Tanzanian red-clawed scorpion (Pandinus cavimanus)
Invertebrates · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Tanzanian red-clawed scorpion (Pandinus cavimanus) (origin: Tanzania / East Africa). Adult size around approx. 10–13 cm. Life expectancy approx. 5–8 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Tanzanian red-clawed scorpion: How big does the enclosure need to be?
40×30×30 cm (a single animal), plenty of floor area, deep substrate.
Tanzanian red-clawed scorpion: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 24–28 °C, at night slight night-time drop (~22 °C).
Tanzanian red-clawed scorpion: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: No UVB needed (nocturnal).
Tanzanian red-clawed scorpion: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: approx. 5–8 years.
Tanzanian red-clawed scorpion: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 24–28 °C
- Night temperature
- slight night-time drop (~22 °C)
- Basking spot
- —
- Humidity
- 75–80 %
- UVB
- No UVB needed (nocturnal)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 40×30×30 cm (a single animal), plenty of floor area, deep substrate
- Substrate
- Coco humus or peat-free soil about 6–7 cm, with bark or a cave, misted regularly (damp, not wet)
Feeding
- Food
- House crickets, crickets, roaches
- Feeding interval
- adults 1×/week
Key facts
- Adult size
- approx. 10–13 cm
- Life expectancy
- approx. 5–8 years
- Origin
- Tanzania / East Africa
- Protection status
- Not CITES-listed (only P. imperator/dictator/gambiensis are listed).
- Brumation
- None (tropical)
- Cohabitation
- Keep singly. The Tanzanian red-clawed scorpion is noticeably more aggressive and quicker to sting than the emperor scorpion, so the cannibalism risk when housed together is correspondingly higher. If a group is attempted anyway, it needs a lot of space, plenty of hides and close monitoring.
Notes
Care similar to the emperor scorpion, but more aggressive and therefore not one for beginners. Red pincers. The venom is mild to moderate; it defends itself with the pincers. It is occasionally mistaken for P. imperator.
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Related species
- Dictator scorpion (Pandinus dictator) – Intermediate
- Emperor scorpion (Pandinus imperator) – Beginner
- Giant desert hairy scorpion (Hadrurus arizonensis) – Beginner with some knowledge
- Asian giant forest scorpion (Heterometrus longimanus) – Beginner
- Asian black scorpion (Heterometrus petersii) – Beginner
- Asian forest scorpion (Heterometrus spinifer) – Intermediate
- Brazilian yellow scorpion (Tityus serrulatus) – Expert
- Italian scorpion (Euscorpius italicus) – Beginner
What you need to start
To keep Tanzanian red-clawed scorpion (Pandinus cavimanus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (40×30×30 cm (a single animal), plenty of floor area, deep substrate), substrate (Coco humus or peat-free soil about 6–7 cm, with bark or a cave, misted regularly (damp, not wet)), 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://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pandinus, https://www.exotic-pets.co.uk/tanzanian-red-clawed-scorpion.html
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).