Help me decide, if you could only buy one

MiaPow

Arachnosquire
Joined
Jul 2, 2019
Messages
108
If you could only make one purchase which one would it be also the sex is unknown and they are juveniles. A striped knee T., Curly hair T., or Arizona blonde T., which one and why. I researched all three but can’t decide. I want to hear from keepers experiences of the three species. If it means anything I already own a pink toe tarantula which I love, and multiple Vinegaroons.
 

Sarkhan42

Arachnoangel
Joined
Dec 29, 2015
Messages
907
For me it’s the Brachypelma albopilosum all the way. They’re honestly a favorite of mine even having kept a wide variety of species. They’re great eaters, great growers, and they tend to always be doing something. They’ll bulldoze and earthmove constantly but still tend to stay out and about a good part of the day. Not to mention they’ve got a very unique appearance!
 

Vanessa

Grammostola Groupie
Joined
Mar 12, 2016
Messages
2,422
All three of those species are vastly different - both in looks and in behaviour.
The Aphonopelma seemanni is likely going to be the most skittish of the three and will spend most of it's life underground if given the chance.
The Brachypelma albopilosum is going to be the one who is out and about the most and will likely have the best appetite of the three. About the same growth rate as the seemanni, but a lot faster growing than the chalcodes.
The Aphonopelma chalcodes is going to be the slowest growing, but longest lived, of the three. They often like to burrow underground over the winter and will often fast during those months.
What type of tarantula do you want? All three are easy to care for, so it really boils down to looks and behaviour. All three have their pros and cons.
 

PanzoN88

Arachnodemon
Old Timer
Joined
Sep 15, 2014
Messages
712
B. albopilosum:

They are good eaters, they aren't as slow growing as others in the Brachypelma genus, very easy to keep, they also look better than the others in my opinion. Here are some pictures of a couple of mine for reference.

Nicaraguan

20190911_164626.jpg

Honduran

20190211_141833.jpg
 

scooter1685

Arachnosquire
Old Timer
Joined
May 28, 2006
Messages
70
I'm biased, because the A. chalcodes is native to the area where I live. I've seen several in the wild when I lived in southern Utah. Actually had a good bit of fun finding wildlife, Jerusalem crickets and a couple species of T and a bunch of scorpions and sun spiders. I've never kept them as pets though. I just like seeing them doing their thing. In the autumn the males go searching for females, and sometimes several can be seen in one night. I guess they'd be the easiest for me, because my climate is their native climate. Or pretty close, I have moved since then.

I've never kept the others you're asking about though. In total, I've only ever kept six species/types of T. I'm not supposed to buy any more until the spring, but in all honesty I don't think I'd be able to restrain myself if I were to see a E. cyanognathus or two. Good luck to you. Knowing me, I'd probably never be able to decide and I'd end up getting all of them :angelic:
 

Asgiliath

Arachnobaron
Joined
May 4, 2019
Messages
404
I have all three but some of my most visible and active T’s are albos! I have both forms and they are great.

A. seemanni are cool and cheap but ARE the most skittish out of the three and fossorial (not necessarily visible but I personally enjoy fossorial behavior.)

chalcodes are visible and hearty but never eat or do much lol
 

Hannahs Herps

Arachnopeon
Joined
Jan 31, 2018
Messages
31
If you can get your hands on a Nicaraguan B. Albopilosum (curly hair), 100% that species. They are attractive, have great temperaments, eat well, and are always on display. In all honesty, they are one of the more perfect pet tarantulas out there, imo.
 

Willa

Arachnopeon
Joined
Feb 27, 2019
Messages
31
B. albo for sure! My first T, and currently only T. Always out and about, robust eater, not very skittish.
 

mjzheng

Arachnosquire
Joined
Aug 30, 2019
Messages
111
Another vote for B. albo. I love mine she's always hungry and always out
 

JPG

Auto-Disclaimer Enabled
Joined
Aug 11, 2019
Messages
155
I would love a seemani, but I can be impatient sometimes and would go with faster growing species.
 

Vulksgren

Arachnopeon
Joined
Jun 19, 2019
Messages
41
B. albo for sure! My first T, and currently only T. Always out and about, robust eater, not very skittish.
Mine is moody. Never given me a threat pose though, but somedays will kick hairs at me and some days tolerate me, hell somedays she will just bolt right to her hide. Can't predict it.
 

SteveIDDQD

Arachnosquire
Joined
Dec 4, 2018
Messages
71
Albo gets my vote too, especially as at least there in the UK there seems to be a lot of WC seemanni's and chalcodes, where as the albo's all seem to be CB.
 

Brachyfan

Deactivated account
Joined
Jun 14, 2019
Messages
310
I would say to get the one that intersts you the most. My first t was a B albo. They are very entertaining!
 

MiaPow

Arachnosquire
Joined
Jul 2, 2019
Messages
108
I like to thank everyone for the input and opinions expressed. I’m not sure yet which one yet still contemplating but I really like the look of the A. Seemanni.
 

fishboyuk

Arachnopeon
Joined
Sep 26, 2019
Messages
1
Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens

I've only got a little sling but I've only had it 2 weeks bit it's definitely my fave. The little stripey abdomen. The way it walks. The way it waved its legs at me when i first housed it. How readily it ate and they way it stalks it's prey, even at such a tiny size. The way it webs EVERYWHERE creating a web mat across it's enclosure. And of course the eventual colour transformation it will undergo.

I have a B. albo too and I must admit I do like it very much, it's the largest I have and for now it's dug a tunnel and sealed itself in so also very interesting behaviour.

Then theres the B. Emilia. The one I have is absolutely tiny but such a great feeder and will grow into really the classic tarantula look.

I think I just love them all equally.

But in my limited experience, those would be my recommendations.
 

Ungoliant

Malleus Aranearum
Staff member
Joined
Mar 7, 2012
Messages
4,100
If you could only make one purchase which one would it be also the sex is unknown and they are juveniles. A striped knee T., Curly hair T., or Arizona blonde T., which one and why. I researched all three but can’t decide. I want to hear from keepers experiences of the three species. If it means anything I already own a pink toe tarantula which I love, and multiple Vinegaroons.
Any of those would be a fine choice; I'd pick whichever has the appearance and behavior that appeal to you most.

Aphonopelma seemanni: prefers to burrow in slightly damp substrate

Brachypelma albopilosum: a popular starter species that grows at a moderate rate; it will generally be out on display has an easygoing temperament.

Aphonopelma chalcodes: slow growing terrestrial; many are docile, but it's possible to end up with one that breaks the mold.
 

The Grym Reaper

Arachnoreaper
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Jul 19, 2016
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