Straight horned baboon tarantula (Ceratogyrus marshalli)
Invertebrates · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Straight horned baboon tarantula (Ceratogyrus marshalli) (origin: Southern Africa (Zimbabwe, Mozambique, South Africa), savannah). Adult size around 11–13 cm leg span. Life expectancy females 12–15 years, males 4–5 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Straight horned baboon tarantula: How big does the enclosure need to be?
30×30×30 cm with deep substrate (a burrower).
Straight horned baboon tarantula: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 24–28 °C, at night 20–22 °C.
Straight horned baboon tarantula: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: No UVB needed (nocturnal).
Straight horned baboon tarantula: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: females 12–15 years, males 4–5 years.
Straight horned baboon tarantula: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 24–28 °C
- Night temperature
- 20–22 °C
- Basking spot
- —
- Humidity
- 50–60 % (semi-dry)
- UVB
- No UVB needed (nocturnal)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 30×30×30 cm with deep substrate (a burrower)
- Substrate
- A soil or coco and sand mix, 10–15 cm deep for digging burrows; slightly damp at the bottom
Feeding
- Food
- Insects (house crickets, roaches, crickets)
- Feeding interval
- adults 1×/week, juveniles 2–3×/week
Key facts
- Adult size
- 11–13 cm leg span
- Life expectancy
- females 12–15 years, males 4–5 years
- Origin
- Southern Africa (Zimbabwe, Mozambique, South Africa), savannah
- Protection status
- No CITES or protected status
- Brumation
- None
- Cohabitation
- Keep them singly. Solitary and defensive – keep them strictly on their own. 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
An Old World species: NO urticating hairs, but defensive, fast and with medically significant venom – no handling. Fossorial with the typical foveal horn; it needs deep, diggable substrate. Keep it rather dry and avoid waterlogging. Because of its defensive behaviour, not for beginners.
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Related species
- Straight horned baboon tarantula (Ceratogyrus darlingi) – Intermediate
- Namibian horned baboon tarantula (Ceratogyrus sanderi) – Expert
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- 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 Straight horned baboon tarantula (Ceratogyrus marshalli) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (30×30×30 cm with deep substrate (a burrower)), substrate (A soil or coco and sand mix, 10–15 cm deep for digging burrows; slightly damp at the bottom), 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: http://www.mikebasictarantula.com/C-marshalli-care-sheet.html, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ceratogyrus_marshalli, https://www.thetarantulacollective.com/caresheets/ceratogyrus-marshalli
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).