Antilles pinktoe tarantula (Caribena versicolor)
Invertebrates · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Antilles pinktoe tarantula (Caribena versicolor) (origin: Martinique (the Lesser Antilles), rainforest). Adult size around 12–15 cm leg span. Life expectancy females 10–12 years, males 2–3 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Antilles pinktoe tarantula: How big does the enclosure need to be?
30×30×40 cm (arboreal – height plus plenty of ventilation).
Antilles pinktoe tarantula: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 24–28 °C, at night 20–22 °C.
Antilles pinktoe tarantula: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: No UVB needed (nocturnal).
Antilles pinktoe tarantula: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: females 10–12 years, males 2–3 years.
Antilles pinktoe tarantula: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 24–28 °C
- Night temperature
- 20–22 °C
- Basking spot
- —
- Humidity
- 70–80 % (with strong ventilation)
- UVB
- No UVB needed (nocturnal)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 30×30×40 cm (arboreal – height plus plenty of ventilation)
- Substrate
- A thin damp layer of coco plus a vertical cork tube; artificial or live plants
Feeding
- Food
- Insects (house crickets, small roaches, winged insects)
- Feeding interval
- adults 1×/week, juveniles 2–3×/week
Key facts
- Adult size
- 12–15 cm leg span
- Life expectancy
- females 10–12 years, males 2–3 years
- Origin
- Martinique (the Lesser Antilles), rainforest
- Protection status
- No CITES or protected status
- Brumation
- None
- Cohabitation
- Keep them singly. Solitary and cannibalistic – keep them on their own. The reason is not fighting but feeding: these animals take anything that fits in the mouth, and a second animal in the enclosure counts.
Notes
An arboreal tarantula: cross-ventilation is vital – the commonest keeping mistake is damp, stagnant air (lethal, especially for juveniles). Better well ventilated plus light daily misting than permanently damp. No heat lamp. A New World species, but quick; the young are delicate.
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Related species
- Amazon birdeater (Iridopelma hirsutum) – Intermediate
- Arizona blonde tarantula (Aphonopelma chalcodes) – Beginner
- Pinktoe tarantula (Avicularia avicularia) – Beginner
- Cobalt blue tarantula (Cyriopagopus lividus) – Expert
- Gooty sapphire ornamental tarantula (Poecilotheria metallica) – Expert
- Peruvian blue tarantula (Thrixopelma cyaneolum) – Beginner
- Singapore blue tarantula (Omothymus violaceopes) – Expert
- Blue foot baboon tarantula (Idiothele mira) – Intermediate
What you need to start
To keep Antilles pinktoe tarantula (Caribena versicolor) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (30×30×40 cm (arboreal – height plus plenty of ventilation)), substrate (A thin damp layer of coco plus a vertical cork tube; artificial or live plants), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 9 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: einrichtungsbeispiele.de, insektenliebe.com, terraristikfibel.de, vogelspinner.net
All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).