{"product_id":"melopoeus-minax-big-black-thai-black-earth-tiger-tarantula","title":"Melopoeus minax 'Big Black' (Thai Black Earth Tiger Tarantula)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMelopoeus minax (Thai Black Earth Tiger Tarantula)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Thai Earth Tiger is one of the largest Earth Tigers in the hobby, and the nickname \"Big Black\" tells you everything you need to know. This heavily built fossorial species out of Thailand features a deep, rich jet-black body with warm gold banding at the leg joints and subtle dark striping across the abdomen. Not flashy — just bold, dark, and imposing. Adults carry serious mass and presence, and a full-grown specimen at the burrow entrance is one of the more striking sights in an Old World collection. A true burrower with a heavy webbing habit and lightning-fast defensive response, this is a hands-off display species for experienced keepers who appreciate natural behavior over interaction. Recently reclassified from\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eCyriopagopus\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eto\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eMelopoeus\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eper the 2026 World Spider Catalog revision. Grab this Old World fossorial tarantula for sale today if you want a large, bold Earth Tiger that commands attention in any collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy do hobbyists keep Melopoeus minax \"Big Black\"?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColoration:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eDeep jet-black body with warm gold banding at the leg joints and subtle dark abdominal striping. Simple, bold, and striking in person.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eOne of the larger Earth Tigers in the hobby, reaching 6 inches and beyond. The \"Big Black\" nickname is earned — this is a genuinely large, heavy-bodied animal.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeavy Webber:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eThis species webs its burrow entrance extensively, creating visible tunnel structures that make for an active, interesting display even when the spider stays out of sight.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding Response:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eA reliable nocturnal ambush predator. Takes prey confidently at the burrow entrance and is one of the more consistently feeding Earth Tigers when properly established.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFossorial Behavior:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eA true deep burrower that will excavate serious tunnel systems given sufficient substrate depth. Set it up right and watch it do exactly what it would do in the forests of Thailand.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow should Melopoeus minax \"Big Black\" be kept?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eReaches 6 inches and beyond. One of the largest Earth Tigers available in the hobby, with the heavy build and mass to match the name.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEnclosure:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eFossorial setup with 2 times the leg span as footprint and 3 times as height, with substrate depth 2 to 3 times the leg span to support deep stable burrows. Given the adult size, this means a serious depth of substrate. A secure lid is non-negotiable.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e75 to 80 degrees F. Stable room temperature works for most keepers. Avoid sustained temperatures above 85 degrees F.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHumidity:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eModerate to high. Keep lower layers of substrate slightly damp while allowing the top to dry. Never swampy. The moisture gradient gives them the microclimate choice they rely on in the wild.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eProvide a water dish near the burrow entrance. Fossorial species benefit from ambient moisture and will use a dish placed at substrate level.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eCrickets, roaches, and other feeders sized appropriately to the carapace (head). Feed weekly for spiderlings, every 7 to 10 days for adults. A large adult can take substantial prey.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eVery defensive, fast, and prone to bolting. Best suited for experienced keepers. This is a display and observe species.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre there any additional notes or considerations?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSubstrate depth matters:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eNeeds depth of soil and good airflow to get fresh air into burrows and prevent mold growth. Given the adult size, plan for 8 to 12 inches of packable moisture-retaining substrate.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSettling in:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eTrue burrowers will dig straight down given sufficient depth. A starter burrow against the enclosure wall helps them establish faster.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVisibility:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eLess disturbance equals more surface visibility. Most specimens will be seen at the burrow entrance regularly once they feel secure.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTaxonomy note:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eThis species has gone through three genus changes recently — it was widley known under\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eHaplopelma\u003c\/em\u003e, moved to\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eCyriopagopus\u003c\/em\u003e, and now reclassified to\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eMelopoeus\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eper the 2026 World Spider Catalog revision. Same animal, updated science.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCaptive bred:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eOur animals are 100% captive bred.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eListing Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis listing includes multiple size options. Animals are unsexed, there is approximately a 50\/50 chance of male or female on most species.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Exotics Unlimited","offers":[{"title":"0.75\" Spiderling","offer_id":44938189013311,"sku":null,"price":50.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"0.5-0.75\" Spiderling","offer_id":52353452507455,"sku":"M.MINAX.0.5","price":45.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"0.5-0.75\"  Spiderling FREE WITH QUALIFYING PURCHASE OF $150","offer_id":51282096488767,"sku":"M.MINAX.0.5","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0701\/5828\/7167\/files\/Haplopelma-sp.-minax_d5fc01c4-342c-418f-b8ee-3a696946d2a5.jpg?v=1787933098","url":"https:\/\/exoticsunlimitedusa.com\/products\/melopoeus-minax-big-black-thai-black-earth-tiger-tarantula","provider":"Exotics Unlimited","version":"1.0","type":"link"}