Xenesthis Immanis as a first T?

[HunterAMG]

I've been interested in this T since forever. However I did some research, and while there's isn't much info about these, it seems they're
a bit aggressive. So I'm wondering if they are good for a beginner. Also I'm open to suggestions, I want a cool looking spider that is easy to handle. Price doesn't matter.

 

[viper69]

Define "cool". - one person's cool is another person's drool

 

[Poec54]

Xenesthis is not a beginner species. Tropical tarantulas are usually high strung and either prone to fast dashes or biting. You're much better off with a Brachypelma.

 

[Shrike]

Definitely not a typical first tarantula, for reasons already mentioned. I tend to think all tarantulas are "cool" looking, but if you want a classic beginner species with some nice color, Brachypelma smithi or emilia would be great choices.

 

[SeanSYW]

I'll doubt you would be able to handle one of these guys. They're not the calmest thing out there.

 

[SuzukiSwift]

Not a good first T no, glad to see you're interested in the hobby though! I recommend starting with something from the Brachypelma, Grammostola or Avicularia genus. Brachypelma is especially good, there are many varieties and they're all eye-catching

 

[JZC]

Most of the NW tropical terrestrials are not handleable due to their size and skittishness. I would never try to pick up my T. stirmi. This group of Ts also tend to have very irritating hairs. However, if you did your research and knew what you were getting in to, I don't see why X. immanis couldn't be your first tarantula. They are a gorgeous species, definitely on my wish list!

 

[Poec54]

I want a cool looking spider

Got to put more thought into it than that. Making 'cool looking' a priority can result in dead spiders, escapes, bites, and a visit to the emergency room. Do your homework. You need to do some online research and every spider owner should have the latest edition of Stan Schultz's book.

 

[Wadew]

HunterAMG,
IMO Xenesthis sp are good eaters! There either hungry or not. They waste little time in-between decisions. If the food is not taken immediately it will not be taken. So from a beginner standpoint feeding should not be a problem. I would tell you if you attempt to hold this spider it wont be for long! I also agree the hairs can be a problem for a beginner. My Xenesthis all would rather bury there head than bite. Visually you could not ask for more. The legs on this spider are to be envied by many a spider. lol
-Wade

 

[HunterAMG]

First of all thank you guys for your comments and suggestions The Brachypelma Smithi looks interesting. I'm curious to know what makes this a beginner-friendly option.
Also what can you guys tell me about these species: Psalmopoeus Irminia and Chromatopelma Cyaneopubescens.
I can get mostly tropical species since I live in Colombia, and they are abundant here of course.

 

[Poec54]

First of all thank you guys for your comments and suggestions The Brachypelma Smithi looks interesting. I'm curious to know what makes this a beginner-friendly option.
Also what can you guys tell me about these species: Psalmopoeus Irminia and Chromatopelma Cyaneopubescens.
I can get mostly tropical species since I live in Colombia, and they are abundant here of course.

Smithi is highly recommended for beginners. Beautiful animals, long-lived, hardy, docile, & slow moving.

Psalmopoeus are very fast and high strung, also bite more readily. Don't start with them. Chromatopelma are fast and nervous. They're best after you have some experience. There is no rush to get species beyond your skill level. Take your time and get comfortable with the calm ones first.

 

[Ghost Dragon]

Got to put more thought into it than that. Making 'cool looking' a priority can result in dead spiders, escapes, bites, and a visit to the emergency room. Do your homework. You need to do some online research and every spider owner should have the latest edition of Stan Schultz's book.

Excellent advice. The Tarantula Keeper's Guide is a must if you want to dive into the world of tarantulas. Get your feet wet on the more docile, but equally beautiful, species first. G. rosea - G.pulchra - B. emilia - B. smithi, all are great beginner T's. G. pulchripes if you want one that you could handle AND grows into a big 8-10 inch spider. I love my pulchra, Bithia. In another year or so, she will have developed into a large, glossy black T. How cool is that?

Good luck, we're all here to help, both you & whichever species you end up getting.

 

[LordWaffle]

B smithi is a good beginner species for a lot of reasons.

1) B smithi (and genus Brachypelma in general) are known for being docile. Even if they do get a little "hair flicky" at times.

2) Their longevity is incredible. Females can live for well over 30 years with the right care and luck. A friend of mine recently had a male die that he had for nearly 10 years.

3) B smithi is colorful and interesting to look at. This is mostly opinion of course, but generally it allows a person to scratch their need for a pretty spider without jumping into pokies, OBTs, etc too early.

4) Generally they are very slow moving. Incredibly easy to keep track of with very few surprises because of this.

5) in the event you do get tagged their venom is very mild. The pain is comparable to a bee sting.

6) care is very easy. They require dry substrate and a water dish. There's no need to futz with humidity, etc. they are very hardy and can thrive in very simple conditions.

Great beginner T as you can see.

 

[Livia]

Ill be the devils advocate here. Get it if you want to, noone is going to stop you but PLEASE do your reasearch and since this species is known as a "teleporter" do excessive and painstakinglly hard research also, learn some basic T bite first AID going to the hosptial could ruin it for alot. Good luck.

 

[loganhopeless]

Ill be the devils advocate here. Get it if you want to, noone is going to stop you but PLEASE do your reasearch and since this species is known as a "teleporter" do excessive and painstakinglly hard research also, learn some basic T bite first AID going to the hosptial could ruin it for alot. Good luck.

Agreed. I mean hell, my first tarantula was a T. Stirmi!! I don't regret it, I don't handle it, it's thriving right now. But I did so much research it's unbelievable. I mean, if you have the money to make an adequate enclosure, and you're not wanting to handle it, just a "look but don't touch" then go for it! Enjoy it! And the best of luck to you!


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[Livia]

Agreed. I mean hell, my first tarantula was a T. Stirmi!! I don't regret it, I don't handle it, it's thriving right now. But I did so much research it's unbelievable. I mean, if you have the money to make an adequate enclosure, and you're not wanting to handle it, just a "look but don't touch" then go for it! Enjoy it! And the best of luck to you!


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Haha mine was a 1/2 OBT and she is now around 6 inches doing well.

 

[loganhopeless]

Haha mine was a 1/2 OBT and she is now around 6 inches doing well.

Ya see? I mean 90% of beginners should not do what we did. But that other 10%? They get bashed on for being "wrong".


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[Livia]

Ya see? I mean 90% of beginners should not do what we did. But that other 10%? They get bashed on for being "wrong".


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I dont really think there is such thing as a good beginner tarantula because all tarantulas have their own attitude lol also I have 2 on the way arriving tommorow! YAY!


- Livia

 

[loganhopeless]

I dont really think there is such thing as a good beginner tarantula because all tarantulas have their own attitude lol also I have 2 on the way arriving tommorow! YAY!


- Livia

I literally just unboxed my first regalis!


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[cantthinkofone]

No. not a good beginner and not one to handle.