Goliath birdeater (Theraphosa blondi)
Photo: Didier Descouens / CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons

Arachnid · Burrowing tarantula

Goliath birdeater care guide

Theraphosa blondi

Advanced

The goliath birdeater is a advanced-level burrowing tarantula from N Brazil, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname. Adults reach Leg span 25–30 cm and live Females 12–15 years, males 3–4 years in captivity. Very large. Moist, deep soil. Solitary.

  • Enclosure 45 × 45 × 30 cm
  • Temp 24–28°C
  • Humidity 75–85%

How much does a goliath birdeater cost in Canada?

Animal$80–300Typical captive-bred price
Bioactive enclosure$170–290Enclosure $40–90 · equipment $40–90 · bioactive supplies ≈ $90
Yearly upkeep$80–150Food, supplements, bulbs, power, vet fund
First year total$330–740All prices CAD, estimates

Goliath birdeater quick facts

Skill level
Advanced
Adult size
Leg span 25–30 cm
Lifespan
Females 12–15 years, males 3–4 years
Activity
Nocturnal
Native range
N Brazil, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname
Minimum enclosure
45 × 45 × 30 cm (18 × 18 × 12 in, ≈ 16 US gal)
Housing
Best kept alone.
Temperature
24–28°C
Humidity
75–85%
UVB
Not needed
Diet
Insectivore – crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms
Bioactive style
Burrowing tarantula

Goliath birdeater enclosure & bioactive setup

Give one adult at least 45 × 45 × 30 cm (18 × 18 × 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: 24–28°C. Humidity: 75–85%. UVB: Not needed.

What does a goliath birdeater eat?

Insectivore – crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms. Adults: 2–4 large roaches or crickets every 7–10 days; slings eat heavily and grow fast.

Handling, temperament & health

Nervous; hisses (stridulates) and releases very irritating hairs, so do not handle.

Health watch: Dehydration and dried-out substrate are dangerous; keep the soil moist and the water dish full.

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 goliath birdeater bioactive

Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (45 × 45 × 30 cm).

Goliath birdeater FAQ

Is the goliath birdeater good for beginners?

The goliath birdeater is an advanced species – best for experienced keepers. Nervous; hisses (stridulates) and releases very irritating hairs, so do not handle.

What size enclosure does a goliath birdeater need?

At least 45 × 45 × 30 cm (about 18 × 18 × 12 inches, roughly 16 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.

How much does a goliath birdeater cost in Canada?

Typically $80–300 CAD to buy, about $170–290 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $80–150 CAD a year to keep.

What temperature and humidity does a goliath birdeater need?

Temperature: 24–28°C. Humidity: 75–85%.

What does a goliath birdeater eat?

Insectivore – crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms. Adults: 2–4 large roaches or crickets every 7–10 days; slings eat heavily and grow fast.

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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.