Grammostola pulchra (Brazilian Black Tarantula) 2-2.5"

Grammostola pulchra (Brazilian Black Tarantula)

This 2 to 2.5 inch Brazilian Black Tarantula juvenile is caught right in the middle of its color change, with the reddish spiderling look fading and the deep jet black adult coloration close to fully setting in around 2.5 inches. It is an exciting size to buy for exactly that reason, since the transformation is visibly happening in real time rather than something to imagine from a photo. Grammostola pulchra continues to be one of the calmest, most beginner friendly species in the hobby at this stage, and this new world tarantula for sale is a great pick for keepers who want to watch the final stretch of this species' signature look come together.

Why do hobbyists keep Grammostola pulchra?

• Color Change: Mid transition from the reddish spiderling coloration into the solid jet black finish, with the change often fully complete by the top of this size range.
• Docile Temperament: Calm and slow moving, rarely reactive even as it grows into a larger, sturdier juvenile.
• Great Display Species: Known for staying visible and active, frequently rearranging substrate and moving objects like water dishes with its fangs to its liking.
• Beginner Genus: Grammostola remains one of the most trusted beginner genera in the hobby, and pulchra is its most recognizable member.
• Hobby Favorite: A long standing classic that has introduced generations of keepers to the hobby.

How should Grammostola pulchra be kept?

• Adult Size: Reaches 5 to 6 inches at full leg span, with a heavy bodied build and slow, deliberate movement.
• Enclosure: House this juvenile in a 12 by 12 by 8 inch enclosure with about 4 inches of substrate, a secure hide, and a stable water dish. This cage is sized for two thirds of adult size, ahead of where the animal is today, so it comfortably carries it through this stage without an early rehouse.
• Rehousing: One rehouse remains. The final home is an 18 by 18 by 12 inch adult enclosure with 6 inches of substrate, needed around the 4 inch mark. At this species' slow growth pace, 4 to 6 years to full size, expect roughly 18 to 24 months out of this current cage before that last move.
• Temperature: Maintain between 65 to 75 degrees F with stable conditions.
• Humidity: Keep the substrate lightly moist, letting the top layer dry between mistings. 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.
• Water: A shallow textured water dish works well, something they can grip when climbing out.
• Diet: Prey length runs about a quarter of the leg span, matching the carapace (head). At this size that is a 1/2 to 5/8 inch cricket or dubia nymph. Feed at least once a week.
• Temperament: Calm and steady, with a slow deliberate presence typical of the genus at this size.

Are there any additional notes or considerations?

• Sling Coloration: Actively finishing its transition from reddish spiderling tones into the solid jet black adult look, often fully set by the top of this size range.
• Enclosure Rearranging: Frequently rearranges substrate and moves objects, including water dishes, with its fangs, a behavior that tends to become more noticeable as the animal establishes itself at this size.
• Unsexed Offering: Ships unsexed, with roughly even odds of male or female at this stage.
• Captive Bred: All Tarantulas are 100% captive bred.

Listing Notes

• This juvenile size is a great match for keepers past their first tarantula who want to watch the last stretch of the color change complete itself, without waiting all the way to adulthood. It also gives more margin for error on humidity and feeding than the smaller spiderling sizes.

Classification Note

There is ongoing discussion within the hobby regarding the distinction between Grammostola pulchra and Grammostola quirogai, as both have appeared in the trade under similar names. While they are recognized as separate species, much of what has historically been sold in the hobby has been labeled as G. pulchra. There is a good chance that, based on descriptions of both species, what we call Grammostola pulchra is actually Grammostola quirogai. These were sold to us as pulchra, so we will continue to use this name until a paper distinguishes hobby pulchra from wild forms of pulchra and quirogai. Since we cannot make species determinations based on color alone, changing the name without that evidence would be irresponsible. That is why we are keeping this listing as Grammostola pulchra "Hobby" form.