Brazilian Black Tarantula

Brazilian Black Tarantula

Grammostola pulchra
$37.99
Price
Females: 20-30 years, Males: 6-8 years
Lifespan
Beginner
Difficulty
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In stock at 4 verified breeders

About this species

The Brazilian Black Tarantula is a stunning, jet-black spider that's become the gold standard for pet tarantulas. Native to the grasslands of Brazil and Uruguay, this gentle giant features a velvety black coat that deepens after each molt, creating an almost metallic sheen under proper lighting. Adults can reach 6-7 inches in leg span, with some specimens reaching up to 8 inches. Their stocky build and slow, deliberate movements have earned them the nickname 'the black lab of tarantulas.'

What makes them so sought after isn't just their appearance—it's their legendary calm temperament. Unlike many tarantulas, Brazilian Blacks rarely kick urticating hairs or show defensive behavior. They're content to stay out in the open rather than hiding, making them perfect display animals. Their extremely slow growth rate means they're often hard to find and command premium prices, but their 20-30 year lifespan for females makes them a true lifetime companion.

People buy Brazilian Blacks because they offer the perfect combination of beauty, docility, and hardiness. They're forgiving of beginner mistakes, tolerate handling better than most species (though handling isn't necessary), and their simple care requirements make them ideal for someone wanting a low-maintenance, high-impact pet. Their rarity and slow breeding also make them a prized addition to any collection.

Care requirements

Temperature
70-80°F
Humidity
60-70%
Enclosure
Terrestrial setup with more floor space than height, well-ventilated
Size
5-10 gallon tank for adults, minimum 3x leg span floor space
Substrate
3-5 inches of coco fiber, peat moss, or chemical-free topsoil for burrowing
Diet
Spiderlings: pinhead crickets, fruit flies 2-3x weekly. Adults: crickets, roaches, mealworms every 7-10 days. Prey should be smaller than abdomen
Water
Shallow water dish always available. Light misting once weekly, avoid oversaturating substrate. Overflow water dish occasionally for humidity
Important notes
Very slow growers—patience required. Stop feeding when in premolt (may refuse food for weeks). Wait 7-14 days after molting before feeding. Never use heat mats under enclosure. Provide hide but they may not use it. Keep substrate mostly dry with slightly moist bottom layer

Did you know?

Despite their intimidating size, they're considered the most docile tarantula species and rarely bite even when provoked
They grow so slowly that it can take 8-12 years for females to reach breeding maturity
Brazilian export laws are so strict that many 'Brazilian Blacks' in the hobby actually come from Uruguay populations

Common questions

Are Brazilian Black tarantulas good for beginners?
Yes, they're considered one of the best beginner species due to their docile nature, hardiness, and tolerance of care mistakes. They rarely show defensive behavior.
How fast do Brazilian Black tarantulas grow?
Extremely slowly. They may reach 4 inches in their first year, then growth slows dramatically. Females can take 8-12 years to reach maturity.
Can I handle my Brazilian Black tarantula?
While they're one of the most handleable species due to their calm nature, handling isn't necessary and always carries risk of injury from falls. If you do handle, do so over a soft surface.
Why are Brazilian Black tarantulas so expensive?
Their extremely slow growth rate, difficulty breeding, strict export laws from Brazil, and high demand all contribute to their premium pricing. They're often $100+ even as small juveniles.

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