Goliath pictures

[Melmoth]

Tom,
Yep,I'm with the others.I've kept both.I have a L.parahybana at the moment,that's what yours is.I'd put money on it. Very nice T by the way

 

[ChrisNCT]

100% Positive that that isn't a T. blondi.
I have two forms of the coloration of T. blondis one is black and the other brown.

I can't say what yours is exactly because I don't have one that looks like that but I am 100 % sure that it's not a T. blondi.

If it is a L. parahybana, you're still lookin at an big eater and a decent size for growth. I'd also bet that it's a female by the body shape, leg length and size.

 

[Sheri]

My vote as well for Lasiodora parahybana.

Yes, they have large clutch sizes... they still retail quite high here in the pet stores, but are cheap as slings from the dealers (well, not cheap compared to Europe but...).

If anyone wants one, do save yourself some money and get a sling. They are insanely fast growers.

I would approach the dealer or store you got it from, after bringing it to someone experienced for an ID. Of course, a molt would be good as well... but you probably want to contend with this as soon as possible. You should be able to get some of your money returned. Try to get an accurate estimate as to what that species would sell for at that size in the area. Is it sexed?

Also, tell your stepdad that the conditions are not right, and that the sunstrate should be changed. Print out some threads on the subject from the boards to back it up. And make sure there is no cotton in the water dish.

 

[Tom Coote]

More pics

Ah well no worries. I wasn't going to breed anyway and i aren't the most hardcore collector. As long as it is healthy and does what it is meant to i'm happy .
Well anyway here are some more pics i just managed to get from the front view

 

[Sheri]

Ok. I'm not so sure about parahybana.
But certainly Lasiodora.

I've kept others in the genus, but they are still slings... only matures I have are parahybana.
Which, btw, I am amazed and blown away how FAST the male I have is growing. Its astounding!

 

[Tom Coote]

BTW is £70 for a T like this a lot?

 

[Bob]

Have you bought a 6 Inch plus Lasiodora ? Same cost as a T.Blondi. Spiderlings are cheaper but alot smaller !

Sorry Metalica......I'm a US guy, I should have noticed this is a Europe thread....... I am not sure why the adults are priced high over here,....they should not be.

By the way...don't know if your name came from the rock group Metallica or not but I got to seat in frw five when they came to Porland a while back ! Awesome concert. They played with Godsmack.
Bob

 

[danread]

BTW is £70 for a T like this a lot?

Hi Tom,

£70 is quite a lot for one of these spiders, even if it is an adult female. I wouldn't worry about it though, its a great species, and they get as large as (possibly larger) that T. blondi anyway.

It is absolutely essential that you do change the substrate though. What you have at the moment really isnt suitable at all. All you need to replace it with is peat moss, and you can buy this from a garden centre very cheaply, its only a couple of quid for a large bag of the stuff.

Cheers,

 

[Tom Coote]

It is absolutely essential that you do change the substrate though. What you have at the moment really isnt suitable at all. All you need to replace it with is peat moss, and you can buy this from a garden centre very cheaply, its only a couple of quid for a large bag of the stuff.

Cheers,

I'd love to change the substrate but my options are limited because my parents won't let me have any soil because of my wooden enclosures getting mould or going rotten. I am getting some small bark chippings today though, so they will be better than what i've got now (has to be kept dry or else turns to clumpy sawdust)

 

[mick]

Well I own a few of both species and it really really looks like a L.Parahybana to me as well. I personally find them much more interesting than T.Blondi as they are far more curious and walk around a whole lot more. I've noticed that with my Parahybanas they will activly searchout food items and follow them around...mine even attacks water when I pour it into it's dish. They do grow slower than T.Blondi as well.enjoy.
Mike

 

[Tom Coote]

So you wouldn't recommend handling then lol?

 

[Tom Coote]

Substrate

K i've met my parents half way and got some new substrate but...... it isn't soil or peat or anything like that, but small bark chippings, which retains more moisture and should be more comfortable for my tarantulas and scorpions. Hope in the future i can change to soil but for the mo i have to be happy with i'm getting lol
What do u think will it be better for her?

 

[arachnojunkie]

Depends, if the bark chips you speak of are cedar you are better off with the old pellet stuff cuz cedar will kill your spider. I would recomend buying a 10 Gal glass tank, a lid(not screen) fill it with peatmoss, add waterdish and a hide. Can't go wrong.

 

[Tom Coote]

How can i tell if they are cedar?

 

[ChrisNCT]

The cedar is a reddish type wood that has a unique smell. It's good for killing bugs. They use it for houses, sheds, bird houses, barns and such.'
Do you have any info or pics of the stuff that you plan to put in there?

 

[Windchaser]

K i've met my parents half way and got some new substrate but...... it isn't soil or peat or anything like that, but small bark chippings, which retains more moisture and should be more comfortable for my tarantulas and scorpions. Hope in the future i can change to soil but for the mo i have to be happy with i'm getting lol
What do u think will it be better for her?

Bark chips are not recommended as a substrate either. Since you paid a fair amount for your T, just tell your parents you really need to change the substrate for the health of the tarantula. As others have said, peat moss is very inexpensive. Like Sheri said, have your parents look at the information here regarding substrates. As a parent, I would be hard pressed to deny a request from one of my kids that when the request is the correct decision. Besides, you are showing them that you can be responsible by researching what the appropriate environment for your pet should be and making the necessary changes.