Mexican golden red rump tarantula (Brachypelma albiceps)
Invertebrates · Difficulty: Beginner
Key facts and care guidance for Mexican golden red rump tarantula (Brachypelma albiceps) (origin: Mexico (the State of México, Morelos, Guerrero, Puebla)). Adult size around 13–15 cm leg span (body ~5–6 cm). Life expectancy females 20–25 years, males approx. 5 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Mexican golden red rump tarantula: How big does the enclosure need to be?
30×30×30 cm (floor area matters more than height).
Mexican golden red rump tarantula: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 24–28 °C, at night 20–22 °C.
Mexican golden red rump tarantula: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: No UVB needed (nocturnal).
Mexican golden red rump tarantula: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: females 20–25 years, males approx. 5 years.
Mexican golden red rump tarantula: Is it suitable for beginners?
Yes – it is considered suitable for beginners (difficulty: Beginner).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 24–28 °C
- Night temperature
- 20–22 °C
- Basking spot
- —
- Humidity
- 55–65 % (rather dry)
- UVB
- No UVB needed (nocturnal)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 30×30×30 cm (floor area matters more than height)
- Substrate
- A coco or soil and sand mix, 8–10 cm, mostly dry; a cork hide, a water bowl
Feeding
- Food
- Insects (house crickets, roaches, crickets, locusts)
- Feeding interval
- adults approx. 1×/week or every 10–14 days, juveniles 2–3×/week
Key facts
- Adult size
- 13–15 cm leg span (body ~5–6 cm)
- Life expectancy
- females 20–25 years, males approx. 5 years
- Origin
- Mexico (the State of México, Morelos, Guerrero, Puebla)
- Protection status
- CITES Appendix II / EU Annex B (the whole genus Brachypelma) — proof of origin is mandatory, sale only with paperwork
- 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 velvet-black body with a golden-yellow carapace. Calm and easy to watch, but it reliably kicks urticating hairs when disturbed. One of the most approachable species for getting started.
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Related species
- Mexican red-knee tarantula (Brachypelma smithii) – Beginner
- Mexican flame knee tarantula (Brachypelma auratum) – Beginner
- Mexican pink tarantula (Brachypelma boehmei) – Beginner
- Mexican pink tarantula (Brachypelma emilia) – Beginner
- Mexican pink tarantula (Brachypelma klaasi) – Beginner
- Mexican red-knee tarantula (Brachypelma hamorii) – Beginner
- Amazon birdeater (Iridopelma hirsutum) – Intermediate
- Arizona blonde tarantula (Aphonopelma chalcodes) – Beginner
What you need to start
To keep Mexican golden red rump tarantula (Brachypelma albiceps) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (30×30×30 cm (floor area matters more than height)), substrate (A coco or soil and sand mix, 8–10 cm, mostly dry; 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.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 9 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://tarantulafriendly.com/mexican-golden-red-rump-tarantula/, https://www.grimoireexotics.com/post/brachypelma-albiceps-golden-red-rump-care-guide, https://www.thetarantulacollective.com/caresheets/brachypelma-albiceps
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).