Tliltocatl (Brachypelma) schroederi (Mexican Black Velvet Tarantula) 2-2.5"

Tliltocatl schroederi (Mexican Black Velvet Tarantula)

The Mexican Black Velvet Tarantula, or Tliltocatl schroederi (ex. Brachypelma), is a terrestrial tarantula from the tropical regions of Mexico. Adults of this species have a gorgeous jet black coloration, giving it a look almost identical to its distant cousin, the infamous Brazilian Black. Spiderlings do not start out colorful and the adult coloration comes in with every molt, while the species only grows to about 4 to 5 inches in diagonal leg span. Like others in the genus, this species has a very long lifespan, with females reaching about 20 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 juvenile.

Why do hobbyists keep Tliltocatl schroederi?

• Jet Black Coloration: A gorgeous, deep jet black coloration across the whole animal, giving it a look almost identical to the infamous Brazilian Black.
• Docile Temperament: Calm and very forgiving, a big part of why this species has stayed a hobby favorite for decades.
• Beginner Species: The temperament and price range make this an easy recommendation for first time tarantula keepers, not just experienced collectors.
• Great Display Species: An opportunistic burrower rather than a dedicated one, so it spends plenty of time out on the surface where you can actually see it.
• Rare in the Hobby: Breeding difficulty and high demand make this one genuinely harder to source than most of its red rump cousins, so it is a real find for a collector.

How should Tliltocatl schroederi be kept?

• Adult Size: These hatch out around 0.5 inch and reach a max size of around 4 to 5 inches at full leg span, so this one is closing in on the halfway mark.
• Enclosure: At this size, a 10 by 10 by 8 inch enclosure is the right call, with about 3 inches of substrate for the occasional burrow and a hide to shelter under.
• Rehousing: One more enclosure after this one, a final adult setup around 16 by 16 by 10 inches. Slow growth means 4 to 6 years to full size and roughly 18 to 24 months out of each enclosure, so this is not a species that has you rebuilding every few months.
• Temperature: Keep between 65 and 75 degrees F.
• Humidity: An arid species at every size. The substrate stays mostly dry and the only real job is making sure it never dries out completely, which a damp corner near the water dish takes care of on its own. Organic coconut fiber works well because it resists mold. 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: A 1/2 to 5/8 inch cricket, roach, or mealworm is about the right size at this stage, roughly the width of the carapace (head). Feed at least once a week.
• Temperament: Docile and very forgiving, hardy and tolerant of a range of conditions, which is exactly why this species has been a hobby favorite for decades.

Are there any additional notes or considerations for Tliltocatl schroederi?

• Solitary Species: House individually. Attempts at cohabitation can end in cannibalism, so one animal per enclosure with this genus.
• Lifespan: Females reach about 20 years while males live 3 to 5, so a female bought at any size is a decades long animal rather than a season.
• Captive Bred: All Tarantulas are 100% captive bred.

Listing Notes

• This listing is for a Tliltocatl schroederi Mexican Black Velvet Tarantula juvenile measuring around 2 to 2.5 inches in diagonal leg span, which is the size given in the title, unsexed, with roughly a 50/50 chance of male or female. This is the largest size we currently carry, with the jet black coloration well on its way in and fewer rehouses left ahead of it.
• Looking for other sizes? This species is also available as a Juvenile at 1.25-1.5 inches or 1.5-2 inches.