Mexican red-knee tarantula (Brachypelma hamorii)
Invertebrates · Difficulty: Beginner
Key facts and care guidance for Mexican red-knee tarantula (Brachypelma hamorii) (origin: Mexico (the Pacific coast)). Adult size around 12–15 cm leg span (body length 5–6 cm). Life expectancy females up to 20–30 years, males ~2–5 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Mexican red-knee tarantula: How big does the enclosure need to be?
30 x 30 x 30 cm, 15–20 cm of soil they can dig in, a cork tube.
Mexican red-knee tarantula: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 24–28 °C, at night room temperature (may fall lower).
Mexican red-knee tarantula: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: No.
Mexican red-knee tarantula: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: females up to 20–30 years, males ~2–5 years.
Mexican red-knee tarantula: Is it suitable for beginners?
Yes – it is considered suitable for beginners (difficulty: Beginner).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 24–28 °C
- Night temperature
- room temperature (may fall lower)
- Basking spot
- —
- Humidity
- 60–70 % (drier, with one humid corner)
- UVB
- No
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 30 x 30 x 30 cm, 15–20 cm of soil they can dig in, a cork tube
- Substrate
- A soil or coco substrate they can dig in, a shallow water bowl
Feeding
- Food
- Insects (crickets, roaches, locusts)
- Feeding interval
- Adults 1×/week to every 2 weeks
Key facts
- Adult size
- 12–15 cm leg span (body length 5–6 cm)
- Life expectancy
- females up to 20–30 years, males ~2–5 years
- Origin
- Mexico (the Pacific coast)
- Protection status
- CITES Appendix II, proof of origin mandatory
- Brumation
- None (a slight winter cooling is optional)
- Cohabitation
- Keep them singly (cannibalistic). The reason is not fighting but feeding: these animals take anything that fits in the mouth, and a second animal in the enclosure counts.
Notes
A robust, very long-lived beginner's spider. When disturbed it sheds urticating hairs (skin and eye irritation); the venom is harmless. CITES proof of origin is required.
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Mexican red-knee tarantula (Brachypelma hamorii) currently offered
- Brachypelma hamorii – Neunkirchen-Seelscheid · 450 €
Related species
- Mexican red-knee tarantula (Brachypelma smithii) – Beginner
- Mexican flame knee tarantula (Brachypelma auratum) – Beginner
- Mexican golden red rump tarantula (Brachypelma albiceps) – Beginner
- Mexican pink tarantula (Brachypelma boehmei) – Beginner
- Mexican pink tarantula (Brachypelma emilia) – Beginner
- Mexican pink tarantula (Brachypelma klaasi) – Beginner
- Amazon birdeater (Iridopelma hirsutum) – Intermediate
- Arizona blonde tarantula (Aphonopelma chalcodes) – Beginner
What you need to start
To keep Mexican red-knee tarantula (Brachypelma hamorii) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (30 x 30 x 30 cm, 15–20 cm of soil they can dig in, a cork tube), substrate (A soil or coco substrate they can dig in, a shallow water bowl), 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: 9 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: einrichtungsbeispiele.de, insektenliebe.com, terraristikfibel.de, vogelspinner.net, CITES-Recherche
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).