Texas tan tarantula (Aphonopelma anax)
Photo: Chris A. Hamilton, Brent E. Hendrixson, Jason E. Bond / CC BY 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons

Arachnid · Terrestrial tarantula

Texas tan tarantula care guide

Aphonopelma anax

Beginner

The texas tan tarantula is a beginner-level terrestrial tarantula from S Texas, NE Mexico. Adults reach Leg span 13–15 cm and live Females 20–30 years, males 5–8 years in captivity. One of the largest US tarantulas; easy care with dry substrate and a deep hide.

  • Enclosure 30 × 30 × 30 cm
  • Temp 22–28°C
  • Humidity 40–60%

How much does a texas tan tarantula cost in Canada?

Animal$40–120Typical captive-bred price
Bioactive enclosure$120–220Enclosure $30–70 · equipment $40–90 · bioactive supplies ≈ $50
Yearly upkeep$40–90Food, supplements, bulbs, power, vet fund
First year total$200–430All prices CAD, estimates

Texas tan tarantula quick facts

Skill level
Beginner
Adult size
Leg span 13–15 cm
Lifespan
Females 20–30 years, males 5–8 years
Activity
Nocturnal
Native range
S Texas, NE Mexico
Minimum enclosure
30 × 30 × 30 cm (12 × 12 × 12 in, ≈ 7 US gal)
Housing
Best kept alone.
Temperature
22–28°C
Humidity
40–60%
UVB
Not needed
Diet
Insectivore – crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms
Bioactive style
Terrestrial tarantula

Texas tan tarantula enclosure & bioactive setup

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

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

Keep the gap between the soil surface and the lid no more than about twice the spider’s leg span, to prevent falls.

Temperature: 22–28°C. Humidity: 40–60%. UVB: Not needed.

What does a texas tan 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

Docile but best treated as a display animal; can flick urticating hairs that irritate skin and eyes.

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

Cleaning & maintenance schedule

Daily

  • Quick visual check – no need to disturb.

Weekly

  • Offer food; remove leftovers (boluses) within 24 h.
  • Refill the water dish; overflow it slightly now and then to dampen one corner.

Monthly

  • Check crew and moisture; a dry top with a slightly moist lower layer is ideal.

Yearly

  • Rehouse into a larger enclosure as the spider grows.

Recommended for a texas tan tarantula bioactive

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

Texas tan tarantula FAQ

Is the texas tan tarantula good for beginners?

Yes – the texas tan tarantula is a good choice for beginners. Docile but best treated as a display animal; can flick urticating hairs that irritate skin and eyes.

What size enclosure does a texas tan tarantula need?

At least 30 × 30 × 30 cm (about 12 × 12 × 12 inches, roughly 7 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.

How much does a texas tan tarantula cost in Canada?

Typically $40–120 CAD to buy, about $120–220 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $40–90 CAD a year to keep.

What temperature and humidity does a texas tan tarantula need?

Temperature: 22–28°C. Humidity: 40–60%.

What does a texas tan 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.