Theraphosa blondi

Theraphosa blondi is the largest tarantula in the world! And that impresses anyone who has ever seen an adult specimen. With a body length of around 12 cm and a wingspan of up to 25 cm, it is also known as the Goliath giant tarantula. This ground-dwelling species grows quickly and eats a lot accordingly. They regularly double their size during moulting and quickly become very handsome animals.

Theraphosa blondi digs out burrows and uses them as protection, so a forest humus/sand mixture with a ratio of 3:1 and a filling height of 15 to 20 cm should be chosen as the substrate. This also helps to maintain a humidity level of 70 to 80 % without waterlogging.

As a burrow dweller, it can nevertheless be seen relatively often and is therefore also present in the terrarium. It often sits in front of its burrow and waits for food animals to pass by. The spiders on offer can be reared in a BraPlast box or in a rearing terrarium and later placed in a terrarium.

A Hobby Terraristik terrarium measuring 60 × 45 × 45 cm is a good choice for an adult animal. Furnishings can be chosen according to taste with wood or stones. Theraphosa blondi should also have a water bowl.

This species is uncomplicated to keep and is forgiving of one or two husbandry mistakes. Like most American tarantulas, this species also belongs to the so-called bombardier spiders. The consequences are somewhat unpleasant itching on the skin. A pair of gloves when handling the animals and a pair of tweezers when feeding them will help.