Grammostola pulchra (Brazilian Black Tarantula) 1-1.5

Grammostola pulchra (Brazilian Black Tarantula)

This 1 to 1.5 inch Brazilian Black Tarantula is a well-started spiderling, past the earliest and most delicate weeks and already showing the beginning of the jet black coloration this species becomes famous for at full maturity. It is still small enough to enjoy the classic sling growth experience, but well-started buyers get a head start on size and confidence that the animal is feeding and growing on track. Grammostola pulchra remains one of the calmest, most forgiving species in the hobby at every stage, and this new world tarantula for sale is a strong pick for anyone who wants a baby tarantula without starting at the very smallest size available.

Why do hobbyists keep Grammostola pulchra?

• Color Change: Already transitioning out of the reddish spiderling look and toward the deep jet black finish that fully sets in around 2.5 inches, so the change is visibly underway at this size.
• Docile Temperament: Calm and unhurried, this species rarely bolts or reacts defensively, even during handling free routine maintenance.
• Beginner Genus: Grammostola is regarded as one of the most beginner friendly genera in the hobby, and pulchra sits at the top of that list.
• Hobby Favorite: A staple species that has stayed popular across generations of keepers.

How should Grammostola pulchra be kept?

• Adult Size: Reaches 5 to 6 inches at full leg span, with a heavy bodied build and slow, deliberate movement.
• Enclosure: House this well-started spiderling in a 6 by 6 by 4 inch enclosure with about 2 inches of substrate, a cork hide, and light leaf litter. This cage is sized for a third of adult size, not the animal's current 1 to 1.5 inches, so there is real room to grow before the next rehouse is needed.
• Rehousing: Two rehouses total for life. Next up is a 12 by 12 by 8 inch enclosure with about 4 inches of substrate as it approaches 2 inches, then an 18 by 18 by 12 inch adult setup with 6 inches of substrate around 4 inches. At this species' slow pace, 4 to 6 years to full size, expect roughly 18 to 24 months out of this current cage.
• Temperature: Maintain between 65 to 75 degrees F with stable conditions.
• Humidity: Keep the substrate lightly moist, letting the top dry between mistings. Good ventilation is critical. Cross ventilation works best, but ample top ventilation can also be effective as long as the enclosure is not over-misted.
• Water: A shallow textured water dish works well, something they can grip when climbing out.
• Diet: Prey length runs about a quarter of the leg span, matching the carapace (head). At this size that is a 1/4 to 3/8 inch cricket or roach nymph. Feed at least once a week.
• Temperament: Calm and steady, a well-started size that keeps the easygoing temperament this species is known for.

Are there any additional notes or considerations?

• Sling Coloration: Coloration is actively shifting from the reddish spiderling look toward the solid jet black adult finish, with darkening already visible.
• Unsexed Offering: Ships unsexed, with roughly even odds of male or female at this stage.
• Captive Bred: All Tarantulas are 100% captive bred.

Listing Notes

• This well-started size gives buyers a spiderling that has already cleared its earliest, most delicate weeks and is established and feeding reliably. It is a great middle ground for keepers who want to watch the color change happen but prefer a bit more size and confidence than our smallest spiderlings offer.

Classification Note

There is ongoing discussion within the hobby regarding the distinction between Grammostola pulchra and Grammostola quirogai, as both have appeared in the trade under similar names. While they are recognized as separate species, much of what has historically been sold in the hobby has been labeled as G. pulchra. There is a good chance that, based on descriptions of both species, what we call Grammostola pulchra is actually Grammostola quirogai. These were sold to us as pulchra, so we will continue to use this name until a paper distinguishes hobby pulchra from wild forms of pulchra and quirogai. Since we cannot make species determinations based on color alone, changing the name without that evidence would be irresponsible. That is why we are keeping this listing as Grammostola pulchra "Hobby" form.