Goliath pinkfoot tarantula (Theraphosa apophysis)
Invertebrates · Difficulty: Expert
Key facts and care guidance for Goliath pinkfoot tarantula (Theraphosa apophysis) (origin: Venezuela – rainforest). Adult size around body 9–11 cm, leg span 25–30 cm. Life expectancy females 15–20 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Goliath pinkfoot tarantula: How big does the enclosure need to be?
50×40×40 cm.
Goliath pinkfoot tarantula: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 25–29 °C, basking spot No basking spot, at night 22–24 °C.
Goliath pinkfoot tarantula: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Not required.
Goliath pinkfoot tarantula: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: females 15–20 years.
Goliath pinkfoot tarantula: Is it suitable for beginners?
No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 25–29 °C
- Night temperature
- 22–24 °C
- Basking spot
- No basking spot
- Humidity
- 80–90 %
- UVB
- Not required
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 50×40×40 cm
- Substrate
- Coco humus 15–20 cm, permanently damp, a large cork cave
Feeding
- Food
- Large roaches, house crickets, occasionally nestlings
- Feeding interval
- adults every 2–3 weeks
Key facts
- Adult size
- body 9–11 cm, leg span 25–30 cm
- Life expectancy
- females 15–20 years
- Origin
- Venezuela – rainforest
- Protection status
- CITES II
- Brumation
- None
- Cohabitation
- Single housing. In the wild each animal lives alone in its own burrow; males only look for females at mating time. Two animals in one enclosure almost always end with one dead or injured. For mating only introduce the male under supervision and separate him again straight away.
Notes
One of the largest spiders in the world. Very strong, highly irritating urticating hairs – gloves and eye protection when handling. It needs permanently high humidity and tolerates drying out poorly.
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Related species
- Burgundy goliath birdeater (Theraphosa stirmi) – Expert
- Goliath birdeater (Theraphosa blondi) – 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 pinkfoot tarantula (Theraphosa apophysis) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (50×40×40 cm), substrate (Coco humus 15–20 cm, permanently damp, a large cork cave), a heat source with a thermostat, 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: 7 November 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theraphosa_apophysis, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theraphosa, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theraphosa_apophysis
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).