus sanderi, commonly known as the Lesser Horned Baboon Tarantula, is a unique Old World species belonging to the Harpactirinae subfamily of African tarantulas. Like other members of the Ceratogyrus genus, C. sanderi possesses a distinctive foveal horn, though it is typically smaller and less pronounced than in species like Ceratogyrus marshalli or Ceratogyrus darlingi. Described in 1907 by Embrik Strand, C. sanderi remains a somewhat less commonly kept species in the hobby but is appreciated for its bold nature, fossorial lifestyle, and striking coloration.

The genus name Ceratogyrus comes from the Greek words "keratos", meaning "horned," and "gyros", meaning "round" or "curved," referencing the carapace horn present in many species within this genus. The species name sanderi is a dedication to an individual named Sander, likely a collector or researcher involved in the species' discovery.

Natural Range & Habitat

Ceratogyrus sanderi is native to southern Africa, particularly Namibia, Botswana, and parts of Zimbabwe and South Africa, where it inhabits dry savannas, open scrublands, and arid grasslands. This species, like other Ceratogyrus tarantulas, is fossorial, meaning it constructs deep burrows to escape extreme temperatures and predators. In the wild, these burrows provide essential protection against the hot, dry climate and occasional seasonal rains of its natural environment.

While the exact function of the carapace horn in C. sanderi and related species remains uncertain, theories suggest it may help with carapace structural support, thermoregulation, or sensory perception. Regardless of its purpose, the horn makes this tarantula instantly recognizable and adds to its appeal in the exotic pet trade.

Behavior & Temperament

Like most Old World tarantulas, C. sanderi is fast, defensive, and highly reactive to disturbances. While not as aggressive as some African or Asian tarantulas, it is still considered an unpredictable species that can quickly switch from retreating to displaying a threat posture or striking if provoked. Due to its lack of urticating hairs, C. sanderi relies entirely on its speed, fangs, and venom for defense.

While a bite from C. sanderi is not considered medically significant, it can still be painful, with symptoms including localized swelling, muscle cramping, and discomfort that can last several hours. Its quick movements, strong feeding response, and defensive tendencies make it a species best suited for experienced keepers who are comfortable managing Old World tarantulas.

Adaptability & Captive Care

Ceratogyrus sanderi is an extremely hardy species, well-adapted to semi-arid conditions. In captivity, it thrives in an enclosure that mimics its natural habitat, requiring deep, dry substrate for burrowing, moderate temperatures, and good ventilation. Unlike tropical species, C. sanderi does not require high humidity, and excessive moisture can lead to health issues. Instead, providing a water dish and occasional misting in one corner of the enclosure is sufficient for hydration.

Thanks to its fascinating burrowing behavior, bold personality, and unique carapace horn, Ceratogyrus sanderi is a fascinating addition to the tarantula hobby. However, its speed, defensiveness, and potent venom make it a species that demands respect and careful handling. When housed properly, it is a resilient and visually striking tarantula that can thrive in captivity for many years.

Housing & Substrate – Fossorial Setup

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Spiderlings

• Enclosure Size: OG Sling Crib, 3” Tarantula Cube, 4” Tarantula Cube

• Substrate: Fill at least 2/3 of the enclosure with Terra Aranea by The Bio Dude.

• Humidity: Keep the substrate slightly damp, but not swampy. Provide a tiny water dish if space allows or drip water onto webbing weekly.

Juveniles

• Enclosure Size: Crib 360-4” Fossorial, 5” Hex Crib, 6” Tarantula Cube, 8” Cube

• Substrate: Fill ½ to ¾ of the enclosure with Terra Aranea by The Bio Dude to support deep burrowing.

• Humidity: Let part of the substrate dry out while keeping one corner slightly damp by overflowing the water dish occasionally.

• Additional Features: Cork bark or dried leaves as web anchors.

Adults

• Enclosure Size: 8” Hex Crib, Crib 360-8” Fossorial, 12” Tarantula Cube, 18” Tarantula Cube

• Substrate: Fill at least ½–¾ of the enclosure with Terra Aranea by The Bio Dude.

• Additional Features: A deep burrow setup is essential. I like to add some branches or plants so they can web up around their burrow entrance as well.

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Temperature & Humidity

• Temperature: 70–78°F (21–26°C)

• Humidity: 50–60%

• Ventilation: Ensure good airflow to prevent stale conditions.

• Water Dish: Keep one filled and overflow occasionally to maintain a moisture gradient.

Feeding Schedule

Spiderlings

• Frequency:
  Feed twice a week.

• Prey:
  Offer small prey such as flightless fruit flies, confused flour beetles, or pre-killed tiny crickets/roach nymphs. Remove any uneaten prey after 24 hours. increase the size of the prey as the spider grows. Prekill any prey that is over 2/3 the size of the sling. For more detailed information on feeding spiderlings, watch this video: How To Feed Spiderlings & Scorplings (Baby Tarantulas & Scorpions)

• Post-Molt:
  Wait 24–48 hours after a molt before feeding. Ensure that the tarantula’s fangs are solid black and its exoskeleton is not soft or shiny.

Juveniles

• Frequency:
  Feed every 7–10 days.

• Prey:
  Provide 2–3 small to medium crickets or a medium Dubia roach.

• Feeding Guidelines:

  • If the abdomen is thinner than the widest part of the carapace, feed more prey more often.

  • If the abdomen is wider than the carapace, feed less prey, less often.
    This strategy helps prevent obesity, which can lead to molting complications or increase the risk of an abdomen rupture from even a small fall.

• Post-Molt:
  Wait 3–7 days after a molt before feeding, ensuring that the tarantula’s fangs are solid black and its exoskeleton is fully hardened.

Adults

• Frequency:
  Feed every 2–3 weeks (or as needed).

• Prey:
  Offer 4–5 large crickets or one large Dubia roach.

• Feeding Guidelines:

  • If the abdomen is thinner than the carapace’s widest part, increase feeding frequency.

  • If the abdomen is wider than the carapace, reduce feeding frequency.
    This is crucial to avoid obesity, which can interfere with proper molting or cause dangerous issues such as an abdomen rupture.

• Post-Molt:
  Wait 5–10 days after a molt before feeding, ensuring that the tarantula’s fangs are solid black and its exoskeleton is fully hardened.

Breeding Ceratogyrus sanderi in Captivity

Breeding Ceratogyrus sanderi (Namibian Horned Baboon) can be a challenging but rewarding process due to their fast growth rate, defensive tendencies, and unpredictable interactions between males and females. Like other members of the Ceratogyrus genus, this species matures quickly and produces large egg sacs, making captive breeding an important step toward reducing demand for wild-collected specimens.

Sexual Maturity & Pairing

• Male Maturity: Males mature quickly, typically within 2–3 years, developing tibial hooks and enlarged pedipalps for sperm transfer.

• Female Maturity: Females take 3–4 years to reach reproductive maturity, which is faster than many other tarantulas.

• Pre-Pairing Preparation: We should ensure the female is well-fed before pairing to minimize defensive reactions. Slightly increasing humidity before introduction may help encourage receptivity.

Mating Process

• Introduce the male at night, when tarantulas are naturally more active.

• The male will drum on the substrate or webbing to signal his presence.

• If receptive, the female may drum back or remain still, allowing the male to lift her with his tibial hooks and insert his emboli.

• Once mating is complete, the male should be removed immediately, as C. sanderi females can be highly defensive post-mating.

Egg Sac Production

• If fertilization is successful, the female will begin producing an egg sac 4–6 weeks after mating, a relatively fast turnaround compared to other species.

• Maintain temperatures around 75–82°F (24–28°C) with humidity levels of 60–70%, ensuring proper ventilation to prevent mold growth.

• The egg sac typically contains 100–300 eggs, producing a high number of viable spiderlings.

Egg Sac Handling (Optional)

• Some breeders prefer to pull the egg sac after 30–40 days for artificial incubation.

• If left with the mother, 1st instar spiderlings will emerge in 6–8 weeks, molting into 2nd instar within 3–4 weeks.

Raising Spiderlings

• C. sanderi spiderlings are fast-growing and hardy, making them relatively easy to raise.

• Provide deep substrate for burrowing, along with a secure hide to mimic their natural environment.

• Feed them pinhead crickets, flightless fruit flies, or small roaches every 3–4 days.

Challenges & Considerations

• Female defensiveness: C. sanderi females can be highly defensive, and males should always be removed immediately after mating.

• Fast growth rate: This species matures quickly, requiring careful timing to ensure successful pairings before the male's short post-maturity lifespan runs out.

• Male lifespan: Males typically do not live beyond a year after maturing, so breeding attempts should be made as soon as possible.

With their unique horned carapace and bold personality, Ceratogyrus sanderi is an impressive species to keep and breed. By focusing on captive breeding efforts, we can help protect wild populations while ensuring that this species remains available for future generations of keepers. Every successful breeding project strengthens the sustainability of this species in the hobby and reduces the need for wild collection.

Final Thoughts

Ceratogyrus sanderi is a fascinating fossorial species that offers a unique burrowing lifestyle and an iconic horned appearance. While it may not be the most visible tarantula in a collection, its intricate burrows and explosive feeding response make it an exciting species to own. Its defensive nature and potent venom make it more suitable for intermediate keepers who have experience handling Old World species.

Among Ceratogyrus species, C. sanderi is one of the lesser-known but equally intriguing specimens. It exhibits slightly more reclusive behavior than C. darlingi but tends to be less defensive than C. marshalli. If you are looking for a robust, unique African tarantula with an impressive burrowing habit, C. sanderi is a fantastic choice.

Additional Recommendations

For enclosures, consider Tarantula Cribs (TTC10 for 10% off). Use Terra Aranea by The Bio Dude for substrate. For tarantulas, check out Spider Shoppe (TTC10 for 10% off). Visit the Dealer & Discounts section on my website for a curated list of recommended dealers and discount codes.