Trinidad dwarf tiger tarantula (Cyriocosmus elegans)
Invertebrates · Difficulty: Beginner
Key facts and care guidance for Trinidad dwarf tiger tarantula (Cyriocosmus elegans) (origin: Trinidad, Venezuela). Adult size around body 2–3 cm, leg span 5–7 cm. Life expectancy females 8–12 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Trinidad dwarf tiger tarantula: How big does the enclosure need to be?
20×20×20 cm.
Trinidad dwarf tiger tarantula: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 24–28 °C, basking spot No basking spot, at night 21–23 °C.
Trinidad dwarf tiger tarantula: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Not required.
Trinidad dwarf tiger tarantula: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: females 8–12 years.
Trinidad dwarf tiger tarantula: Is it suitable for beginners?
Yes – it is considered suitable for beginners (difficulty: Beginner).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 24–28 °C
- Night temperature
- 21–23 °C
- Basking spot
- No basking spot
- Humidity
- 70–80 %
- UVB
- Not required
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 20×20×20 cm
- Substrate
- Coco humus 8–12 cm, a small cork hide
Feeding
- Food
- Small house crickets, firebrats
- Feeding interval
- adults every 7–10 days
Key facts
- Adult size
- body 2–3 cm, leg span 5–7 cm
- Life expectancy
- females 8–12 years
- Origin
- Trinidad, Venezuela
- Protection status
- Not listed under CITES
- Brumation
- None
- Cohabitation
- Keep them singly. Tarantulas eat their own kind, and with such small animals you can hardly see what is happening in the substrate — two animals in one enclosure regularly end up as one. For mating, only introduce the male under supervision and separate them again immediately.
Notes
A tiny, prettily marked dwarf tarantula with a heart-shaped mark. Good for small containers – but easy to overlook when opening it, given the size.
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Related species
- Colombian dwarf tiger tarantula (Cyriocosmus leetzi) – Beginner
- 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
- Singapore blue tarantula (Omothymus violaceopes) – Expert
What you need to start
To keep Trinidad dwarf tiger tarantula (Cyriocosmus elegans) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (20×20×20 cm), substrate (Coco humus 8–12 cm, a small cork hide), 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: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyriocosmus_elegans, https://www.thetarantulacollective.com/caresheets/cyriocosmus-elegans, https://www.vogelspinnen-info.de/cyriocosmus-elegans/
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).