This list could get pretty long....

[JJC]

Recently acquired my first T., a GBB, and I can already see where this is going....
I never realized the seemingly infinite number of choices out there. So my question is two part...

1. Recommendations for the next one (or two). I was thinking maybe an arboreal or at least something a bit different than the GBB, for variety's sake. I would prefer a T that stays fairly visible.

2. Specific Ts to avoid, based mainly on bite risk. I realize that a bite is almost inevitable at some point and I would like to steer clear of any species whose venom would be considered dangerous, relatively speaking. Of course I can handle a swollen/painful finger or an arm that might be a little uncomfortable for a few days. What I want to avoid is the trip to the ER with CNS or CV issues. I know that toxicity is a relative term and we all won't react the same to a given bite...is there some kind of "venom hierarchy" that can be used as a guide?

Thanks in advance for all the great feedback...

 

[Sarkhan42]

Recently acquired my first T., a GBB, and I can already see where this is going....
I never realized the seemingly infinite number of choices out there. So my question is two part...

1. Recommendations for the next one (or two). I was thinking maybe an arboreal or at least something a bit different than the GBB, for variety's sake. I would prefer a T that stays fairly visible.

2. Specific Ts to avoid, based mainly on bite risk. I realize that a bite is almost inevitable at some point and I would like to steer clear of any species whose venom would be considered dangerous, relatively speaking. Of course I can handle a swollen/painful finger or an arm that might be a little uncomfortable for a few days. What I want to avoid is the trip to the ER with CNS or CV issues. I know that toxicity is a relative term and we all won't react the same to a given bite...is there some kind of "venom hierarchy" that can be used as a guide?

Thanks in advance for all the great feedback...

In general, any tarantula from the "Old world"(Africa, Asia, ect) and Australia have very potent venom of the kind you described in your post. If you want a display spider, can't go wrong with A geniculata honestly. If you're looking for an arboreal, look into the Avicularia genus.

 

[gypsy cola]

Visibility: A. genic or B. vagans

Arboreal: A.versicolor or metallica

Both?: maybe a T. ockerti. Get pretty large are kept more like a fossorial (debated)

 

[Vanessa]

Both?: maybe a T. ockerti. Get pretty large are kept more like a fossorial (debated)

Never heard that they are fossorial at all - semi arboreal species who will live comfortably in short bushes when water levels rise in their natural habitat. So not 'fully' arboreal tree dwellers, but not fully terrestrial either. I have never heard anyone suggest that they are fossorial.

 

[Venom1080]

actually getting bit is fairly rare. a keeper here has gone 40 years without getting bit. ive never been or even close to being bit in my 6 years. the only NW genus of T that has argueably strong venom is Psalmopoeus. the only thing you really need to worry about is the size of the fangs, thatll do the most damage. just avoid old world species and you'll be fine. id recommend a Avicularia, Acanthoscurria, Nhandu, Lasiodora, Brachypelma.

 

[magicmed]

B. Vagans, smithi, emilia, boehmei, albopilosum
A. Versicolor, Avicularia, purpurea, metallica
G. Pulchripes, pulchra
A. Seemani

Some of my favorites

 

[TownesVanZandt]

I realize that a bite is almost inevitable at some point

No, as long as you don´t handle the T´s and take precautions while doing maintenance, rehousing´s etc., bites are luckily rare. With that being said, I think it´s a wise decision of you to avoid OW species for now.

 

[gypsy cola]

Never heard that they are fossorial at all - semi arboreal species who will live comfortably in short bushes when water levels rise in their natural habitat. So not 'fully' arboreal tree dwellers, but not fully terrestrial either. I have never heard anyone suggest that they are fossorial.

Isn't that what fossorial means? or do I have the wrong word?

 

[Vanessa]

1. Recommendations for the next one (or two). I was thinking maybe an arboreal or at least something a bit different than the GBB, for variety's sake. I would prefer a T that stays fairly visible.

I don't have a lot of experience with arboreal, but my two A. avicularia stay out and visible all the time. My G. pulchripes are always visible as well and grow very large.

2. Specific Ts to avoid, based mainly on bite risk. I realize that a bite is almost inevitable at some point and I would like to steer clear of any species whose venom would be considered dangerous, relatively speaking. Of course I can handle a swollen/painful finger or an arm that might be a little uncomfortable for a few days. What I want to avoid is the trip to the ER with CNS or CV issues. I know that toxicity is a relative term and we all won't react the same to a given bite...is there some kind of "venom hierarchy" that can be used as a guide?

Being bitten is not inevitable and can easily be avoided. There are people here who have had tarantulas for decades and never been bitten. Don't handle them, always expect the unexpected, use the necessary tools required for feeding and maintenance, and just have an overall respect for them and you will minimize your chances of being bitten.
Having said that, I appreciate that you want to steer clear of more toxic venom. My suggestion is to stick to the New World species from the Americas and surrounding islands.

 

[viper69]

Recommendations for the next one (or two)

I suggest you learn how to take care of a single T successfully, understand their behavior as slings and adults before collecting more.

 

[Vanessa]

Isn't that what fossorial means? or do I have the wrong word?

Fossorial are obligate (as opposed to opportunistic) burrowers. Anyone who lives primarily underground. H. lividum is fossorial.

 

[gypsy cola]

Fossorial are obligate burrowers. Anyone who lives primarily underground. H. lividum is fossorial.

I feel embarrassed. Thanks for clearing that up

 

[Vanessa]

I feel embarrassed. Thanks for clearing that up

Don't be embarrassed! Arboreal, terrestrial, fossorial are the three groups. There is no specific term for semi-arboreal. I just wanted to avoid someone setting them up incorrectly.
Because they can be a cranky bunch waving their bums in the air and kicking hairs all over.

 

[gypsy cola]

Don't be embarrassed! Arboreal, terrestrial, fossorial are the three groups. There is no specific term for semi-arboreal. I just wanted to avoid someone setting them up incorrectly.
Because they can be a cranky bunch waving their bums in the air and kicking hairs all over.

It is super adorable....until the itching begins.

 

[Vanessa]

It is super adorable....until the itching begins.

Mine is still an adorable little spiderling. They have a very healthy appetite.