Brazilian black tarantula (Grammostola pulchra)

Short answers

Brazilian black tarantula: How big does the enclosure need to be?

30×30×30 cm (floor area matters more than height).

Brazilian black tarantula: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 22–27 °C, at night 18–21 °C.

Brazilian black tarantula: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: No UVB needed (nocturnal).

Brazilian black tarantula: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: females approx. 20–30 years, males approx. 5–6 years.

Brazilian black tarantula: Is it suitable for beginners?

Yes – it is considered suitable for beginners (difficulty: Beginner).

Climate

Daytime temperature

22–27 °C

Night temperature

18–21 °C

Basking spot

—

Humidity

60–70 %

UVB

No UVB needed (nocturnal)

Enclosure

Minimum size

30×30×30 cm (floor area matters more than height)

Substrate

A coco humus or soil mix they can dig in, 8–12 cm, a cork hide, a water bowl

Feeding

Food

Insects (house crickets, roaches, crickets)

Feeding interval

adults approx. 1×/week or every 10–14 days, juveniles 2–3×/week

Key facts

Adult size

15–18 cm leg span

Life expectancy

females approx. 20–30 years, males approx. 5–6 years

Origin

Southern Brazil, Uruguay

Protection status

Not listed under CITES; no special registration duties

Brumation

None

Cohabitation

Single housing. Solitary and cannibalistic; no pair/group housing. The reason is not conflict but predation: these animals take anything that fits in their mouths, and a second animal in the enclosure is included.

Notes

A very calm, jet-black species, an excellent (if expensive and slow-growing) beginner's animal and extremely long-lived. Robust; room temperature is usually enough. Mist one corner lightly, and otherwise keep it rather dry with a water bowl.

Do you keep this species?

Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →

Look for Brazilian black tarantula (Grammostola pulchra) in the marketplace →

Related species

• Brazilian red rump tarantula (Grammostola actaeon) – Beginner
• Chaco golden knee tarantula (Grammostola pulchripes) – Beginner
• Chilean rose tarantula (Grammostola porteri) – Beginner
• Entre Rios tarantula (Grammostola iheringi) – Intermediate
• Chilean rose tarantula (Grammostola rosea) – Beginner
• Amazon birdeater (Iridopelma hirsutum) – Intermediate
• Arizona blonde tarantula (Aphonopelma chalcodes) – Beginner
• Pinktoe tarantula (Avicularia avicularia) – Beginner

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Brazilian black tarantula (Grammostola pulchra) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (30×30×30 cm (floor area matters more than height)), substrate (A coco humus or soil mix they can dig in, 8–12 cm, a cork hide, a water bowl), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.