Help deciding on a species

[Kajo]

Hi!

My first actual post here and the question is simple but complicated: I can't decide on my first spider! There are just so many good options and the decision is just complicated by what species are available where I live and the sizes of the specimens. There aren't many independent breeders in Finland (at least that I know of) and most spider babies get sold by the word of mouth or through small pet stores.

Luckily the small herp&invert store local to me has a pretty good spread of species! Buuut most of the specimens they sell are super tiny slings. I think that I'd be able to manage caring for a sling even as my first spider, at least one of the hardiest species, and even if most tarantulas grow up real slow I honestly wouldn't mind that. I think raising a spider from a tiny sling to adulthood is a very appealing idea for me. Mostly what's keeping me from going and getting one of the slings right away is that I'm still worried I'd kill it... Or that I just wouldn't be seeing it for years if it was as hidey as slings seem to be.

Here is a list of the species and sizes of the tarantulas available to me right now:
(Striked-through ones are currently outsold)

A. geniculata 3-4th molt 23 e

Avicularia metallica L2/L3 26 e

Avicularia laeta L2/L3 31 e

Bumba horrida 1,5 cm 25 e

C. versicolor slings 1 cm 32 e

(D. pentaloris 4cm female 46 e)

Grammostola rosea L4 55 e

(Grammostola pulchra 3rd molt 2,5 cm 55 e)

G. pulchripes 1 cm 29 e

(P. metalica 3 molt 47 e)

(P. auratus 3 cm 25 e)

(Psalmopoeus irminia 2.-3. molt 25 e)

Pamphobeteus machala L6 26 e

Psalmopoeus pulcher 1st molt 20 e

(P. sazimai 2 cm 20 e)

Pseudohapalopus sp. Blue 3-4th molt 26 e

Orphnaecus philippinus 3-4th molt 18 e

(L. parachybana 4-5th molt 18 e)

(Ch. fimbriatus 2nd molt 13 e)

(Ch. cyanopubensens 4th molt 40 e)

M.balfouri 3rd molt 31 e

(N. incei 12 e)

N. incei gold 2nd molt 16 e

N. tripepii 2,5 cm 25 e

(Dolichothele diamantiensis 8 cm 45 e)

(Tliltocatl vagans female 6 cm 76 e)

Nhandu chromatus 4th molt 22 e

(Nhandu chromatus female 6 cm 76 e)

L. parahybana female 5 cm 43 e

L. parahybama male 23 e

(Brachyphelma albiceps female 14 cm 80 e)

(Brachyphelma emilia female 4 cm 75 e)

(Brachypelma boehmei female 7 cm 76 e)

(Brachypelma hamorii female 7cm 76 e)


Out of these the ones I feel drawn towards to after researching are Avics, C. versicolor, A. geniculata, N. incei and G. pulchiripes. I understand that out of these only the G. pulchiripes is really considered a beginner T. It's also said to be out on the open a lot which I would really appreaciate from my first spider especially (individuals of course differ). Again the only problem there is the size of the slings on sale and without that my first choice would definetly be either the G. pulchireps or C. versicolor. Or A. avic. Or pretty much any of them xD See my problem?

There are also these species available at a different shop a couple cities away:

Brachypelma emilia LS 4 cm 38 e

Davus pentaloris LS 4 cm 27 e

Tliltocatl vagans LS 3-4 cm 23 e

Lasiodora parahybana 3 cm 15 e

The T. vagans is definetly something that interests me here, but I'd prefer to get my first spider from my local shop just because I really like the owner there, she's been super helpful and nice with other pet business before, and I would like to support her small shop.

And, I know they're not tarantulas, but I've also been looking into P. regius jumping spiders! I love them and definetly want some at some point but the thing keeping me from getting one as my first spider is their relatively short lifespan compared to Ts..

Okay, I think that's quite enough rambling from me. I think I'd just like to hear other peoples thoughts and experiences on these species and the sizes they're offered at to aid my decision making. Thanks in advance for any replies!

 

[TheraMygale]

I would go with g pulchripes. Not because its considered beginner. Heres why:

I have 3 slings and one mature female over 4”.

The slings have been in the hobby for so long. They are hardy. They can take on a wide range of challenges.

When i got my slings, i didnt expect them to molt this often. About every month or so they did, one after the other. I started with about 3/4 inch, give or take. Now they are about 2”.

This will slow down of course, but its fun to see progress in a sling.

They have lovely feeding responses. Yes they can be skittish, but slings usualy are.

You can have their enclosure open, and stare at them for a while. They are very nice looking tarantulas.

Even as slings, they can enjoy an enclosure that has a part of it that is dry.

Since they take forever to grow, your tarantula will be with you very long, even if it ends up being a male.

My slings are always out and i can tell when they are in premolt.

They do better with smaller prey.

As they age, they get even more beautiful. Yes, you could end up with a grumpy spider. But in general, by nature, they are calm.

They are pet rocks because thats how they evolved. They dont move much to conserve energy. They are made to handle periods of drought, so a dry enclosure, most of the time, will not be a detriment.

I had a sling who molted with a gimp leg. In less then a month, in molted with a fresh leg. Its even more energetic then before.

I love my grammostolas. I would get more different kinds if it wasnt for space and time. I have too many tarantulas.

I recommend starting with one tarantula and getting routine and confidence level going before acquiring more.

 

[Wolfram1]

Honestly, i would strike the arboreals from that list simply because the care can be a bit more involved when it comes to feeding, ventilation vs. moisture and rehousing. You could probably do it, but i find a terrestrial will let you focus on the basics more easily.

My first spiders were two small Pamphobeteus sp. machala slings from a local breeder and i have to say while they are not the best beginner species i was able to grow as a keeper alongside raising them. You will need to research any species you may get anyways.

The same could be said about the other larger terrestrials like A. geniculata, L. parahybana etc.

Your best bet would probably still be G. pulchripes or T. vagans, but i wouldnt count out the ones i mentioned above, especially since it will take a few years to raise them.

any Pamphobeteus will grow FAST though XD. so be prepared for that if you go that route.

 

[viper69]

G pulchripes only

 

[kingshockey]

a genic or lasidora parahybana both are easy to raise just like any sling is once you do good research etc. read tom morans sling care guide it will help youthen post another thread if you have more questions once you have decided what sling to buy. god luck

 

[Gevo]

I also recommend the G. pulchripes. They usually grow faster than other Grammastola species, they're hardy, they have beautiful colouration as they grow, and their care is quite straightforward. The 4cm B. emilia would also be a good one. They grow slower, but at that size, it's out of the vulnerable sling stage and will have some nice colouration. I understand wanting to support the more local vendor, though. I don't know much about L. parahybana myself, but I think it's one that a fair number of people do start with because it's so commonly found in the hobby, it's usually sold for cheap, and some find that theirs grow very quickly. You could research that one more if you wanted, but I still think the G. pulchripes or B. emilia are solid options.

I also second the suggestion to read Tom Moran's (Tom's Big Spiders) sling guide and watch some of his videos. As he points out several times, when reading about tarantulas' temperaments and whatnot, that information's usually in reference to adults or larger juveniles. Slings generally tend to be a bit more skittish and reclusive until they have some size on them because until then, their main survival goal is to avoid becoming prey themselves. You'll also notice that a lot of times, vendors have deals on slings when you buy 3 or 5 of them or something, and that's partly because they're trying to unload them quickly, partly because some people want to increase their odds of getting a female, and partly because those very small slings sometimes die on you despite getting all the right care. I know you said that you don't mind slower growth, but for these reasons, I'd recommend for your first tarantula that you consider something that's either a well-started sling of at least 2.5-3cm, or something that's going to put on size relatively quickly.

 

[Arachnophobphile]

Hi!

My first actual post here and the question is simple but complicated: I can't decide on my first spider! There are just so many good options and the decision is just complicated by what species are available where I live and the sizes of the specimens. There aren't many independent breeders in Finland (at least that I know of) and most spider babies get sold by the word of mouth or through small pet stores.

Luckily the small herp&invert store local to me has a pretty good spread of species! Buuut most of the specimens they sell are super tiny slings. I think that I'd be able to manage caring for a sling even as my first spider, at least one of the hardiest species, and even if most tarantulas grow up real slow I honestly wouldn't mind that. I think raising a spider from a tiny sling to adulthood is a very appealing idea for me. Mostly what's keeping me from going and getting one of the slings right away is that I'm still worried I'd kill it... Or that I just wouldn't be seeing it for years if it was as hidey as slings seem to be.

Here is a list of the species and sizes of the tarantulas available to me right now:
(Striked-through ones are currently outsold)

A. geniculata 3-4th molt 23 e

Avicularia metallica L2/L3 26 e

Avicularia laeta L2/L3 31 e

Bumba horrida 1,5 cm 25 e

C. versicolor slings 1 cm 32 e

(D. pentaloris 4cm female 46 e)

Grammostola rosea L4 55 e

(Grammostola pulchra 3rd molt 2,5 cm 55 e)

G. pulchripes 1 cm 29 e

(P. metalica 3 molt 47 e)

(P. auratus 3 cm 25 e)

(Psalmopoeus irminia 2.-3. molt 25 e)

Pamphobeteus machala L6 26 e

Psalmopoeus pulcher 1st molt 20 e

(P. sazimai 2 cm 20 e)

Pseudohapalopus sp. Blue 3-4th molt 26 e

Orphnaecus philippinus 3-4th molt 18 e

(L. parachybana 4-5th molt 18 e)

(Ch. fimbriatus 2nd molt 13 e)

(Ch. cyanopubensens 4th molt 40 e)

M.balfouri 3rd molt 31 e

(N. incei 12 e)

N. incei gold 2nd molt 16 e

N. tripepii 2,5 cm 25 e

(Dolichothele diamantiensis 8 cm 45 e)

(Tliltocatl vagans female 6 cm 76 e)

Nhandu chromatus 4th molt 22 e

(Nhandu chromatus female 6 cm 76 e)

L. parahybana female 5 cm 43 e

L. parahybama male 23 e

(Brachyphelma albiceps female 14 cm 80 e)

(Brachyphelma emilia female 4 cm 75 e)

(Brachypelma boehmei female 7 cm 76 e)

(Brachypelma hamorii female 7cm 76 e)


Out of these the ones I feel drawn towards to after researching are Avics, C. versicolor, A. geniculata, N. incei and G. pulchiripes. I understand that out of these only the G. pulchiripes is really considered a beginner T. It's also said to be out on the open a lot which I would really appreaciate from my first spider especially (individuals of course differ). Again the only problem there is the size of the slings on sale and without that my first choice would definetly be either the G. pulchireps or C. versicolor. Or A. avic. Or pretty much any of them xD See my problem?

There are also these species available at a different shop a couple cities away:

Brachypelma emilia LS 4 cm 38 e

Davus pentaloris LS 4 cm 27 e

Tliltocatl vagans LS 3-4 cm 23 e

Lasiodora parahybana 3 cm 15 e

The T. vagans is definetly something that interests me here, but I'd prefer to get my first spider from my local shop just because I really like the owner there, she's been super helpful and nice with other pet business before, and I would like to support her small shop.

And, I know they're not tarantulas, but I've also been looking into P. regius jumping spiders! I love them and definetly want some at some point but the thing keeping me from getting one as my first spider is their relatively short lifespan compared to Ts..

Okay, I think that's quite enough rambling from me. I think I'd just like to hear other peoples thoughts and experiences on these species and the sizes they're offered at to aid my decision making. Thanks in advance for any replies!

Welcome to Arachnoboards

Out of the last four you narrowed it down to those are good with the T. vagans being iffy.

If you never done a rehouse with a sub-adult or adult tarantula then go with a G. pulchripes first. Overall they are very hardy and most keepers that I've read from report their G. pulchripes being very docile. Meaning they are not prone to kicking urticating setae first or rear up into a threat posture or bite.

You'll have a better introduction into arachnoculture with a G. pulchripes than what I had with my T. vagans. That tarantula has caused me alot of stress out moments when it first hit sub-adult.

Also I highly encourage you to do alot of research on sling care plus overall tarantula care from sling to adult. Learn best practices for rehousing. The more knowledge you have the better odds for your T.

 

[Brewser]

Neoholothele incei are grrrreattt...
Welcome Aboard, and All the Best...

 

[Mustafa67]

Hi!

My first actual post here and the question is simple but complicated: I can't decide on my first spider! There are just so many good options and the decision is just complicated by what species are available where I live and the sizes of the specimens. There aren't many independent breeders in Finland (at least that I know of) and most spider babies get sold by the word of mouth or through small pet stores.

Luckily the small herp&invert store local to me has a pretty good spread of species! Buuut most of the specimens they sell are super tiny slings. I think that I'd be able to manage caring for a sling even as my first spider, at least one of the hardiest species, and even if most tarantulas grow up real slow I honestly wouldn't mind that. I think raising a spider from a tiny sling to adulthood is a very appealing idea for me. Mostly what's keeping me from going and getting one of the slings right away is that I'm still worried I'd kill it... Or that I just wouldn't be seeing it for years if it was as hidey as slings seem to be.

Here is a list of the species and sizes of the tarantulas available to me right now:
(Striked-through ones are currently outsold)

A. geniculata 3-4th molt 23 e

Avicularia metallica L2/L3 26 e

Avicularia laeta L2/L3 31 e

Bumba horrida 1,5 cm 25 e

C. versicolor slings 1 cm 32 e

(D. pentaloris 4cm female 46 e)

Grammostola rosea L4 55 e

(Grammostola pulchra 3rd molt 2,5 cm 55 e)

G. pulchripes 1 cm 29 e

(P. metalica 3 molt 47 e)

(P. auratus 3 cm 25 e)

(Psalmopoeus irminia 2.-3. molt 25 e)

Pamphobeteus machala L6 26 e

Psalmopoeus pulcher 1st molt 20 e

(P. sazimai 2 cm 20 e)

Pseudohapalopus sp. Blue 3-4th molt 26 e

Orphnaecus philippinus 3-4th molt 18 e

(L. parachybana 4-5th molt 18 e)

(Ch. fimbriatus 2nd molt 13 e)

(Ch. cyanopubensens 4th molt 40 e)

M.balfouri 3rd molt 31 e

(N. incei 12 e)

N. incei gold 2nd molt 16 e

N. tripepii 2,5 cm 25 e

(Dolichothele diamantiensis 8 cm 45 e)

(Tliltocatl vagans female 6 cm 76 e)

Nhandu chromatus 4th molt 22 e

(Nhandu chromatus female 6 cm 76 e)

L. parahybana female 5 cm 43 e

L. parahybama male 23 e

(Brachyphelma albiceps female 14 cm 80 e)

(Brachyphelma emilia female 4 cm 75 e)

(Brachypelma boehmei female 7 cm 76 e)

(Brachypelma hamorii female 7cm 76 e)


Out of these the ones I feel drawn towards to after researching are Avics, C. versicolor, A. geniculata, N. incei and G. pulchiripes. I understand that out of these only the G. pulchiripes is really considered a beginner T. It's also said to be out on the open a lot which I would really appreaciate from my first spider especially (individuals of course differ). Again the only problem there is the size of the slings on sale and without that my first choice would definetly be either the G. pulchireps or C. versicolor. Or A. avic. Or pretty much any of them xD See my problem?

There are also these species available at a different shop a couple cities away:

Brachypelma emilia LS 4 cm 38 e

Davus pentaloris LS 4 cm 27 e

Tliltocatl vagans LS 3-4 cm 23 e

Lasiodora parahybana 3 cm 15 e

The T. vagans is definetly something that interests me here, but I'd prefer to get my first spider from my local shop just because I really like the owner there, she's been super helpful and nice with other pet business before, and I would like to support her small shop.

And, I know they're not tarantulas, but I've also been looking into P. regius jumping spiders! I love them and definetly want some at some point but the thing keeping me from getting one as my first spider is their relatively short lifespan compared to Ts..

Okay, I think that's quite enough rambling from me. I think I'd just like to hear other peoples thoughts and experiences on these species and the sizes they're offered at to aid my decision making. Thanks in advance for any replies!

Depends if you want a sling or a bigger T. If it’s your first T I’d recommend getting something bigger than a sling because slings can be sensitive for a beginner and when someone starts they often want a bigger T.

If you do want to go for a sling and watch it grow I’d recommend G Pulchripies. There’s no better beginner T. Colourful, does construction jobs, eats well and docile.

Out of your list if you want to start with one a bit bigger I’d recommend the A Genic or LP. Or if you go to your second shop I’d recommend B emilia or T vagans

 

[Kajo]

Wow, thanks for all the replies! You've all been really helpful in getting my head stop spinning with all the options! With your replies and other comments I got from another forum, plus everything I've looked up on my own, I'm really gravitating more and more towards the G. pulchripies even though the ones available are pretty tiny. Pretty much the only thing keeping me from that choice was the size of the slings since as a species they were seeming really cool and pretty to me.

I think I'll continue my research narrowing down on G. pulchripies and sling care in general. Also, someone recommended Tom Moran: I actually have multiple of his articles bookmarked and have been watching a lot of his videos among others! It's nice that I've seen him recommended a lot since his guides have been helpful and with the recommendations I know others agree with what he's saying. Sort of cross-referencing I'll be going back to his material for sure!

Neoholothele incei are grrrreattt...
Welcome Aboard, and All the Best...

Yeah, they'll def be knocking in the back of mind in the future, their behavior is so intresting with all the webbing not to mention how pretty they are <3

 

[TheraMygale]

Wow, thanks for all the replies! You've all been really helpful in getting my head stop spinning with all the options! With your replies and other comments I got from another forum, plus everything I've looked up on my own, I'm really gravitating more and more towards the G. pulchripies even though the ones available are pretty tiny. Pretty much the only thing keeping me from that choice was the size of the slings since as a species they were seeming really cool and pretty to me.

I think I'll continue my research narrowing down on G. pulchripies and sling care in general. Also, someone recommended Tom Moran: I actually have multiple of his articles bookmarked and have been watching a lot of his videos among others! It's nice that I've seen him recommended a lot since his guides have been helpful and with the recommendations I know others agree with what he's saying. Sort of cross-referencing I'll be going back to his material for sure!

They grow fast. Dont fear the size. Its well worth it. They can handle it. Dealers keep them in pill bottles. Feed them once every 15 days. You’ll be mothering that little jujube with extra care.

I encourage you to not be intimidated by the size. I bought three. There are all still going. And i did not fret over moisture and feeding. I even left them alone for over two weeks.

Dont overthink it. Youre not buying an avic or brazilian jewel. Youre buying a toyota yaris.

 

[Mustafa67]

Wow, thanks for all the replies! You've all been really helpful in getting my head stop spinning with all the options! With your replies and other comments I got from another forum, plus everything I've looked up on my own, I'm really gravitating more and more towards the G. pulchripies even though the ones available are pretty tiny. Pretty much the only thing keeping me from that choice was the size of the slings since as a species they were seeming really cool and pretty to me.

I think I'll continue my research narrowing down on G. pulchripies and sling care in general. Also, someone recommended Tom Moran: I actually have multiple of his articles bookmarked and have been watching a lot of his videos among others! It's nice that I've seen him recommended a lot since his guides have been helpful and with the recommendations I know others agree with what he's saying. Sort of cross-referencing I'll be going back to his material for sure!

Make sure to search this forum, plenty of good info for whatever T care on this forum by very experienced keepers and breeders.

I also recommend the tarantula beginners guide on this forum:

Tarantula Information for Beginners (and More)

Below are some helpful resources. (Rather than having half a dozen or more pinned threads, which clutter the top of the board, we are pinning this index.) While the focus is on beginners, there are other threads on health and more advanced species that may be useful to more experienced keepers...

arachnoboards.com

 

[Arachnophobphile]

Youre buying a toyota yaris.

 

[WolfieKate]

I started in July. I have 17. Well 17 if I count the adult female Neotholeincei Olive arriving today. Their webbing is awesome and I have a smaller unsexed one as well. Just amazing. I do love webbers. Davus Pentaloris is one of my favourite species. Just gorgeous.

I have a Grammastola Ihering. lovely girl. Good luck! I also have a tiny Bumba Horrida and it’s really cute, slightly neurotic and a burrower but i still see it as it‘s tunnels go along the clear side of the cup. Very pretty colours.

Tom Moran and Davies Little Beasties are my spider go tos other than my spiders of course.

 

[Ultum4Spiderz]

Hi!

My first actual post here and the question is simple but complicated: I can't decide on my first spider! There are just so many good options and the decision is just complicated by what species are available where I live and the sizes of the specimens. There aren't many independent breeders in Finland (at least that I know of) and most spider babies get sold by the word of mouth or through small pet stores.

Luckily the small herp&invert store local to me has a pretty good spread of species! Buuut most of the specimens they sell are super tiny slings. I think that I'd be able to manage caring for a sling even as my first spider, at least one of the hardiest species, and even if most tarantulas grow up real slow I honestly wouldn't mind that. I think raising a spider from a tiny sling to adulthood is a very appealing idea for me. Mostly what's keeping me from going and getting one of the slings right away is that I'm still worried I'd kill it... Or that I just wouldn't be seeing it for years if it was as hidey as slings seem to be.

Here is a list of the species and sizes of the tarantulas available to me right now:
(Striked-through ones are currently outsold)

A. geniculata 3-4th molt 23 e

Avicularia metallica L2/L3 26 e

Avicularia laeta L2/L3 31 e

Bumba horrida 1,5 cm 25 e

C. versicolor slings 1 cm 32 e

(D. pentaloris 4cm female 46 e)

Grammostola rosea L4 55 e

(Grammostola pulchra 3rd molt 2,5 cm 55 e)

G. pulchripes 1 cm 29 e

(P. metalica 3 molt 47 e)

(P. auratus 3 cm 25 e)

(Psalmopoeus irminia 2.-3. molt 25 e)

Pamphobeteus machala L6 26 e

Psalmopoeus pulcher 1st molt 20 e

(P. sazimai 2 cm 20 e)

Pseudohapalopus sp. Blue 3-4th molt 26 e

Orphnaecus philippinus 3-4th molt 18 e

(L. parachybana 4-5th molt 18 e)

(Ch. fimbriatus 2nd molt 13 e)

(Ch. cyanopubensens 4th molt 40 e)

M.balfouri 3rd molt 31 e

(N. incei 12 e)

N. incei gold 2nd molt 16 e

N. tripepii 2,5 cm 25 e

(Dolichothele diamantiensis 8 cm 45 e)

(Tliltocatl vagans female 6 cm 76 e)

Nhandu chromatus 4th molt 22 e

(Nhandu chromatus female 6 cm 76 e)

L. parahybana female 5 cm 43 e

L. parahybama male 23 e

(Brachyphelma albiceps female 14 cm 80 e)

(Brachyphelma emilia female 4 cm 75 e)

(Brachypelma boehmei female 7 cm 76 e)

(Brachypelma hamorii female 7cm 76 e)


Out of these the ones I feel drawn towards to after researching are Avics, C. versicolor, A. geniculata, N. incei and G. pulchiripes. I understand that out of these only the G. pulchiripes is really considered a beginner T. It's also said to be out on the open a lot which I would really appreaciate from my first spider especially (individuals of course differ). Again the only problem there is the size of the slings on sale and without that my first choice would definetly be either the G. pulchireps or C. versicolor. Or A. avic. Or pretty much any of them xD See my problem?

There are also these species available at a different shop a couple cities away:

Brachypelma emilia LS 4 cm 38 e

Davus pentaloris LS 4 cm 27 e

LS 3-4 cm 23 e

Lasiodora parahybana 3 cm 15 e

The T. vagans is definetly something that interests me here, but I'd prefer to get my first spider from my local shop just because I really like the owner there, she's been super helpful and nice with other pet business before, and I would like to support her small shop.

And, I know they're not tarantulas, but I've also been looking into P. regius jumping spiders! I love them and definetly want some at some point but the thing keeping me from getting one as my first spider is their relatively short lifespan compared to Ts..

Okay, I think that's quite enough rambling from me. I think I'd just like to hear other peoples thoughts and experiences on these species and the sizes they're offered at to aid my decision making. Thanks in advance for any replies!

my choices would be
A. geniculata
L. parahybana female
G. pulchripes
T. vagans
Again I don’t know how many your getting but those are my favorites on this list .

 

[FatBadBay]

I would definitely recommend them g. Pulchripes but we all know that 1 tarantula usually leads to 2 or more so if you do end up getting a 2nd, I would recommend the a. Geniculata or even the GBB(if it's back in stock). Good luck and I can't wait to see pictures

 

[Tentacle Toast]

I'm a fan of arboreals personally, but those geniculata's are ripe with character & personality, & are also visible most of the time.

 

[cold blood]

G. pulchripes

 

[Wolfram1]

G. pulchripes also look much more stunning in person than on pictures or video, at least i made that discovery for myself. Pictures just don't capture that striking yellow-gold.

 

[Scoot]

Ohhh what choice!

Having gone through a similar 'long list' and selection process myself relatively recently, I ended up with two of the species you mentioned - B emilia and A geniculata. Both highly recommended! I don't think you'd be disappointed with either of those in terms of looks, ease of care, hardiness, etc.

(My first was actually B albiceps, though it seems like that isn't an option for you - maybe your next one )

G pulchripes wasn't available as a viable option at the time I was buying my first (I wanted a confirmed female juvenile), but I've certainly considered it and it now ranks high on my list of wants.... alongside C cyaneopubescens, B klaasi, P auratus, P sp. Dominican purple, T lagunas, etc, etc

Please let us know what you go with - with pics! Good luck