Brachypelma smithi (ex annitha) (Mexican Giant Red Knee Tarantula) 2-2.5"

Brachypelma smithi (ex annitha) (Mexican Giant Red Knee Tarantula)

The Mexican Giant Red Knee Tarantula, or Brachypelma smithi (ex annitha), is a terrestrial tarantula from Mexico. Adults have black legs banded in deep, vivid red at the joints and knees, a black carapace, and a black abdomen. This coloration starts coming in around 2 inches, while the species only grows to about 5 to 6 inches in diagonal leg span. Females live about 20 to 30 years, males 4 to 5 years. This species is calm, forgiving, and a great choice for beginner keepers. Grab your very own Mexican Giant Red Knee Tarantula for sale today, offered here as a juvenile.

Why do hobbyists keep Mexican Giant Red Knee Tarantula?

• Black and Deep Red Coloration: Sells itself the moment you see one in person.
• Docile Temperament: Calm and forgiving, a popular docile terrestrial.
• Great Display Species: Stays visible rather than hiding below ground.
• Beginner Species: A great first sling; arid-region tarantulas are easy to keep.
• Uncommon in the Hobby: Harder to find true to its own bloodline, since it was crossed with hamorii unknowingly for years before the two were recognized as distinct.

How should Brachypelma smithi (ex annitha) be kept?

• Adult Size: Hatches around 0.5 inch, adult max about 5 to 6 inches.
• Enclosure: A 12 by 12 by 8 inch enclosure with about 4 inch of substrate, sized ahead of the animal.
• Setup Tips: A cork hide sized to fully enter speeds settling in.
• Rehousing: Next upsize: the 18 by 18 by 12 inch enclosure (roughly 18 to 24 months).
• Temperature: 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, optimal for an arid species like this one.
• Humidity: Arid, not kept wet. Never let substrate dry out completely at sling size.
• Water: A shallow textured water dish, something to grip climbing out.
• Diet: A 1/2 inch cricket or similar roach, once a week.
• Temperament: Calm and forgiving, a docile terrestrial species.

Are there any additional notes or considerations for Brachypelma smithi (ex annitha)?

• Captive Bred: Captive bred, from Exotics Unlimited.
• Slow Growth Rate: Reaches adult size over roughly 4 to 6 years.
• Defensive Behavior: Hair-flicking is rare, a last resort.
• Look-Alike Note: River-divide split from hamorii; grows larger, with more red.

Looking for similar species?

• Browse our New World and Docile Species collections.

Frequently asked questions about Mexican Giant Red Knee Tarantula

• Is the Mexican Giant Red Knee Tarantula a good beginner species? Yes, one of the best beginner picks for a first tarantula.
• Is B. smithi the same as B. hamorii? No, smithi is larger and redder.

Listing Notes

• This listing is for a Brachypelma smithi (ex annitha) juvenile measuring around 2 to 2.5 inch in diagonal leg span, unsexed, with roughly a 50/50 chance of male or female.