Average Size vs Maximum Size of Tarantula Species

[MES]

Hello,
I have a Chaco Golden Knee Tarantula (G. Pulchripes) and I was doing some research on the size of them. I found that they can get up to 8.5", but that is only the maximum size. It led me to the question, how much does the size of a tarantula vary within a species? How big can I expect my female G. Pulchripes to get?
Thanks

 

[KezyGLA]

In reality 7 inches. I havent seen much more than that. Though I'm sure there are some monsters out there somewhere.

 

[EulersK]

Saying a G. pulchripes gets up to 8.5" is like saying humans get up to 7' tall. Sure, it happens, but don't hold your breath.

 

[johnny quango]

I have a mature male G pulchripes in my collection now (soon to be leaving) and it's at maximum 5.75" females should be larger so I'd expect 7" in reality

 

[cold blood]

Yeah, an average female will end up somewhere in that 7" range.

 

[Vanessa]

Sizes are always greatly exaggerated... by breeders and hobbyists alike. I was recently told at an expo that a woman had an 8" Brachypelma albopilosum female. I want to see the exuvia for that one up against a ruler (a human hand is useless since those all differ in size as well).
The reality is that Grammostola pulchripes is one of the largest, if not the largest, of the species suitable for brand new people. There are other species who might get larger, but they are more in the intermediate and advanced categories. When I volunteer at the expos, and new people specifically ask for a larger species, G.pulchripes is the one that I recommend.

 

[viper69]

My Chaco is pushing 8"



of rolled up web matting...

 

[Arachnophoric]

My Chaco is pushing 8"



of rolled up web matting...

You had me going for a moment. Then I saw that last bit.

 

[Lefisher93]

Sizes are always greatly exaggerated... by breeders and hobbyists alike. I was recently told at an expo that a woman had an 8" Brachypelma albopilosum female. I want to see the exuvia for that one up against a ruler (a human hand is useless since those all differ in size as well).
The reality is that Grammostola pulchripes is one of the largest, if not the largest, of the species suitable for brand new people. There are other species who might get larger, but they are more in the intermediate and advanced categories. When I volunteer at the expos, and new people specifically ask for a larger species, G.pulchripes is the one that I recommend.

A G.pulchripes was my first baby, and even though he ended up being a male, they are still one of my favorites due to their sweet personality and hulk growth rate

 

[weibkreux]

About 7" is the average I think, just don't expect too much. Size varies per specimen, still a great T to have though. Docile, good colors, huge and good feeding response.

 

[Tenebrarius]

size is not important dude, if the T has a good personality then I will love it equally.

jokes aside, some people will hyperbolize their T size...like they will something else...their height.

 

[MES]

Thanks everyone for their responses! G. pulchripes are definitely great, my girl is growing and eating super well! No matter how big she gets, she's always impressive and special as my first T! I know they are supposed to have great temperments, but recently she's going through an ornery phase, I hope she gets her attitude in check soon lol.