California ebony tarantula (Aphonopelma eutylenum)
Photo: Chris A. Hamilton, Brent E. Hendrixson, Jason E. Bond / CC BY 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons

Arachnid · Burrowing tarantula

California ebony tarantula care guide

Aphonopelma eutylenum

Beginner

The california ebony tarantula is a beginner-level burrowing tarantula from S California, N Baja California. Adults reach Leg span 10–13 cm and live Females 20–30 years, males 5–8 years in captivity. Burrows readily; give deep, compacted substrate and room-temperature conditions.

  • Enclosure 30 × 30 × 30 cm
  • Temp 20–26°C
  • Humidity 40–55%

How much does a california ebony tarantula cost in Canada?

Animal$40–120Typical captive-bred price
Bioactive enclosure$100–170Enclosure $30–70 · equipment $20–40 · bioactive supplies ≈ $60
Yearly upkeep$40–90Food, supplements, bulbs, power, vet fund
First year total$180–380All prices CAD, estimates

California ebony tarantula quick facts

Skill level
Beginner
Adult size
Leg span 10–13 cm
Lifespan
Females 20–30 years, males 5–8 years
Activity
Nocturnal
Native range
S California, N Baja California
Minimum enclosure
30 × 30 × 30 cm (12 × 12 × 12 in, ≈ 7 US gal)
Housing
Best kept alone.
Temperature
20–26°C
Humidity
40–55%
UVB
Not needed
Diet
Insectivore – crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms
Bioactive style
Burrowing tarantula

California ebony tarantula enclosure & bioactive setup

Give one adult at least 30 × 30 × 30 cm (12 × 12 × 12 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a burrowing tarantula bioactive build.

  1. Leaf litter2 cm
  2. Jurassic ABG Tarantula Mix15 cm

Deep, slightly packed soil lets burrows hold their shape. Moisten the lower layers; the top can be drier.

Temperature: 20–26°C. Humidity: 40–55%. UVB: Not needed.

What does a california ebony tarantula eat?

Insectivore – crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms. Adults: 1–2 appropriately sized insects every 7–14 days; slings: small prey 2–3 times a week.

Handling, temperament & health

Docile but best treated as a display animal; can flick urticating hairs that irritate skin and eyes.

Health watch: Watch for dehydration and molt problems; keep the lower substrate slightly moist and leave the burrow undisturbed.

Cleaning & maintenance schedule

Daily

  • Visual check only.

Weekly

  • Offer food at the burrow entrance; remove leftovers.
  • Refill water; moisten one corner so the deep soil stays damp.

Monthly

  • Check moisture deep down by pouring a little water at the edge.

Yearly

  • Rehouse as the spider grows.

Recommended for a california ebony tarantula bioactive

Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (30 × 30 × 30 cm).

California ebony tarantula FAQ

Is the california ebony tarantula good for beginners?

Yes – the california ebony tarantula is a good choice for beginners. Docile but best treated as a display animal; can flick urticating hairs that irritate skin and eyes.

What size enclosure does a california ebony tarantula need?

At least 30 × 30 × 30 cm (about 12 × 12 × 12 inches, roughly 7 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.

How much does a california ebony tarantula cost in Canada?

Typically $40–120 CAD to buy, about $100–170 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $40–90 CAD a year to keep.

What temperature and humidity does a california ebony tarantula need?

Temperature: 20–26°C. Humidity: 40–55%.

What does a california ebony tarantula eat?

Insectivore – crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms. Adults: 1–2 appropriately sized insects every 7–14 days; slings: small prey 2–3 times a week.

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This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.