Theraphosa blondi (Goliath Bird Eater Tarantula) 1-1.5"

Theraphosa blondi (Goliath Bird Eater Tarantula)

The Goliath Bird Eater has been the stuff of legend for hundreds of years, the spider supposedly large enough to eat birds. In reality it earns its reputation honestly, reaching over 10 inches at full leg span, with some specimens pushing toward 12 inches, and weighing up to half a pound, making it the most massive tarantula species on the planet by body weight. Grab this new world tarantula for sale today if you want the single most jaw dropping specimen in the entire hobby.

Why do hobbyists keep Theraphosa blondi?

• Large Size: Nothing else in the hobby matches its sheer mass, this is the heaviest tarantula species that exists and it looks every bit the part.
• Great Display Species: An explorer at heart, often seen out and about hunting rather than staying tucked away, which makes an animal this size even more impressive to watch move.
• Unique Defense: Known for producing an audible warning sound by rubbing leg bristles together, called stridulation, along with flicking urticating hairs when it wants to be left alone. Both are natural defensive tools rather than true aggression, and a fascinating bit of behavior to witness in person.
• Great Feeding Response: Feeds with real intensity for its size, one of the most dramatic feeding responses in the entire hobby.

How should Theraphosa blondi be kept?

• Adult Size: Reaches over 10 inches at full leg span, with reports of specimens approaching 12 inches, and can weigh up to half a pound at maturity.
• Enclosure: This species needs real room to roam, so plan for an enclosure at least 3 times the leg span in footprint, with height around 2 times the leg span. At full adult size that works out to roughly 30 to 36 inches of footprint, about 24 inches of height, soil depth equal to the leg span, and a hide wide enough to comfortably fit the animal. Every molt brings a significant jump in size, so build in growing room from the start.
• Temperature: 65-75°F.
• Humidity: This species appreciates more moisture than most new world terrestrials, so keep the substrate on the damper side rather than letting it dry out completely.
• Water: A water dish is strongly recommended. These species are moisture-dependent, especially during molting.
• Diet: Crickets, roaches, and similar feeders sized to about a quarter of the leg span, matching the width of the carapace (head). A fast grower that benefits from regular, generous feeding. Feed at least once a week.
• Temperament: Settles into a calm, confident explorer once established, using stridulation and hair flicking as its go to warning signals rather than standing its ground aggressively. Respect that warning and this becomes one of the most rewarding species to observe in the whole hobby.

Are there any additional notes or considerations?

• Growth Timeline: At a medium growth rate, this species reaches full size in roughly 3 to 4 years, with significant size jumps at every molt along the way.
• Record Setting Size: Widely considered the heaviest tarantula species on earth, easily topping half a pound at full maturity.
• Captive Bred: All Tarantulas are 100% captive bred.

FAQ - Frequently Asked Question

Is a Theraphosa blondi venomous?
Yes, Theraphosa blondi is venomous, like other tarantulas, but its venom is relatively mild and used mainly to digest prey rather than subdue it, they rely more on their sheer size and strength to overpower prey. Their more effective defense is actually urticating hairs, which they can flick toward potential threats.

Are Goliath bird-eating tarantulas friendly?
Goliath bird-eating tarantulas are relatively calm, but they aren’t a handling-friendly species. They are enormous, skittish tarantulas that can become defensive when stressed, and their size makes even routine handling more risky. 

How big does a Theraphosa blondi get?
Theraphosa blondi for sale can reach a leg span of around 10-12 inches. It’s one of the largest tarantulas in the world.

What is the lifespan of a male Theraphosa blondi?
Around 3 to 6 years. Female goliath birdeaters for sale live considerably longer and can reach up to 20 years in human care. 

What happens if a Goliath birdeater bites you?
A Goliath birdeater's bite can be a bit intimidating due to its enormous fangs, but its venom is mild and generally comparable to a bee sting, with some mild swelling possible. The bigger consideration is usually the physical size of the bite itself rather than the venom. Theraphosa blondi can also flick urticating hairs as a defense, which may cause irritation if they get in contact with the skin or eyes. As forest floor dwellers, they're well equipped to handle threats on their own terms, so they tend not to be the most docile animals and generally prefer to be left alone. For this reason, we recommend treating them as a display animal rather than a handling tarantula.

Are Goliath birdeater tarantulas for sale good pets?
Goliath bird-eating tarantulas are good display pets for intermediate to advanced keepers. They require more space, with an enclosure at least three times the tarantula's leg span. Keepers should also factor in urticating hairs beyond just their use as a defense, these hairs get flicked into the substrate and surrounding air over time, so care during cleaning, maintenance, and enclosure placement should be considered to avoid skin or respiratory irritation. See available tarantula enclosures here.