Theraphosa apophysis (Goliath PinkToe Bird Eater Tarantula) MALE about 6"

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, offered here as a mature male.

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: Females grow to about 10 inches in diagonal leg span, but males mature faster and at a smaller size, so a confirmed mature male around 6 inches is very likely at or close to his full adult size already.
• Enclosure: A 24 by 24 by 16 inch enclosure fits this stage well, with about 8 inches of substrate depth and a hide around 8 to 16 inches wide for him to retreat into.
• Rehousing: Mature males often stop growing before ever needing a third, larger cage, so at this stage he may already be in his final home. With a medium to slow growth rate for the species overall, any further growth he does have left would come slowly.
• 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: Offer prey measuring around 1 1/2 inch at least once a week. This is a strong, consistent feeder, and feeding him a bit more often than usual is a great way to support steady condition.
• 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 him space to settle into his enclosure and he will do just fine on his own terms.

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.

Listing Notes

• This listing is for a Theraphosa apophysis Goliath PinkToe Bird Eater mature male measuring around 6 inches in diagonal leg span, which is the size given in the title, a confirmed male. Please note male size may differ from the max size listed for this species, since in most spiders the females grow larger. Males also mature faster than females and typically live a much shorter adult life, so this is a great pick for a keeper who wants a fully grown, full color specimen without the multi-year wait.
• Looking for other sizes? This species is also available as a 1.5-2" Spiderling, 2-2.5" Juvenile, 2.5-3" Juvenile Female, 3"+ Juvenile, 3"+ Juvenile Male, 3"+ Juvenile Female, 4"+ Juvenile Female, or 6" Mature Female.
• 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.