Arachnid · Other spider
Dark fishing spider care guide
Dolomedes tenebrosus
The dark fishing spider is a intermediate-level other spider from E North America including S Canada. Adults reach Leg span 7–9 cm and live 1–2 years in captivity. Native woodland species; give bark to climb and a wide water dish.
- Enclosure 30 × 30 × 45 cm
- Temp 20–26°C
- Humidity 60–75%
How much does a dark fishing spider cost in Canada?
Dark fishing spider quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- Leg span 7–9 cm
- Lifespan
- 1–2 years
- Activity
- Nocturnal
- Native range
- E North America including S Canada
- Minimum enclosure
- 30 × 30 × 45 cm (12 × 12 × 18 in, ≈ 11 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- 20–26°C
- Humidity
- 60–75%
- UVB
- Not needed
- Diet
- Insectivore – crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms
- Bioactive style
- Tropical arboreal
Dark fishing spider enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 30 × 30 × 45 cm (12 × 12 × 18 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a tropical arboreal bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix5 cm
- Drainage – clay bio balls4 cm
Most of the action is vertical – keep the soil moist but not wet, and focus on perches and dense planting.
Temperature: 20–26°C. Humidity: 60–75%. UVB: Not needed.
What does a dark fishing spider eat?
Insectivore – crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms. Adults: 2–3 crickets or roaches weekly.
Handling, temperament & health
Fast and may bite defensively, though the venom is mild; use a cup.
Health watch: Watch for dehydration and stuck molts; always provide a water dish and never feed a molting spider.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Mist to raise humidity – usually a heavy evening misting with a dry-down by day.
- Check temperatures at perch height.
Weekly
- Feed; remove uneaten food (and diet dishes after 24–48 h).
- Check the drainage layer and prune vines.
- Look for stuck shed on toes and tails.
Monthly
- Top up leaf litter.
- Check branches and mounts are still secure.
- Clean glass, vents and misting nozzles.
Yearly
- Refresh the top of the soil in open areas.
- Replace UVB bulbs (if used) on schedule.
Recommended for a dark fishing spider bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (30 × 30 × 45 cm).
Clay Bio Balls
Drainage layer, 4 cm
Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix
Bioactive soil layer, 5 cm
Magnolia Leaves 10/Pack
Leaf litter – food and cover for the clean-up crew
Fresh Sphagnum Moss Container
Moss for humidity pockets and planting
Cork Bark Backgrounds
Turns the back wall into climbing space
Cork Bark Tubes
A “tree trunk” to climb and hide in
Yamuna Spiderwood
Arboreal species prefer diagonal and horizontal perches
Cork Branches
More climbing routes
Dark fishing spider FAQ
Is the dark fishing spider good for beginners?
The dark fishing spider is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Fast and may bite defensively, though the venom is mild; use a cup.
What size enclosure does a dark fishing spider need?
At least 30 × 30 × 45 cm (about 12 × 12 × 18 inches, roughly 11 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a dark fishing spider cost in Canada?
Typically $15–40 CAD to buy, about $210–330 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $20–40 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a dark fishing spider need?
Temperature: 20–26°C. Humidity: 60–75%.
What does a dark fishing spider eat?
Insectivore – crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms. Adults: 2–3 crickets or roaches weekly.
Similar species
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.