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Goliath Bird-eating Spider

Goliath Tarantuala Family: Theraphosidae

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Theraphosa blondi Photo © Animal-World: Courtesy Russ Gurley

   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:
Guide to a Happy, Healthy Invertebrate

Distribution:
   The largest species of tarantula in the world, the Goliath Tarantuala (Theraphosa blondi) and the Pink-footed Goliath Tarantula (T. apophysis) are found in Venezuela, Suriname, French Guyana, and Brazil. They are burrowing species. The largest species in the world live in the ground and not in trees (or house rafters). Their extreme size and bulk prevents them from climbing well. The large species in Trinidad, living in trees (and house rafters) is probably an Avicularia species. They are large and fuzzy, but nowhere near the size of their giant cousins.

Description:
   This hairy coffee-colored spider is truly unmistakable. The Goliath Bird-eating Spider is large and very stocky with a broad carapace, thick legs, and a large abdomen. It is a terrestrial species and has evolved to this large, heavy body type living in the humid burrows of the tropical forests of South America. The leg span is usually up to about 10" (25 cm) but can be up to 12" (30.5 cm).
   Though the male and female are very similar, a mature male will be more slender and long-legged. They mature at about 10 years and can live for up to 25 years.

Care and Feeding:
   There is a tendency by keepers to feed their large, aggressive species lots of live mice. We suggest feeding the Goliath Bird-eating Spider a diverse diet consisting of adult crickets, grasshoppers, Tenebrio larvae, and only occasional feedings (once or twice a month) of mice. This variety more closely mirrors the diet of this tarantula in nature and will keep them healthy.

Environment:
   As a very large species, the Goliath Bird-eating Spider should be kept in a large enclosure. Use at least a 30-gallon terrarium or the largest plastic sweater box. A substrate of peat moss or cypress mulch works well. A large shelter should be offered in the form of a cork bark “cave” or a half-buried clay pot.
   Though they are found in humid tropical forest areas, in captivity it is best to maintain them on the dry side and spray them once or twice a week. A large diameter flat dish with fresh water should be available at all times.

Temperature and Humidity requirements:
   This species can be maintained at about at 78° to 82° F with a moderate humidity level.

Social Behavior/Activities:
   The Goliath Bird-eating Spiders are very aggressive and best housed singly. They are quick and nervous. They make a hissing noise if they feel threatened by rubbing the bristles on their legs. It can be heard up to 15 feet away. They will also rear up to fling their abdominal hairs and will try to bite when stressed.

Handling:
   This species is aggressive / defensive and should not be handled under any circumstances. Its urticating hairs are some of the most irritating of all spiders and its bite can cause damage from the size of the fangs. We suggest using a paint brush or other tool to corral the Goliath Bird-eater when moving it from enclosure to enclosure for cleaning, maintenance, or for breeding attempts.

Breeding/Reproduction:
   Mature males are slender and long-legged compared to females and they have no tibial hooks for mating. For successful reproduction, females should be established in a large terrarium with at least 10-12” of substrate. A burrow can be started for them and the females will quickly finish this work and establish a deep burrow in the enclosure. This deep, secure burrow may be the first important step to successfully breeding this species.
   An adult males should be carefully introduced into the female’s enclosure after he has produced a sperm web. The male can be protected with a piece of cardboard or other tool if he is to be used for further breeding attempts.
   Once mating occurs, the female should be fed more heavily with a variety of prey items. The Goliath Bird-eater Spider will lay about 50 eggs that hatch in six to seven weeks. The spiderlings will stay in the nest until their first molt, and then be on their own.

Ailments:
   Tarantulas are generally quite hardy and adaptable if they are provided with the right environment. A few signs that may indicate that your pet is not acting or feeling normal are a loss of appetite, lethargy, looking overly skinny, or pacing the enclosure.
   (A tarantula on its back is probably NOT sick.  Most tarantula species flip onto their backs during molting.  Though this is a very stressful and delicate time for tarantulas, if the humidity and warmth levels are correct, they will molt their exoskeleton, roll over, harden up, and within a week or two be ready for their next meals.)

• Molting: One of the most common reasons for your pet to demonstrate unusual behavior is due to a molting period. As they outgrow their existing skin all tarantulas regularly go through an extensive molt, shedding their entire skin as well as the linings of their mouth, respiratory organs, stomach and sexual organs.
     The process starts well before the actual molt. For several weeks prior to shedding they will be growing a new skin under their old one. During this time it is not unusual for a tarantula to get quite lethargic and even stop eating. There may also be lots of web spinning activity as they prepare to molt.
     When they begin to molt, they lay on their backs with their legs up in the air looking as if they are dead. Be sure not to disturb your tarantula when you see this. The shedding process goes quickly and smoothly as long the environment has adequate humidity.
     Once they have shed, their new skin is pale and very soft. The amount of time it takes for your pet to fully recover and be back to eating well will vary from a day or so up to several weeks depending on its size. Smaller spiders recover much quicker than larger ones.
• Other Problems: Other problems are usually the result of some type of environmental stress. There may be a drop in the temperature of the enclosure, there may be parasites, or the tarantula may just not be comfortable with the depth of its hiding place. These things can be easily adjusted or changed, or you can try moving your pet to a new enclosure.

Availability:
   The Goliath Bird-eating Spider has been bred in captivity and is sporadically available as spiderlings. Unfortunately, many “collectors” have single specimens. Healthy females and mature males often do not get together in a timely manner.
   Several breedings have occurred in Europe and there is no doubt that in the early days many wild-caught specimens dropped egg sacs that were successfully hatched. As with many rare species, hopefully the future will see the production of many healthy spiderlings for the hobby.

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Latest Comments
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. Kat Von 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. Adrian 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 key 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. Tiffany 2008-10-27
Hey, my name is kuwan and I've had my rose haired tarantula for about two years. kuwan 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! Duffy 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. Gary 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. mckinnley 2008-09-22

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Author: Russ Gurley
Additional Information: Clarice Brough, CRS
Edited by Animal-World.