Burgundy goliath birdeater (Theraphosa stirmi)
Invertebrates · Difficulty: Expert
Key facts and care guidance for Burgundy goliath birdeater (Theraphosa stirmi) (origin: Northern South America (Guyana, Brazil, Venezuela)). Adult size around 20–25 cm leg span (very heavy and bulky); the second largest species after T. blondi. Life expectancy females 15–25 years, males 3–6 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Burgundy goliath birdeater: How big does the enclosure need to be?
60×45×45 cm (a large floor area, very deep substrate).
Burgundy goliath birdeater: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 24–28 °C, basking spot — (no basking spot; even room warmth), at night 20–22 °C.
Burgundy goliath birdeater: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: No UVB needed (crepuscular/nocturnal).
Burgundy goliath birdeater: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: females 15–25 years, males 3–6 years.
Burgundy goliath birdeater: Is it suitable for beginners?
No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 24–28 °C
- Night temperature
- 20–22 °C
- Basking spot
- — (no basking spot; even room warmth)
- Humidity
- 75–85 %
- UVB
- No UVB needed (crepuscular/nocturnal)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 60×45×45 cm (a large floor area, very deep substrate)
- Substrate
- Coco humus or peat, 12–15 cm deep, damp (not wet); a water bowl; very good cross-ventilation is essential
Feeding
- Food
- Insects: large roaches, crickets, locusts. No vertebrates are needed
- Feeding interval
- adults every 1–2 weeks, juveniles 2×/week
Key facts
- Adult size
- 20–25 cm leg span (very heavy and bulky); the second largest species after T. blondi
- Life expectancy
- females 15–25 years, males 3–6 years
- Origin
- Northern South America (Guyana, Brazil, Venezuela)
- Protection status
- Not protected (no CITES, no German Federal Nature Conservation Act listing); no registration duty
- Brumation
- None
- Cohabitation
- Keeping them singly is essential. Territorial and cannibalistic; put them together only briefly for supervised breeding
Notes
The commonest keeping mistake: too little ventilation at high humidity → condensation, mould and mites kill the animals; hold the humidity through deep, damp substrate rather than misting. Extremely itchy urticating hairs (very fine hairs), so protect your eyes and airways, and no handling. Demanding because of its size plus the humidity.
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Related species
- Goliath birdeater (Theraphosa blondi) – Expert
- Goliath pinkfoot tarantula (Theraphosa apophysis) – Expert
- 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
What you need to start
To keep Burgundy goliath birdeater (Theraphosa stirmi) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (60×45×45 cm (a large floor area, very deep substrate)), substrate (Coco humus or peat, 12–15 cm deep, damp (not wet); a water bowl; very good cross-ventilation is essential), 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: 2 November 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theraphosa_stirmi, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theraphosa_stirmi
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).