Cyriopagopus minax – The Thailand Black Tarantula
This is one of the most stunning and bold Old World tarantulas out there. With its deep, jet-black coloration and a serious attitude, the Cyriopagopus minax is not for the faint of heart. It’s fast, defensive, and a true display tarantula for those who appreciate the beauty of a classic Asian fossorial species. If you want a tarantula with a strong personality and impressive size, this is the one.
Care Details:
- Temperature: 75 to 85°F (24 to 29°C). Tarantulas in warmer environments eat more, grow faster, and molt quicker. This care flexibility makes tarantulas easy to maintain.
- Humidity: 70-80%. Water dishes are not necessary, but if used, they pose no harm. I personally do not use them.
- Housing: Terrestrial/Fossorial species. A 1 oz to 4 oz deli container with needle-made ventilation is ideal for babies. Free containers available at checkout—just make sure to request one, or it won’t be included. For juveniles and adults, an enclosure 2 to 3 times their size works best, with deep substrate for burrowing.
Diet:
I personally give them a variety of crickets and cockroaches, including Dubia, Red-runner, Lobster, and Madagascar hissing roaches. For the baby tarantulas, baby crickets and baby roaches are ideal. If you have access to only one type of prey, that is also perfectly fine.
If you cannot find a small enough cricket or cockroach, just crush its head and leave it in the enclosure; your tarantula should handle the rest.
Remember to remove any uneaten food to prevent any mold growth.
And for an occasional treat, a pinky or hopper mouse adds a nice variety to their diet. Make sure to not overfeed rodents and feeder lizards to your tarantulas, these should be done every once in a while as a treat. Too much calcium is not good for the tarantula as it can cause constipation and the tarantula might have a hard time pooping.
In-depth Facts:
- Latin name: Cyriopagopus minax
- Common name: Thailand Black Tarantula
- Locale: Thailand, Myanmar
- Category: Terrestrial/Fossorial; heavy burrower
- Size: Females can reach up to 7 inches, while males stay slightly smaller.
- Urticating hairs: None
- Growth rate: Moderate to fast
- Life span: Females can live up to 20 years, males around 3-5 years.
- Recommended levels: Best for intermediate keepers who appreciate Old World tarantulas and their defensive nature.
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Safety Disclaimer:
Experiencing a tarantula bite is an extremely rare occurrence, and it's important to note that there have been no recorded fatalities due to a tarantula bite. The venom potency varies across species, with Old World tarantulas generally having stronger venom than their New World counterparts. Within the Old World category, the Poecilotheria genus is known for having particularly potent venom.
It's crucial to approach tarantulas with respect and understanding. If you happen to get bitten, which is unlikely, the key is to stay calm. In most cases, the discomfort is superficial and subsides within a few minutes to a few hours. However, bites from species with more potent venom may result in symptoms lasting up to a week. Remember, larger tarantulas tend to have more venom than smaller ones.
Please be aware that I cannot assume responsibility for bites. Tarantula handling should be done at your own risk. In my 11 years of experience with these creatures, I have only been bitten once, by a species with highly potent venom. While the experience was painful, the symptoms had completely disappeared after a week.
Handle tarantulas responsibly, and always prioritize your safety and the well-being of the tarantula.