Theraphosa apophysis (Goliath PinkToe Bird Eater Tarantula)

Theraphosa apophysis (Goliath PinkToe Bird Eater Tarantula)

The Goliath PinkToe Bird Eater, or Theraphosa apophysis, is a terrestrial tarantula from the rainforests of Colombia, Venezuela, and Brazil. Adults carry a noticeably warmer, more pinkish coloration than either of its two cousins, paired with a leggier build rather than the stocky frame typical of the genus. Spiderlings hatch out with pink markings and striping down all eight legs, holding onto that pink coloration for a much longer stretch than either cousin, which is exactly where the pink foot name comes from. This species only grows to about 8 to 10 inches in diagonal leg span, with a medium to slow growth rate. Like others in the genus, this species has a very long lifespan, with females reaching about 15 to 20 years while males live 4 to 5 years. This species is also remarkably hardy and forgiving to keep for its size, though it is a defensive, territorial animal, and one we recommend for keepers who want one of the true giants of the hobby. Grab this massive new world tarantula for sale today, available here in every size we carry, from spiderling to mature adult.

Why do hobbyists keep Theraphosa apophysis?

• Warm Pinkish Coloration: Adults carry noticeably more pink tone than either cousin, paired with a leggier, more streamlined build.
• Colorful Spiderlings: Slings hatch out with pink feet and leg striping on all eight legs, holding that pink coloration longer than either cousin in the genus, which is exactly where its pink foot name comes from.
• Leggier Build: A more streamlined leg proportion gives this species a different look and feel in the enclosure than its stockier cousins.
• World's Largest Tarantulas: Theraphosa is the genus that holds the record for the largest tarantulas on earth, and this species carries that same world record reputation.
• Uncommon in the Hobby: Demand for the legendary Goliath Bird Eater genus is so high across all three species that keeping any of them reliably in stock is a challenge.

How should the Goliath PinkToe Bird Eater be kept?

• Adult Size: Hatchlings start around 1 to 1.5 inches in diagonal leg span, and this species only grows to about 10 inches at full adult size, so expect it to move through a couple of enclosure upgrades on the way to becoming one of the true giants of the hobby.
• Enclosure: Enclosure size scales with the animal, from a modest first setup for a spiderling up to a true giant enclosure for a mature adult. Check the specific size above for its exact footprint, height, and substrate depth, since every size we carry has its own listing with that detail.
• Rehousing: Expect two enclosure upgrades between hatch size and full adult size. With a medium to slow growth rate, each cage tends to last around 12 to 16 months, putting the whole journey to adulthood at roughly 3 to 4 years. The size page you choose above will tell you exactly where that animal sits in the progression.
• Temperature: Keep this species between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It does best on the cooler side and should never be allowed to run too warm, so ordinary room temperature is usually all the heating it needs, with no extra equipment required.
• Humidity: Keep the substrate from ever drying out completely. This is a moisture-dependent giant, especially during a molt, so plenty of depth and a well-sized hide make a real difference.
• Water: A water dish is strongly recommended. These species are moisture-dependent, especially during molting.
• Diet: We recommend prey size from 3/8 inch up to 1 1/2 inch depending on the size you choose, offered at least once a week. This is a strong, consistent feeder at every size we carry, and feeding it a bit more often than usual is a great way to help speed up growth.
• Temperament: This is a defensive, territorial species that would much rather be left alone than bothered, and like every tarantula we carry, we never recommend or discuss handling it. Give it space to settle into its enclosure and it will do just fine on its own terms.

Which size should I choose?

Every size is available right from the dropdown above, so here is what sets each one apart, smallest to largest:

• 1.5 to 2 inches, Spiderling: The earliest size we offer this species at, perfect if you want to raise one of the world's largest tarantulas from as close to hatch as we carry it.
• 2 to 2.5 inches, Juvenile: A bit further along than our spiderling size, already showing its pink leg striping and past the very earliest stage.
• 2.5 to 3 inches, Juvenile Female: A confirmed female at this size, so you already know which sex you are raising as she grows toward her full giant size.
• 3 inches and up, Juvenile: An unsexed juvenile at a solid in-between size, a good pick if sex does not matter to you yet and you want more spider in the enclosure from day one.
• 3 inches and up, Juvenile Male: A confirmed male at this size, a great choice if you specifically want to watch a male Goliath PinkToe mature out.
• 3 inches and up, Juvenile Female: A second confirmed female option at this size, giving you another entry point if our other female juvenile size is out of stock.
• 4 inches and up, Juvenile Female: A confirmed female already well on her way to full size, a strong pick if you want a more established juvenile sooner.
• About 6 inches, Mature Male: A mature male around 6 inches, likely at or near his full adult size already, since males mature faster and often stop growing before ever needing the third enclosure.
• 6 inches, Mature Female: A mature female at 6 inches, further along than our other female sizes and getting closer to the full giant size this species is known for.

Are there any additional notes or considerations for the Goliath PinkToe Bird Eater?

• Captive Bred: All tarantulas at Exotics Unlimited are captive bred.
• Hardy and Forgiving: Despite its size, this is a hardy, forgiving species that feeds consistently and tolerates the occasional missed care day without issue.
• Uncommon in the Hobby: Like its two Theraphosa cousins, demand for this species outstrips supply, so we consider it Uncommon in the Hobby rather than something you will always find in stock.
• Locality: In the wild this species is found across Colombia, Venezuela, and Brazil.
• Naming Note: You will also see this species called the Goliath Pink Foot Bird Eater, which is the name we like to use, since it helps separate this true Theraphosa giant from the unrelated Avicularia braunshauseni, also commonly sold as the Goliath Pink Toe Tarantula.
• Looking for similar species? Check out Theraphosa blondi (the Goliath Bird Eater) and Theraphosa stirmi (the Burgundy Bird Eater), its two closest cousins in the genus, or browse our full lineup of large tarantula species for more giants like this one.

Frequently asked questions about Theraphosa apophysis

• Is the Goliath PinkToe Bird Eater the same animal as Theraphosa apophysis? Yes. Goliath PinkToe Bird Eater is simply the common name for Theraphosa apophysis, so whichever name you see on a listing, you are looking at the same species.
• Is the Goliath PinkToe Bird Eater the same as the Goliath Pink Toe tarantula (Avicularia braunshauseni)? No, these are two completely unrelated species in different genera that happen to share a common name, which is exactly why we like to call this one the Goliath Pink Foot Bird Eater, to help keep the two apart.
• Which Theraphosa species is actually the largest tarantula in the world? This is one of the longest running debates in the hobby, and honestly, there is no single settled answer. Theraphosa blondi, Theraphosa stirmi, and this species are all genuine contenders depending on whether you are measuring leg span, body mass, or sheer bulk, and keepers will argue all three angles. What we can say for certain is that the genus as a whole holds the record for the largest tarantulas on earth, and this species is very much part of that conversation.
• What temperature does the Goliath PinkToe Bird Eater need? Keep it between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. This species actually prefers the cooler end of that range rather than a warm tropical setup, so ordinary room temperature is usually all you need, with no extra heating equipment required.