Aphonopelma crinirufum (Nicaraguan Blue Front Tarantula)

Aphonopelma crinirufum (Nicaraguan Blue Front Tarantula)

The Nicaraguan Blue Front Tarantula, or Aphonopelma crinirufum, is a tropical tarantula from Nicaragua. Adults of this species have a darker slate body with reddish setae. Juveniles start out with a bluish hue on the front legs that fades as they grow, settling into the adult slate and reddish look by around 2 to 2.5 inches, while the species only grows to about 6 inches in diagonal leg span. Like others in the genus, along with Brachypelma, this species lives a long time, with females living 20 to 30 years while males live 3 to 5 years. This species is also very calm and forgiving, and one we recommend for beginner keepers or anyone who wants an easier keeping experience. Grab this docile new world tarantula for sale today, offered here as a spiderling.

Why do hobbyists keep Aphonopelma crinirufum?

• Slate And Reddish Coloration: Juveniles show a bluish hue on the front legs that fades as they grow, settling into a darker slate body with reddish setae by adulthood.
• Docile Temperament: This species is slow moving and very deliberate, not particularly skittish, and docile on top of that.
• Great Beginner Species: A calm temperament and forgiving care needs make this one of the easiest Aphonopelma for a first-time keeper.
• Great Display Species: This species stays out in the open on the surface rather than staying hidden below ground, so there is usually something to see.

How should Aphonopelma crinirufum be kept?

• Enclosure: Sized in three stages so the enclosure is never bigger than the animal needs at each point in its growth. Good ventilation is critical. Cross ventilation works best, but ample top ventilation can also be effective as long as the enclosure is not over-misted. Exact dimensions for each size are on that size's own page.
• Rehousing: Each size page states the remaining cage sizes and roughly how long each one lasts at this species' growth rate.
• Temperature: Keep this species between 65 and 75°F, in line with the tropical range it comes from. Typical indoor room temperature works well without any extra heating.
• Humidity: Water it and let it dry rather than keeping it damp. Aim for substrate that dries out within about a day after you add moisture, and never let it sit soaking.
• Water: A shallow textured water dish works well, something they can grip when climbing out.
• Diet: We recommend prey size from a pinhead cricket up to a cricket about a quarter the length of the leg span, depending on the size you choose. Feed at least once a week at every stage, spiderlings included.
• Temperament: Docile and unlikely to act defensively, more likely to retreat than stand its ground when startled.

Which size should I choose?

• 0.33-0.5" Spiderling: our most affordable entry into this species, with the bluish juvenile hue still on full display.
• 0.5-0.75" Spiderling: a slightly larger spiderling, still showing the bluish juvenile hue.

Are there any additional notes or considerations?

• Captive Bred: All tarantulas at Exotics Unlimited are captive bred.
• Not The True Blue Species: This species is sometimes confused with the true blue tarantula, Aphonopelma burica, a different species we do not carry. Our Nicaraguan Blue Front Tarantula refers to the bluish hue juveniles show before it fades to the adult slate and reddish coloration.