Arachnid · Scorpion

Malaysian forest scorpion care guide

Heterometrus petersii

Beginner

The malaysian forest scorpion is a beginner-level scorpion from Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand. Adults reach Length 10–12 cm and live 5–8 years in captivity. Often sold as a generic Asian forest scorpion; keep singly to avoid cannibalism.

  • Enclosure 45 × 30 × 30 cm
  • Temp 24–30°C
  • Humidity 70–80%

How much does a malaysian forest scorpion cost in Canada?

Animal$30–70Typical captive-bred price
Bioactive enclosure$170–320Enclosure $40–80 · equipment $60–150 · bioactive supplies ≈ $80
Yearly upkeep$50–100Food, supplements, bulbs, power, vet fund
First year total$250–490All prices CAD, estimates

Malaysian forest scorpion quick facts

Skill level
Beginner
Adult size
Length 10–12 cm
Lifespan
5–8 years
Activity
Nocturnal
Native range
Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand
Minimum enclosure
45 × 30 × 30 cm (18 × 12 × 12 in, ≈ 11 US gal)
Housing
Best kept alone.
Temperature
24–30°C
Humidity
70–80%
UVB
Not needed
Diet
Insectivore – crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms
Bioactive style
Tropical invertebrate

Malaysian forest scorpion enclosure & bioactive setup

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

  1. Leaf litter2 cm
  2. Jurassic ABG Tarantula Mix12 cm

Keep the soil evenly moist and dig-friendly; a cork slab pressed onto the soil gives a ready-made scrape.

Temperature: 24–30°C. Humidity: 70–80%. UVB: Not needed.

What does a malaysian forest scorpion eat?

Insectivore – crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms. Adults: 2–3 appropriately sized insects every 7–10 days; remove uneaten prey after 24 hours.

Handling, temperament & health

Defensive and pinches hard, but the sting is mild; use tongs.

Health watch: Watch for dehydration, mites and mould; good ventilation and a shallow water dish prevent most problems.

Cleaning & maintenance schedule

Daily

  • Visual check.

Weekly

  • Feed; remove leftovers.
  • Mist one side and keep the water dish full.

Monthly

  • Top up leaf litter.

Yearly

  • Refresh the top soil if it compacts.

Recommended for a malaysian forest scorpion bioactive

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

Malaysian forest scorpion FAQ

Is the malaysian forest scorpion good for beginners?

Yes – the malaysian forest scorpion is a good choice for beginners. Defensive and pinches hard, but the sting is mild; use tongs.

What size enclosure does a malaysian forest scorpion 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 malaysian forest scorpion cost in Canada?

Typically $30–70 CAD to buy, about $170–320 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $50–100 CAD a year to keep.

What temperature and humidity does a malaysian forest scorpion need?

Temperature: 24–30°C. Humidity: 70–80%.

What does a malaysian forest scorpion eat?

Insectivore – crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms. Adults: 2–3 appropriately sized insects every 7–10 days; remove uneaten prey after 24 hours.

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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.