If you’re a reptile keeper looking to expand into tarantulas, then you’ve come to the right place.
We’re going to go through what we consider the top 10 best pet tarantula species for reptile keepers when they’re interested in getting a tarantula. This list takes into consideration things like:
- Ease of maintenance
- Forgiving of husbandry mistakes
- Docility
- Colorful or fun patterns
- Ease of acquisition
It should be noted that the lifespans of male tarantulas are significantly shorter than female tarantulas. This will be reflected in the broad lifespan ranges, with the lower number representing how long a male could live, and the higher number representing how long a female could live.
This list is also divided up into Old World tarantula species and New World tarantula species. When choosing your first tarantula, it’s important to keep in mind that Old World species are somewhat more aggressive than New World species. New World species, on the other hand, have urticating hairs that can be extremely irritating if they come into contact with your skin.
However, with proper handling and proper husbandry, you should have no issue keeping any of these amazing tarantula species as pets.
The 5 Best Old World Tarantula Species for Reptile Keepers
Purcells Baboon Spider
Scientific Name: Harpactira Baviana
Size: 4-6 in.
Habitat: Fossorial
Lifespan: 10-12 years
The Purcells Baboon Spider grows to be 4-6 in. as an adult. They are heavy webbers and obligate burrowers. Rather than get defensive, they prefer to retreat and hide when they feel threatened. Give them plenty of deep, dry substrate to burrow in. Add some branches, leaves, and other hides to serve as anchor points. Include a water dish to maintain humidity within the enclosure.
Gooty Sapphire Ornamental
Scientific Name: Poecilotheria metallica
Size: 6-8 in.
Habitat: Arboreal
Lifespan: 4-12 years
The Gooty Sapphire is an arboreal tarantula from India. They’re one of the most popular Old World tarantulas in the hobby, in large part because of their vibrant blue coloring. Although they may have some of the most potent venom in the species, they’re fairly docile and prefer to retreat to their hide if they feel threatened. A great tarantula to show off to your friends.
Socotra Island Blue Baboon
Scientific Name: Monocentropus balfouri
Size: 5-6 in.
Habitat: Terrestrial
Lifespan: 4-14 years
One of the most docile tarantulas, the Blue Baboon can be kept alone or communally! Despite its docility, handling is still not recommended. This species of tarantula may be a bit expensive, but they’re an excellent choice if you’re looking to buy your first Old World tarantula.
Philippine Tangerine
Scientific Name: Orphnaecus philippinus
Size: 6 in.
Habitat: Fossorial
Lifespan: 4-12 years
One of the most colorful species in the hobby. The Philippine Tangerine is a terrestrial tarantula that will burrow a lot when it's younger. As an adult it will create an extensive web-system around its burrow, spending a great deal of time on the web rather than in its burrow. It enjoys a slightly damp substrate. Although a very shy and skittish tarantula, it’s not typically aggressive.
Rear-Horned Baboon Tarantula
Scientific Name: Ceratogyrus darlingi
Size: 4-5 in.
Habitat: Fossorial
Lifespan: 4-12 years
Originating on the African continent, the Rear-Horned Baboon is distinct among tarantulas because of the unicorn-like horn protruding from the back of its carapace. They are fossorial in nature, but will web up the mouth and entire surrounding area of its burrow. They require a dry substrate, and are known to be fast and defensive.
5 Best New World Tarantula Species for Reptile Keepers
Green Bottle Blue (GBB)
Scientific Name: Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens
Size: 6-7 in.
Habitat: Terrestrial/Semi-Arboreal
Lifespan: 4-14 years
The GBB is an extremely popular tarantula species among beginner tarantula keepers. But don’t let that fool you. Even expert-level tarantula keepers love this species. They have an amazing feeding response that’s fun to watch. They’re semi-arboreal, and are often out in the open. They can be feisty, so watch out for those urticating hairs.
Amazon Sapphire Pinktoe Tarantula
Scientific Name: Avicularia diversipes
Size: 4.5-5.5 in.
Habitat: Arboreal
Lifespan: 5-12 years
Amazon Sapphire Pinktoe tarantulas are an arboreal species of New World tarantula. Originating from Brazil, they are surprisingly easy to keep. However, this incredibly beautiful tarantula is shy and may stay hidden most of the time.
Bolivian Blue Dwarf Beauty
Scientific Name: Cyriocosmus perezmilesi
Size: 2.5 in.
Habitat: Terrestrial
Lifespan: 5-15 years
Native to Bolivia, this dwarf tarantula only gets to be about 2.5 in. in size. If you’re a beginner tarantula keeper, the Bolivian Blue Dwarf Beauty could be a great species to start with as they tend to be quite forgiving of husbandry mistakes. They are also quite docile and rarely kick urticating hairs or raise a threat pose. The Bolivian Blue prefers dry substrate.
Guatemalan Tiger Rump
Scientific Name: Davus Pentaloris
Size: 4.75 in.
Habitat: Terrestrial
Lifespan: 3-11 years
The Guatemalan Tiger Rump is a very docile tarantula species from Guatemala and Mexico. They have a unique black and red pattern on their rump, and a very aggressive feeding response, making them a great species to show off to friends. Very mild-mannered and forgiving of husbandry mistakes, the Guatemalan Tiger Rump rarely throws its urticating hairs, nor does it assume a threat posture often.
Venezuelan Suntiger
Scientific Name: Psalmopoeus Irminia
Size: 5.5 in.
Habitat: Arboreal
Lifespan: 4-12 years
Endemic to the regions around Venezuela and North Brazil, the Venezuelan Suntiger is an arboreal tarantula species. They have some incredible tiger stripes on their rumps and are very fast, making them a lot of fun to keep. Typically recommended for intermediate tarantula keepers, you’ll be just fine if you’ve already got experience keeping reptiles.
Takeaway: While there are many tarantula species to choose from when you’re looking for your first pet tarantula, this list reflects species that could be great for experienced reptile keepers looking to branch out into the wonderful world of tarantulas.
If you have questions or would like to give feedback, please email us at team@dragonsdiet.com
