King baboon tarantula (Pelinobius muticus)
Photo: Www.universoaracnido.com / CC BY-SA 2.5 · via Wikimedia Commons

Arachnid · Burrowing tarantula

King baboon tarantula care guide

Pelinobius muticus

Expert

The king baboon tarantula is a expert-level burrowing tarantula from Kenya, Tanzania. Adults reach Leg span 18–20 cm and live Females 20–30 years, males 5–8 years in captivity. Needs very deep, compact substrate to burrow and grows slowly; expect it to stay hidden.

  • Enclosure 45 × 30 × 30 cm
  • Temp 24–28°C
  • Humidity 60–70%

How much does a king baboon tarantula cost in Canada?

Animal$80–250Typical captive-bred price
Bioactive enclosure$150–260Enclosure $40–80 · equipment $40–90 · bioactive supplies ≈ $80
Yearly upkeep$50–100Food, supplements, bulbs, power, vet fund
First year total$280–610All prices CAD, estimates

King baboon tarantula quick facts

Skill level
Expert
Adult size
Leg span 18–20 cm
Lifespan
Females 20–30 years, males 5–8 years
Activity
Nocturnal
Native range
Kenya, Tanzania
Minimum enclosure
45 × 30 × 30 cm (18 × 12 × 12 in, ≈ 11 US gal)
Housing
Best kept alone.
Temperature
24–28°C
Humidity
60–70%
UVB
Not needed
Diet
Insectivore – crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms
Bioactive style
Burrowing tarantula

King baboon tarantula enclosure & bioactive setup

Give one adult at least 45 × 30 × 30 cm (18 × 12 × 12 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a burrowing tarantula bioactive build.

  1. Leaf litter2 cm
  2. Jurassic ABG Tarantula Mix12 cm
  3. Base layer – packed coco fibre13 cm

Deep, slightly packed soil lets burrows hold their shape. Moisten the lower layers; the top can be drier. This species digs, so give it 25 cm (10 in) of substrate in total. Only the top 12 cm needs to be bioactive soil; the 13 cm underneath can be cheaper coco fibre, dampened and packed firm.

Temperature: 24–28°C. Humidity: 60–70%. UVB: Not needed.

What does a king baboon tarantula 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

Very defensive, stridulates loudly and has a powerful bite; never handle.

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 king baboon tarantula bioactive

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

King baboon tarantula FAQ

Is the king baboon tarantula good for beginners?

No – the king baboon tarantula is a specialist animal for expert keepers only. Very defensive, stridulates loudly and has a powerful bite; never handle.

What size enclosure does a king baboon tarantula need?

At least 45 × 30 × 30 cm (about 18 × 12 × 12 inches, roughly 11 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.

How much does a king baboon tarantula cost in Canada?

Typically $80–250 CAD to buy, about $150–260 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $50–100 CAD a year to keep.

What temperature and humidity does a king baboon tarantula need?

Temperature: 24–28°C. Humidity: 60–70%.

What does a king baboon tarantula 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.