Goliath birdeater (Theraphosa blondi)
Invertebrates · Difficulty: Expert
Key facts and care guidance for Goliath birdeater (Theraphosa blondi) (origin: Northern South America (Guyana, Suriname, Venezuela, northern Brazil)). Adult size around up to 28–30 cm leg span; the largest and heaviest tarantula in the world. Life expectancy females 15–25 years, males 3–6 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Goliath birdeater: How big does the enclosure need to be?
60×45×45 cm (a large floor area, very deep substrate).
Goliath birdeater: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 24–28 °C, basking spot — (no basking spot; even room warmth), at night 20–22 °C.
Goliath birdeater: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: No UVB needed (crepuscular/nocturnal).
Goliath birdeater: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: females 15–25 years, males 3–6 years.
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
- 80–90 %
- 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
- up to 28–30 cm leg span; the largest and heaviest tarantula in the world
- Life expectancy
- females 15–25 years, males 3–6 years
- Origin
- Northern South America (Guyana, Suriname, Venezuela, northern Brazil)
- 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 most demanding of the giant species: it needs permanently high humidity AND very good ventilation – the commonest fatal mistake is humidity without air movement (mould and mites). Hold the humidity through deep, damp substrate rather than constant misting. Very fine, extremely itchy urticating hairs – protect your eyes and airways, and no handling.
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Related species
- Burgundy goliath birdeater (Theraphosa stirmi) – 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 Goliath birdeater (Theraphosa blondi) 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_blondi, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goliath_birdeater
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).