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Goliath Bird-eating SpiderGoliath Tarantuala Family: Theraphosidae
Latest Reader Comment - See More I have had my T. blondi for a few months now and she is so sweet. I don't hold her unless I have to move her to clean her cage because she is nervous and kicks... (more) Kat Von 2009-06-22 What's big, fast, hairy and has an attitude? The Goliath Bird-eating Spider!The Goliath Bird-eating Spider, is one of the world’s largest species of spider. Its impressive size makes it a popular species in most collections. Unfortunately, it is rarely bred. Most specimens that are available are imported from the wild. This hairy coffee-colored beast is unmistakable. The sheer size of this spider definitely attracts attention but it is not the friendliest critter. The Goliath Bird-eating Spider is aggressive and will attack. It is a solitary animal and needs to be house alone. Being a big bulky burrow-dweller, it should be offered a large enclosure with deep, damp substrate. Although this setup allows minimal interaction by the keeper, it does provide the proper conditions for keeping this giant of the spider world healthy. They can be observed at night under a red light as they explore their enclosure for food. This is truly one of the most magnificent beasts in the invertebrate world.For more Information on keeping tarantulas see:
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| Latest Comments |
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| I have had my T. blondi for a few months now and she is so sweet. I don't hold her unless I have to move her to clean her cage because she is nervous and kicks hairs and I don't want to stress her out. But she never bites or tries to bite. She stays hidden most of the time and if I lift her hide, she runs out just long enough to be seen and then goes back under to hide again. She is a voracious eater--she had her 3rd pinky last week! I have 10 other tarantulas as well. I have 3 rose hairs, the goliath, a greenbottle blue, Indian Ornamental, Gooty Ornamental, Togo starburst, Antilles pink toe, curly hair, and Brazilian salmon bird eater. They are a great hobby and interesting to watch and care for.
2009-06-22 |
| Hi, loved your site found it really helpful. I have a goliath blondi, it's a female and she's a great spider. She's about two years old and has a leg span of about 2-3 inches, not too sure.
Was just wondering how long she would take to reach full size. Would be greatful if you could get back to me, thanks.
2009-03-23 |
| I recently bought a goliath bird eating spider and was told by a friend that it would be ok as a first hobby pet. This friend also said that this spider would be ok to handle, bearing in mind this is my first spider. I have been totally misadvised by him. Any advice from experienced keepers would be grateful as I dont think I can trust the advice I've had so far. thanks
2008-12-06 |
| I have a rose hair too, his name is Huey. I've had him for about a year and just recently he scared me because he was turned over on his back and i thought he was dead. But no, all he did was shed his skin. I mean I know spiders shed, but I didn't know what it was going to look like, lol. Huey likes to think he's a dog. I got him a little ping pong ball that he pushes around on the floor. I don't like to keep him in his cage so I like him craw around. Anyways, I love Huey, wouldn't trade him for nuttin.
2008-10-27 |
| Hey, my name is kuwan and I've had my rose haired tarantula for about two years.
2008-10-21 |
| Some of the coolest comments: |
| I've been keeping spiders for about 13 years now, and I've had my goliath for just over a year. She about 3 years old with a leg span of about 8 inches, so another few years and she would have reached full sized. I strongly agree with gary, beginners should not start with a goliath. As impressive as they may be they can be a handful, as they are very sensitive to cage conditions, ie humidity and temperature, and they one of the most active spiders I've come across.
Although they can be agressive they're not the most agressive I've kept. If I open my goliath's cage she usually crawls into the corner and I'm able to move around the tank freely. The most agreesive I've come across is the thailand black, it's short haired and short tempered! I've almost been bitten quite a few times while trying to sort out a thailands tank. They will bite anything, leaves, pens containers, even had it killing locust just because they were in it's way, not to feed! 2008-09-13 |
| Having kept various species of spiders over the years, I recently aquired a Goliath and straight away was blown away by its truely aggressive nature. This spider means business and if you put your hand anywhere within striking distance, your gonna get bit! If you are looking for a Tarantula to handle then this one is not for you. If you are new to keeping Tarantulas then I would suggest starting out with a Chile Rose or a Mexican Red Knee. These species are far easier to keep and far less aggressive. If you have got your heart set on a Goliath then try to get as much info on them as you can because tank size, humidity, diet and temperature are very important to get right. A very rewarding spider to keep, growing up to 12" in size and living to the ripe old age of 25 years in some cases. 2007-11-18 |
| Comments Dr Jungle REALLY Likes to Hear! |
| I love what you wrote on the bird-eating spider.
It inspired me to learn more about the bird-eating spider. 2008-09-22 |
Author: Russ Gurley
Additional Information: Clarice Brough, CRS
Edited by Animal-World.
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