Ceratogyrus with the biggest horn?

[Deeser]

Was wondering which Ceratogyrus has the biggest horn when mature? And does it tend to be larger in females or males?

I saw an old thread suggesting either marshalli or brachycephalus, but no one seemed sure and there were only a couple responses.

 

[Venom1080]

I believe darlingi.

 

[sasker]

Have a look at this. However, I am sure I saw a picture of one species with a horn that extended over the entire abdomen! Of the species that are readily available in the hobby, C. marshalli and C darlingi have the biggest horns. Some sources say C. marshalli has the largest horn of the two, but it could also be that it just looks larger than C. darlingi because the latter has its horn laying flat on its carapace.

 

[Deeser]

Beautiful T in that video, but they didn't state the species name! Anyone know which one it is? Or do you think that one was undescribed / not common in the pet trade?

 

[sasker]

I doubt it is available (yet) in the pet trade. If you look for a large horn, I would go for a C. marshalli. Their horns are quite striking. Two other species you may come across in the pet trade are C. meridionalis (no horn) and C. sanderi (small horn). C. marshalli are also considered more docile than C. darlingi. Mine is still a sling, so I cannot speak from experience about the temperament yet.

Note that only the females develop a large horn, the horns of the males are much smaller (a sort of a knob, really) so I suggest to buy a sexed female. I don't know how much you would pay for one in Montreal, but sexed females are not really expensive in Europe (about USD 25 for an adult female). I realised this only after I bought my sling, while I was hoping for a tarantula with a big horn as well. I sexed the molt the other day and...yes it is a female! (phew!)

 

[Ungoliant]

Was wondering which Ceratogyrus has the biggest horn when mature?

I would say "it's not the size of the horn but how they use it," but I have no idea what, if any, purpose the horn serves.

 

[Walker253]

I would say "it's not the size of the horn but how they use it," but I have no idea what, if any, purpose the horn serves.

I've always wondered if you could grab it to pick it up. Where is that Scottish dude who took the OBT bite when you need him?

 

[sasker]

I would say "it's not the size of the horn but how they use it," but I have no idea what, if any, purpose the horn serves.

I have a theory about the use of the horn. I think it is used to make the tarantula look awesome. In that respect, size does matter.

 

[KezyGLA]

Specimens in captivity seem to have smaller horns. I dont quite know why this happens.

Ceratogyrus marshalli has the tallest and most jagged horn, closely followed by Ceratogyrus sp. mozambique, which their horn raises up and is as pointy as marshalli but half way grows towards the abdomen like darlingi.

Ceratogyrus brachycephalus has the most bold looking horn but it isnt really shaped like a horn. It is more like a flattish pebble.

 

[sasker]

I think this one has the biggest horn. Apparently it comes from Angola. @Walker253 No problem picking this one up by the horn

 

[KezyGLA]

I think this one has the biggest horn. Apparently it comes from Angola. @Walker253 No problem picking this one up by the horn

Correct. It takes the cake when it comes to horns. But wont be in the hobby for a while ahah

 

[sasker]

But wont be in the hobby for a while ahah

And when it does, it will be more expensive than a Pamphobeteus solaris

 

[Graves6661]

Here is my C. marshalli. Confirmed female. She is about 3.5" in body length and the horn is about 1/2" tall (rough guess). In my experience, the female marshalli have a more prominent horn and males are more of a nub. My MM marshalli had a little button compared to this girls horn.


This pic was taken a few days ago. Her first meal after her recent molt and starting to plump her up a bit.

 

[sasker]

Nice! Did it take long for her to get this big? Mine is about 1.5" DLS and her horn is still a tiny pimple on her head.

 

[Graves6661]

I've had her for a little over a year and she molted twice in my care. I got her when she was about 3" DLS and her horn was just big enough to notice it. Each molt has shown good growth overall in this T.

 

[Deeser]

Here is my C. marshalli. Confirmed female. She is about 3.5" in body length and the horn is about 1/2" tall (rough guess). In my experience, the female marshalli have a more prominent horn and males are more of a nub. My MM marshalli had a little button compared to this girls horn.

View attachment 254395
This pic was taken a few days ago. Her first meal after her recent molt and starting to plump her up a bit.

That pic is beautiful! Are the colors enhanced at all in the picture? Didn't realize these guys have slightly blue femurs! And the gold is so bright and vivid. Nice T.

 

[Graves6661]

Its just the lighting. The sun was entering the room perfectly so I didn't use my cameras flash. The legs are mostly brown/tan with a little grey. They do have awesome gold highlights though.

 

[Deeser]

I think this one has the biggest horn. Apparently it comes from Angola. @Walker253 No problem picking this one up by the horn

As with other things in life, there is such a thing as TOO big poor fella, can't even hide it!

 

[cold blood]

marshalli has the biggest.

 

[viper69]

Marshalli has the largest I've read.