Sri Lankan ornamental tarantula (Poecilotheria fasciata)
Photo: Matěj Baťha / CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons

Arachnid · Arboreal tarantula

Sri Lankan ornamental tarantula care guide

Poecilotheria fasciata

AdvancedCITES – buy captive-bred

The sri lankan ornamental tarantula is a advanced-level arboreal tarantula from Sri Lanka. Adults reach Leg span 15–18 cm and live Females 12–15 years, males 3–4 years in captivity. Fast-growing for an ornamental; bites can cause severe cramps for days.

  • Enclosure 30 × 30 × 45 cm
  • Temp 24–28°C
  • Humidity 65–75%

How much does a sri lankan ornamental tarantula cost in Canada?

Animal$60–200Typical captive-bred price
Bioactive enclosure$160–300Enclosure $40–80 · equipment $60–150 · bioactive supplies ≈ $70
Yearly upkeep$40–90Food, supplements, bulbs, power, vet fund
First year total$260–590All prices CAD, estimates

Sri Lankan ornamental tarantula quick facts

Skill level
Advanced
Adult size
Leg span 15–18 cm
Lifespan
Females 12–15 years, males 3–4 years
Activity
Nocturnal
Native range
Sri Lanka
Minimum enclosure
30 × 30 × 45 cm (12 × 12 × 18 in, ≈ 11 US gal)
Housing
Best kept alone.
Temperature
24–28°C
Humidity
65–75%
UVB
Not needed
Diet
Insectivore – crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms
Bioactive style
Arboreal tarantula

Sri Lankan ornamental tarantula enclosure & bioactive setup

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

  1. Leaf litter2 cm
  2. Jurassic ABG Tarantula Mix8 cm

Cross-ventilation is essential – stuffy, stagnant air is the main killer of arboreal tarantulas.

Temperature: 24–28°C. Humidity: 65–75%. UVB: Not needed.

What does a sri lankan ornamental 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

Fast, defensive Old World species with potent venom and no urticating hairs; never handle.

Health watch: Watch for dehydration and stuck molts; always provide a water dish and never feed a molting spider.

Cleaning & maintenance schedule

Daily

  • Visual check only.

Weekly

  • Offer food; remove leftovers.
  • Lightly mist one side of the enclosure or the web, and keep the water dish full.

Monthly

  • Check ventilation holes are clear.

Yearly

  • Rehouse as the spider grows.

Recommended for a sri lankan ornamental tarantula bioactive

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

Sri Lankan ornamental tarantula FAQ

Is the sri Lankan ornamental tarantula good for beginners?

The sri Lankan ornamental tarantula is an advanced species – best for experienced keepers. Fast, defensive Old World species with potent venom and no urticating hairs; never handle.

What size enclosure does a sri Lankan ornamental tarantula 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 sri Lankan ornamental tarantula cost in Canada?

Typically $60–200 CAD to buy, about $160–300 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $40–90 CAD a year to keep.

What temperature and humidity does a sri Lankan ornamental tarantula need?

Temperature: 24–28°C. Humidity: 65–75%.

What does a sri Lankan ornamental 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.