Theraphosa blondi Care Guide

The Goliath Birdeater Tarantula

(Including T. apophysis - Goliath Pink Foot & T. stirmi - Burgundy Goliath)

Revision Date: March 2025

Introduction

Theraphosa blondi is widely known as the Goliath Birdeater, one of the largest tarantulas in the world. Native to North Brazil, French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, and South Venezuela, this New World terrestrial opportunistic burrower boasts a diagonal leg span of up to 11 inches (28 cm) and a robust, imposing body. While its size and defensive mechanisms, including irritating Type III urticating hairs and a painful bite, make it best suited for advanced keepers, recent taxonomic studies have expanded the group to include Theraphosa apophysis and Theraphosa stirmi. Although subtle differences exist, their care and husbandry in captivity are essentially identical.

Quick Species Snapshot

• Scientific Names:

  • Theraphosa blondi

  • Theraphosa apophysis

  • Theraphosa stirmi

• Common Name: Goliath Birdeater Tarantula

  • (Theraphosa apophysis is also known as the Goliath Pink Foot Tarantula)

• Type: Terrestrial, Opportunistic Burrower

• Endemic Locations: North Brazil, French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, South Venezuela

• Body Length: Approximately 4” (11 cm)

• Diagonal Leg Span (DLS): Up to 11” (28 cm)

• Urticating Hairs: Yes, Type III

• Growth Rate: Fast

• Life Expectancy: Females up to 25 years; Males around 5 years

• Recommended Experience Level: Advanced

Taxonomy & Research Update

Historically, Theraphosa blondi has been the primary name used for giant tarantulas in this group. However, taxonomic revisions have revealed subtle distinctions:

• Theraphosa blondi:

  • The most common and widely available in the pet trade.

• Theraphosa apophysis (Goliath Pink Foot Tarantula):

  • Exhibits a striking, almost “boot-like” pink coloration in spiderlings, with the tips of the legs appearing like pink boots.

  • Juveniles of T. apophysis display a stunning, gradient-like color transition: the abdomen and carapace are velvet-clad in short, rusty brown hairs that can take on a metallic pink sheen, while the tarsi and metatarsi exhibit vibrant pink to pale salmon-orange hues.

  • Zebra-like pink stripes on the legs and a pink “V” pattern on the carapace are common in younger specimens.

  • As T. apophysis reaches a 5” diagonal leg span and beyond, the pink coloration fades, and the tarantula becomes predominantly red-brown.

  • Native to the tropical rainforest understories of Venezuela, it constructs its burrows beneath logs and debris.

• Theraphosa stirmi:

  • Considered slightly more slender, with subtle morphological differences (e.g., spermathecae structure in females).

Despite these differences, all three species share nearly identical care requirements. Market prices can vary; typically, T. blondi is more common, while T. apophysis and T. stirmi may be rarer and occasionally command higher prices due to scarcity.

What Makes These Species So Special?

The Goliath Birdeater group is renowned for its colossal size and impressive burrowing abilities. Their potent defensive mechanisms, including the release of irritating urticating hairs and a formidable bite—are their primary means of deterring predators. In addition to their physical prowess, these tarantulas serve as key ecological regulators in their native habitats. Among them, T. apophysis stands out for its unique and vibrant coloration during early life stages, making it especially visually captivating.

A Species at Risk

Due to habitat destruction and collection pressures, it is imperative to source these tarantulas from reputable, captive-bred breeders. Ethical sourcing not only ensures the health of the specimen but also supports the conservation of wild populations.

Natural Habitat & What That Means for Enclosure Setup

In the wild, these tarantulas inhabit tropical rainforests with soft, well-draining soil that allows for extensive burrowing. In captivity, replicating this environment is critical. A deep substrate minimizes the risk of injury from falls—especially important given their large size—and supports natural burrowing behavior.

Housing & Substrate

Spiderlings

• Enclosure Size: Sling Crib, 3" Tarantula Cube, Small Slider Crib, Small Cuboid, Terrestrial Sling Crib, Slider Crib Mini, or Cuboid Mini

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

• Humidity: Maintain a slightly damp substrate (but not swampy) by offering a small water dish or gently dripping water on one corner about once a week.

Juveniles

• Enclosure Size: Medium Slider Crib, 6" Tarantula Cube, 8" Tarantula Cube, or Medium Cuboid

• Substrate: Fill the enclosure from half to 2/3rds full with Terra Aranea by The Bio Dude to provide ample space for burrowing while minimizing the risk of fall damage.

• Humidity: Keep the substrate mostly dry with a full water dish; you can occasionally overflow one corner to create a slightly damp area.

• Additional Features: Provide a half cork bark round for a secure hide and include a shallow water dish sized appropriately for the tarantula’s leg span.

Adults

• Enclosure Size: Large Slider Crib, 12" Cube, 18" Cube, or Terrestrial XL

• Substrate: Fill the enclosure from half to 2/3rds full with Terra Aranea by The Bio Dude, ensuring ample depth for burrowing while minimizing the risk of fall damage.

• Additional Features: Include a secure hide (ideally a half cork bark round), a shallow water dish, and tasteful decorations. The enclosure should be wider than it is deep and have a secure, tight lid to prevent escapes or injuries.

Note: Consider using this affiliate link or entering the affiliate code TTC10 at Tarantula Cribs to save 10% on your enclosure purchases.

Temperature & Humidity

• Temperature: Maintain ambient temperatures between 68°F and 76°F (20°C to 24°C).

• Humidity: Aim for moderate to high humidity. Ensure the substrate remains moist in the lower layers for effective burrowing, while allowing the top layers to dry out between waterings to prevent mold growth.

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.

Behavior & Temperament

The Goliath Birdeater group, including T. blondi, T. apophysis, and T. stirmi, is renowned for its massive size and formidable defensive mechanisms. While they generally prefer to remain in their burrows and are not highly aggressive, they can be defensive if disturbed. Notably, T. apophysis (Goliath Pink Foot Tarantula) is distinguished by its stunning early coloration: spiderlings sport pink boot-like tips on their legs, and juveniles display vibrant pink to pale salmon-orange tarsi and metatarsi, zebra-like stripes on the legs, and a pink “V” pattern on the carapace. As T. apophysis matures past a 5” diagonal leg span, the pink hues fade to a predominantly red-brown coloration. This group is best left unhandled; personal protective gear is recommended during maintenance due to their potent urticating hairs.

Breeding Theraphosa blondi in Captivity

Breeding Theraphosa blondi (Goliath Birdeater Tarantula) presents unique challenges due to their size, specific environmental needs, and defensive nature. Native to the rainforests of northern South America, they are among the largest tarantulas in the world.

Sexual Maturity & Pairing

• Male Maturity: Males typically reach maturity within 2–3 years, developing longer legs and bulbous pedipalps for sperm transfer.

• Female Maturity: Females generally mature around 3–4 years, achieving a robust size indicative of reproductive readiness.

• Pre-Pairing Preparation: We should ensure the female is well-fed before introducing the male to minimize the risk of cannibalism. Slightly increasing humidity and temperature prior to pairing may encourage receptiveness.

Mating Process

• Introduce the male into the female’s enclosure during the evening or nighttime when tarantulas are more active.

• The male will typically perform courtship behaviors, such as tapping or drumming, to signal his presence.

• If receptive, the female may respond similarly or remain still, allowing the male to approach and attempt copulation.

• After successful mating, promptly remove the male to prevent potential aggression from the female.

Egg Sac Production

• If fertilized, the female may produce an egg sac approximately 2–4 months after mating, though this period can vary.

• Maintain temperatures around 75–80°F (24–27°C) with humidity levels between 80–90%, ensuring adequate ventilation to prevent mold growth.

• An egg sac can contain a substantial number of eggs, with reports indicating clutches ranging from 50 to 200 eggs.

Egg Sac Handling (Optional)

• Some breeders choose to remove the egg sac from the female after 30–40 days for artificial incubation.

• If left with the mother, spiderlings (slings) will typically emerge within 6–8 weeks and undergo their first molt to the second instar stage within 3–4 weeks thereafter.

Raising Spiderlings

• T. blondi spiderlings exhibit a moderate growth rate and require stable humidity with proper ventilation.

• Provide enclosures with sufficient depth to accommodate their burrowing nature, along with structures for hiding and security.

• Feed them appropriately sized prey, such as pinhead crickets or flightless fruit flies, every 2–3 days to support healthy development.

Challenges & Considerations

• Temperament and Size: T. blondi are known for their defensive nature and significant size. Caution is advised during maintenance to prevent escapes or bites.

• Humidity and Ventilation: Maintaining proper humidity levels is crucial, as spiderlings are particularly susceptible to desiccation. Ensure enclosures are well-ventilated to prevent mold growth.

• Urticating Hairs: T. blondi possesses some of the most irritating urticating hairs in the tarantula world. Exposure can cause significant skin and respiratory irritation. Handling is not recommended.

Final Thoughts

Theraphosa blondi, along with T. apophysis and T. stirmi, represents a remarkable group of giant tarantulas that epitomize the awe-inspiring scale of the Theraphosidae family. Their massive size, robust defensive traits, and ecological importance make them prized specimens for advanced keepers. With proper husbandry, including a deep substrate filled from half to 2/3rds full (to minimize fall damage), controlled humidity, and a balanced feeding routine adjusted according to abdomen size, you can help ensure that these tarantulas remain healthy and vigorous.

Additional Recommendations:
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Additional Scientific Information

• Size & Growth:
  Theraphosa blondi is often cited as the largest tarantula by mass and overall size. Females exhibit significantly longer lifespans than males. Sexual dimorphism in this group is notable, both in size and in longevity, impacting reproductive potential.

• Ecological Role:
  Research in tropical ecology indicates that these tarantulas serve as keystone predators, regulating large invertebrate populations. Although sensationalized media reports often mention “bird-eating,” their natural diet primarily consists of sizeable invertebrates, contributing to ecosystem balance.

• Defensive Mechanisms:
  The defensive strategies of this group include the release of Type III urticating hairs and powerful biting. In particular, T. apophysis is notorious for kicking its urticating hairs, often more vigorously than its congeners, making it imperative to minimize handling and always use protective gear during maintenance.

• Taxonomic Notes on T. apophysis:
  Theraphosa apophysis, commonly known as the Goliath Pink Foot Tarantula, displays a remarkable transformation as it matures. Spiderlings appear to wear “pink boots” with pink leg tips. Juveniles exhibit a stunning array of pink hues on their tarsi and metatarsi, zebra-like stripes on their legs, and a pink “V” pattern on the carapace. As they reach a 5-inch diagonal leg span, the pink gradually fades, and the tarantula assumes a more red-brown coloration. These distinct traits, along with narrower legs and a more vibrant juvenile phase, set T. apophysis apart from its larger and more common relative, T. blondi.

(For further reading, refer to the Journal of Arachnology and recent articles in ZooKeys for detailed taxonomic and ecological studies on Theraphosidae.)