I’m new and looking for the right tarantula

[MoshJosh]

Hello, I’m Josh and I want to get a tarantula. I am new to tarantulas but not exotic pets, I kept freshwater tropical fish for a while and now I keep a few reef aquariums. I have been interested in terrariums and tarantulas for a while but never pulled the trigger. That said, my wife and I are moving soon and I will have a dedicated space for my pets (mostly aquariums) and think it may be time.

please go easy on me cause I am new to this. . . But from what I have read/watched on the internet this is what I am thinking.

I want a large tarantula, that won’t always be hiding in its enclosure (that a thing?), and can be handled occasionally. I THINK I want an arboreal species (maybe I won’t have to crouch and look into a hole/under a hide to see it?)

I CANNOT have anything with medically significant venom (kids and other pets in house). I don’t see a situation where the kids or pets would get bitten but still.

 

[A guy]

Hello, I’m Josh and I want to get a tarantula. I am new to tarantulas but not exotic pets, I kept freshwater tropical fish for a while and now I keep a few reef aquariums. I have been interested in terrariums and tarantulas for a while but never pulled the trigger. That said, my wife and I are moving soon and I will have a dedicated space for my pets (mostly aquariums) and think it may be time.

please go easy on me cause I am new to this. . . But from what I have read/watched on the internet this is what I am thinking.

I want a large tarantula, that won’t always be hiding in its enclosure (that a thing?), and can be handled occasionally. I THINK I want an arboreal species (maybe I won’t have to crouch and look into a hole/under a hide to see it?)

I CANNOT have anything with medically significant venom (kids and other pets in house). I don’t see a situation where the kids or pets would get bitten but still.

If you want a tarantula as a new pet, then keep handling out of your mind. You have experience with fish, treat them like fish. Observe and admire, don't handle.

 

[Mustafa67]

Hello, I’m Josh and I want to get a tarantula. I am new to tarantulas but not exotic pets, I kept freshwater tropical fish for a while and now I keep a few reef aquariums. I have been interested in terrariums and tarantulas for a while but never pulled the trigger. That said, my wife and I are moving soon and I will have a dedicated space for my pets (mostly aquariums) and think it may be time.

please go easy on me cause I am new to this. . . But from what I have read/watched on the internet this is what I am thinking.

I want a large tarantula, that won’t always be hiding in its enclosure (that a thing?), and can be handled occasionally. I THINK I want an arboreal species (maybe I won’t have to crouch and look into a hole/under a hide to see it?)

I CANNOT have anything with medically significant venom (kids and other pets in house). I don’t see a situation where the kids or pets would get bitten but still.

First NO tarantula is suitable for handling. A tarantula isn’t like a cat or a dog and can’t be “tamed”. Handling a tarantula is dangerous for the T as it can make it at a risk of falling and dying.

A C Versicolour might be the best first aboreal BUT its better to start off with terrestrial ones and work your way up. Terrestrial ones are often big, many eat well and move slow. I’d suggest a T Albo or a G Pulchripies (terrestrial) to a beginner to be honest and wait until you gain more experience before getting an aboreal.

Read this, plenty of good info:

Admin Announcement - 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

 

[MoshJosh]

If you want a tarantula as a new pet, then keep handling out of your mind. You have experience with fish, treat them like fish. Observe and admire, don't handle.

First NO tarantula is suitable for handling. A tarantula isn’t like a cat or a dog and can’t be “tamed”. Handling a tarantula is dangerous for the T as it can make it at a risk of falling and dying.

A C Versicolour might be the best first aboreal BUT its better to start off with terrestrial ones and work your way up. Terrestrial ones are often big, many eat well and move slow. I’d suggest a T Albo or a G Pulchripies (terrestrial) to a beginner to be honest and wait until you gain more experience before getting an aboreal.

Read this, plenty of good info:

Admin Announcement - 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

If handling is a no go, are there any species that are more active than others inside their enclosures, or is that more down to the individual tarantula?

also, thanks for the suggestion, I will look into the species you mentioned!

EDIT: oh yeah I actually was lookinginto C. Versicolor but I will look into the terrestrial species you mentioned as well

 

[viper69]

Hello, I’m Josh and I want to get a tarantula. I am new to tarantulas but not exotic pets, I kept freshwater tropical fish for a while and now I keep a few reef aquariums. I have been interested in terrariums and tarantulas for a while but never pulled the trigger. That said, my wife and I are moving soon and I will have a dedicated space for my pets (mostly aquariums) and think it may be time.

please go easy on me cause I am new to this. . . But from what I have read/watched on the internet this is what I am thinking.

I want a large tarantula, that won’t always be hiding in its enclosure (that a thing?), and can be handled occasionally. I THINK I want an arboreal species (maybe I won’t have to crouch and look into a hole/under a hide to see it?)

I CANNOT have anything with medically significant venom (kids and other pets in house). I don’t see a situation where the kids or pets would get bitten but still.

Look for another animal, you don’t handle unless you want them dead.

 

[LucN]

If handling is a no go, are there any species that are more active than others inside their enclosures, or is that more down to the individual tarantula?

also, thanks for the suggestion, I will look into the species you mentioned!

EDIT: oh yeah I actually was lookinginto C. Versicolor but I will look into the terrestrial species you mentioned as well

Handling is definitely not recommended, too many horror stories about good pets dying after an accidental drop. Terrestrials are the way to go. They are generally not typically active as they are ambush predators. Sometimes they'll move the substrate to their liking, maybe web a bit there and then, but 90% of the time they'll just sit there looking pretty. T. albopilosus is a good choice if you don't want to pay too much and don't mind drab colors. That said, their unique appearance is striking ! They look like a miniature Wookie

Another recommendation is the ultimate Hobby icon, Brachypelma hamorii, aka Mexican Red Knee. They'll be a bit more pricy, but they are definitely worth the investment as they're colorful, they generally do not hide, have a consistent appetite. The cherry on top is the lifespan potential for females, you're looking anywhere 20 to 30+ years ! Can't go wrong either way.

Good luck on your choice !

 

[Cmac2111]

I want a large tarantula, that won’t always be hiding in its enclosure (that a thing?), and can be handled occasionally.

They just aren't the right animals for handling. Your decisions are your own but handling will only cause them (and potentially you) bother, or in the worst case scenario a premature & avoidable death for the spider.

I THINK I want an arboreal species (maybe I won’t have to crouch and look into a hole/under a hide to see it?)

If that's the only/main reason you want an arboreal don't bother just get a terrestrial first. Many of the commonly suggested beginner terrestrials will be a good size & may never even use a hide (though they should always have the option). They'll allow you to get a good handle on keeping tarantulas through their ease of care if nothing else, pls make use of the source provided by @Mustafa67 and search the forum to see which species recommended to beginners might suit your taste (and for more general info on T's as well, there's a wealth of it on this site!)

 

[kingshockey]

keeping fish and ts not close at all but im sure you will be okand easily get any in depth reasearch done before buying your first t same as you would do keeping reef tanks. good luck

 

[IntermittentSygnal]

 

[MoshJosh]

Thanks everyone for the replies!!! I think I need to do more research and go back to the drawing board. . . If handling is out of the question, and it sounds like that is the case, I think color and pattern are probably more important to me than overall size.

I will look into the species already mentioned, but any recommendations for colorful beginner tarantulas regardless of size?

also, was looking into the choco gold knee and sound like they are pretty good diggers and will “rearrange” their enclosures? Is it doable (for a beginner) to keep terrestrial tarantulas in “bio active” type enclosures/terrariums and will they uproot plants frequently?

 

[Cmac2111]

any recommendations for colorful beginner tarantulas regardless of size?

Any brachypelma

Brachypelma klaasi

• Cmac2111
• Jul 17, 2024
• 8
• adult female brachypelma brachypelma klaasi mexican pink beauty new world tarantula pictures

Brachypelma klaasi, large adult female. A new addition for myself, she is one BIG girl!

Brachypelma emilia

• Cmac2111
• Jul 29, 2024
• 11
• adult female brachypelma brachypelma emilia mexican red leg new world tarantula pictures

B. emilia, adult female :)

Brachypelma smithi (ex annitha)

• Cmac2111
• Sep 25, 2024
• 5
• adult female brachypelma brachypelma smithi mexican giant orange knee new world tarantula pictures

'Agni', b. smithi AF out on the prowl. This girl is just pure wrath for her would-be-prey haha...

Brachypelma albiceps

• Cmac2111
• Oct 5, 2024
• 4
• adult female brachypelma brachypelma albiceps mexican golden red rump new world tarantula pictures

B. albiceps AF. Love her looks, big chunky spider :)

Brachypelma auratum

• Cmac2111
• Apr 28, 2024
• 1
• brachypelma brachypelma auratum feeding mexican flameknee tarantula new world subadult female tarantula pictures

'Aeliana', b. auratum SAF, catching herself a worm.

Thrixopelma cyaneolum is my fav T, beautiful colors (not easy to find tho, & a smaller tarantula)

Thrixopelma cyaneolum

• Cmac2111
• Jun 12, 2024
• 6
• adult female new world tarantula pictures thrixopelma thrixopelma cyaneolum

T. cyaneolum AF, out and about. So relaxed & inquisitive, a truly wonderful species!

also, was looking into the choco gold knee and sound like they are pretty good diggers and will “rearrange” their enclosures?

Most terrestrials will dig around in their enclosures, not much point in giving them elaborate setups as they often get ripped up. K.I.S.S.

 

[Brewser]

Welcome A Board,
May I suggest Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens commonly known as GBB.
Attractive New World
Best Regards,

 

[MoshJosh]

Welcome A Board,
May I suggest Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens commonly known as GBB.
Attractive New World
Best Regards,

Wow, the GBBhas AWESOME COLORATION! That might be the one!

Any brachypelma

Brachypelma klaasi

• Cmac2111
• Jul 17, 2024
• 8
• adult female brachypelma brachypelma klaasi mexican pink beauty new world tarantula pictures

Brachypelma klaasi, large adult female. A new addition for myself, she is one BIG girl!

Brachypelma emilia

• Cmac2111
• Jul 29, 2024
• 11
• adult female brachypelma brachypelma emilia mexican red leg new world tarantula pictures

B. emilia, adult female :)

Brachypelma smithi (ex annitha)

• Cmac2111
• Sep 25, 2024
• 5
• adult female brachypelma brachypelma smithi mexican giant orange knee new world tarantula pictures

'Agni', b. smithi AF out on the prowl. This girl is just pure wrath for her would-be-prey haha...

Brachypelma albiceps

• Cmac2111
• Oct 5, 2024
• 4
• adult female brachypelma brachypelma albiceps mexican golden red rump new world tarantula pictures

B. albiceps AF. Love her looks, big chunky spider :)

Brachypelma auratum

• Cmac2111
• Apr 28, 2024
• 1
• brachypelma brachypelma auratum feeding mexican flameknee tarantula new world subadult female tarantula pictures

'Aeliana', b. auratum SAF, catching herself a worm.

Thrixopelma cyaneolum is my fav T, beautiful colors (not easy to find tho, & a smaller tarantula)

Thrixopelma cyaneolum

• Cmac2111
• Jun 12, 2024
• 6
• adult female new world tarantula pictures thrixopelma thrixopelma cyaneolum

T. cyaneolum AF, out and about. So relaxed & inquisitive, a truly wonderful species!

Most terrestrials will dig around in their enclosures, not much point in giving them elaborate setups as they often get ripped up. K.I.S.S.

these are all awesome too, especially like the aratum!

 

[Ultum4Spiderz]

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My suggestion also A. geniculata . And not handling is a must for proper safety and care and so no one gets bitten.

If handling is a no go, are there any species that are more active than others inside their enclosures, or is that more down to the individual tarantula?

also, thanks for the suggestion, I will look into the species you mentioned!

EDIT: oh yeah I actually was lookinginto C. Versicolor but I will look into the terrestrial species you mentioned as well

my Pamphobetus sp. Platyomma moves around the most .

 

[Gevo]

Wow, the GBBhas AWESOME COLORATION! That might be the one!

I was going to suggest you look into that one! They’re heavy webbers, which would be fun to watch. I didn’t get one as my beginner species because I read that they can be a bit bolty, and I didn’t feel prepared for that, so keep that in mind.

For the “bioactive” question (I’m using quotes because that can mean a lot of different things to different people), you’ll see so many different opinions on that. Generally, you’re not going to hurt anyone by making a setup with real plants. BUT, make sure you don’t pick things that are too spiky in case the spider falls on it from the top of the enclosure (goes for real and fake plants), be prepared for real plants to die because they get dug up or webbed up (prioritize the spider over the aesthetics of their enclosure), research the species you’re keeping and put plants with similar needs in (C. cyaneopubescens and G. pulchripes shouldn’t have too much moisture in their environments, so many plants wouldn’t be a good match for their enclosures, plus you want plants with lower light needs), and be mindful of adding so much clutter it’s hard for your tarantula to find its prey, especially if you are starting with a sling.

 

[IntermittentSygnal]

It’s better to get a handle on what live plants and theT need separately first before trying to put them together. If not, either the T or the plants may suffer. The GBB is an arid species and would likely not appreciate the moisture a live plant needs.

 

[Charliemum]

View attachment 485003
View attachment 485004

All hail

Hey op I won't go on about handling I think others covered that once or twice
Arboreal are fast n skittish and tbh not massively active, they make a web n never come out just sit there toes looking at you , personally I am not a fan unless it's psalmopoeus but they aren't really beginner friendly.
As suggested your better off starting with a terrestrial you have more chances of them being out n about.
And if your looking for something beginner but active Grammostola is where it's at.
I have a few sp out of the genus and they all constantly dig and or are out alot, they do burrow for moults but mine are visible 95% of the time n 90%of that 95% they are busy digging or fighting with the water dish look up Grammostola pulchra big black beautiful bulldozers a great starter t and commonly available.
Gl to you on your new endeavour, I look forward to seeing pics once you choose a t n take the plunge

 

[Requiem4aSpleen]

I would recommend a hobby classic. The B smithi. Amazing feeding response, gets large enough, and will be a family pet for a long time. Great display T and minimal husbandry requirements. My T doesn't kick hairs because I leave it alone. Even when I do maintenance, they don't kick. If I tried to pick them up, they'd flick hairs like nobodies business. Handling stresses them out. Stress means bolting, bolting means they fall to their death in short. Even though they are slow moving inside their terrariums, they are very capable of short bursts of speed.

 

[Charliemum]

I would recommend a hobby classic. The B smithi. Amazing feeding response, gets large enough, and will be a family pet for a long time. Great display T and minimal husbandry requirements. My T doesn't kick hairs because I leave it alone. Even when I do maintenance, they don't kick. If I tried to pick them up, they'd flick hairs like nobodies business. Handling stresses them out. Stress means bolting, bolting means they fall to their death in short. Even though they are slow moving inside their terrariums, they are very capable of short bursts of speed.

Your lucky I have 4 male smithi n 1 female n the female is the only chill one n even then she's bolty. The boys all kick if i look at em, huffy little things all Brachypelma are, except my emilia, Sizzy is cool as a cucumber no bolting no kicking just a beautiful chilled lady

 

[zsiciarz]

Don't handle and get a geniculata.*

Acanthoscurria geniculata

• zsiciarz
• Feb 11, 2024
• 3
• acanthoscurria acanthoscurria geniculata geniculata new world terrestrial

Testo on top of his hide.

*Sounds kinda like "don't panic and carry a towel".