Ephebopus Cyanognathus (blue fang) Care Questions

[Ben Do]

I just bought an e. cyanognathus sling and while this isn't my first experience with slings, I had a couple questions regarding when they're fully grown. They might seem a bit out of pocket, and I know it'll be a couple of years before its necessary but given the limited information that I've come across, I just wanted to be sure and to plan ahead.

I typically keep my terrestrial T's in 5-10 gallons long aquariums, but I've read these are more of a fossorial species. I've also seen a website say they don't need as much space as other species (up to 5 gallons) but is it possible for these guys to live in something more like 3 gallons? That being said could its adult enclosure have something with more height than width, something like the dimensions of an Exo terra nano tall (which I think are 8inx8inx12in)? Space isn't really an issue for me, I've just seen that these have been described as "pet holes" so I was wondering if it would be logical for them to have so much floor space if they aren't going to use it.

Any other additional care tips to help them flourish when they're older would be great.

 

[moricollins]

In my opinion, Front opening exo terras require some modifications in order to be used for a terrestrial or fossorial tarantula.
What you can do is silicone a piece of glass in front of the doors to provide extra height for the substrate. (I.e. you'll have the substrate barrier partially up in front of the opening doors)

 

[The Grym Reaper]

In my opinion, Front opening exo terras require some modifications in order to be used for a terrestrial or fossorial tarantula.

Zoo Med Bugariums are around the same dimensions as a nano tall but are top opening.

is it possible for these guys to live in something more like 3 gallons?

Yes, personally I'd house an adult in a 13L (2.85 gallon) hobby life tub (don't know if you can get that brand across the pond but there should be an equivalent) which is basically the same size as a large kritter keeper, maybe a little deeper.

 

[viper69]

In my opinion, Front opening exo terras require some modifications in order to be used for a terrestrial or fossorial tarantula.
What you can do is silicone a piece of glass in front of the doors to provide extra height for the substrate. (I.e. you'll have the substrate barrier partially up in front of the opening doors)

IMO one is better off modding the screen top and putting the Exo on its side, long way. Someone posted a thread on this.

I just bought an e. cyanognathus sling and while this isn't my first experience with slings, I had a couple questions regarding when they're fully grown. They might seem a bit out of pocket, and I know it'll be a couple of years before its necessary but given the limited information that I've come across, I just wanted to be sure and to plan ahead.

I typically keep my terrestrial T's in 5-10 gallons long aquariums, but I've read these are more of a fossorial species. I've also seen a website say they don't need as much space as other species (up to 5 gallons) but is it possible for these guys to live in something more like 3 gallons? That being said could its adult enclosure have something with more height than width, something like the dimensions of an Exo terra nano tall (which I think are 8inx8inx12in)? Space isn't really an issue for me, I've just seen that these have been described as "pet holes" so I was wondering if it would be logical for them to have so much floor space if they aren't going to use it.

Any other additional care tips to help them flourish when they're older would be great.

I’ve raised these before. Very nervous very fast NW. The blue will fade to a pale violet unfortunately. They have a pretty fast metabolism even at 70-74 degrees.

They are pretty pet holes. They will surface as slings IME. Give them enough sub to burrow.

They don’t need a lot of floor space. 3 gallon would be fine- 10 would be overkill. But wouldn’t be surprised if they came out and used it at times.

12” is too tall.

 

[cold blood]

This species doesnt get very big, so it doesnt need a larger enclosure...your 3 gal would be fine

 

[Ben Do]

Zoo Med Bugariums are around the same dimensions as a nano tall but are top opening.

I saw that online... do you think its suitable enough for an adult blue fang? I prefer glass and very clear acrylic enclosures for aesthetic purposes, I'd prefer not to use a tub.

Yes, personally I'd house an adult in a 13L (2.85 gallon) hobby life tub (don't know if you can get that brand across the pond but there should be an equivalent) which is basically the same size as a large kritter keeper, maybe a little deeper.

 

[korg]

This is one of my favorite species. Very beautiful (especially as slings and juveniles; the iridescent colors tend toward brown with maturity and the blue fangs turn more purple), very quick, generally shy, and great eaters. They're native to the tropical forests of French Guiana, and I keep mine on moist substrate in a well ventilated enclosure with plenty of depth. Females generally reach around 4-5" and the MM seem to mature between 3-4" so as mentioned above, you really don't need that much space even for an adult. They dig themselves a retreat and will incorporate substrate and any loose litter, etc into a "turret" at the entrance. They will be fine as long as you can give them several inches substrate depth, and they definitely don't need much extra surface area. They won't use it.

They grow very quickly, so don't expect them to remain slings for long. I kept a growth log on one of my males few years ago if you'd like to get a general idea on that front: http://arachnoboards.com/threads/growth-log-with-feedings-e-cyanognathus-from-2i-to-mm.265836/

 

[The Grym Reaper]

I saw that online... do you think its suitable enough for an adult blue fang?

Could do but it's not ideal tbh. No side ventilation, and you'd need to swap out the mesh in the lid for something safer.

I prefer glass and very clear acrylic enclosures for aesthetic purposes

Acrylic warps, and glass enclosures are overpriced and usually need to be modded.

Besides, plastic tubs don't look that bad.