The idea of keeping spiders as pets is terrifying to some people, but to others – they are a dream pet. Spiders are hardy, low-maintenance creatures with striking colors and fascinating behavior. They have a bad reputation because some are deadly, but many docile, unaggressive species make fantastic pets. So, if you want to know more about keeping tarantulas, get stuck into this list of 7 spiders that make good pets.
1. Brazilian Black: Hardy and Docile
Size: 7 inches
Lifespan: 5 – 20 years
Care Level: Beginner
The Brazilian Black is the first entry on our list of the best pet spiders. This striking, velvety black tarantula is also one of the largest spiders on our list. It’s a ground-dwelling spider and loves to burrow, and like most tarantulas, it’s most active at night.
Brazilian Blacks are excellent for beginners because they are hardy and docile. These arachnids are venomous, but their bite generally isn’t harmful, and they are not very aggressive. Yet, these spiders will bite and flick their hair if they feel threatened. The Brazilian Black is a keen hunter and needs the usual spider diet of live food, such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches.
2. Chilean Rose: Great for Beginners
Size: 4 – 5 inches
Lifespan: 5 – 20 years
Care Level: Beginner
The Chilean Rose is also called the Chilean Fire Tarantula, and if you’re a beginner keeper, this is a tarantula species you want to know more about. They have brown or black bodies covered in pinkish hair and are incredibly docile, making them the specimen of choice for learning institutions. However, they can be cranky if you handle them too much.
The Chilean Rose is a widely available, land-dwelling, burrowing species. So, they need a warm, humid environment and lots of space. You must provide them with plenty of decor and hiding spaces but be aware that they are famous for rearranging their tank ornaments. Like most tarantulas on our list, the Chilean Rose is solitary, and you must keep them alone.
3. Costa Rican Zebras Suit Experienced Keepers
Size: 4 – 5 inches
Lifespan: 5 – 20 years
Care Level: Intermediate to Experienced
The Costa Rican Zebra Spider is also called the Striped Knee Tarantula. It has a black body covered in red hair, with distinctive white stripes on its legs. Zebra Spiders are ground-dwelling creatures and need a warm, humid environment.
Costa Rican Zebra Spiders are low maintenance but are fast, skittish, and difficult to handle, so they are not advisable for beginners. They can also be aggressive and may shoot their barbed hair if they feel threatened. These spiders are not the most venomous and rarely bite, and usually, their bite isn’t harmful. Some people, however, can have a severe allergic reaction to tarantula bites, which can be incredibly dangerous. It is a similar reaction to anaphylactic shock following bee stings.
4. Gooty Sapphires Are Arboreal Spiders
Size: 2- 3 inches
Lifespan: 4 – 12 years
Care Level: Experienced
The Gooty Sapphire, also called the Peacock Tarantula, is the most striking entry on our list. This stunning creature is from India and is electric blue, dotted with contrasting white and yellow markings on its body and legs.
The Gooty Sapphire is a tree spider, so it needs a tall, warm, and humid habitat, which is difficult for beginners to recreate. They are also skittish and can be aggressive. They are not the most venomous spiders in the world, but their bite is painful and potentially dangerous. Unfortunately, these stunning creatures are highly at risk due to habitat loss.
5. Honduran Curly Hairs Are Calm Spiders
Size: 5 – 6 inches
Lifespan: 4 – 20 years
Care Level: Beginner to Intermediate
The Honduran Curly Hair Tarantula must be the cutest entry on our list. This distinctive spider is known as the Wooly Tarantula because of its long hair. This furry arachnid is ideal for beginners because it is super calm and moves slowly. Curly Hair Tarantulas are also super hardy, inexpensive, and readily available.
These spiders spend most of their time above ground and have interesting hunting behavior. The Honduran Curly Hair is super docile and rarely bites. They are venomous spiders, but their bites aren’t harmful. The Honduran Curly Hair needs a tropical environment, which may be challenging for beginner keepers to recreate.
6. Mexican Red Knee Tarantulas Can Live Decades
Size: 5 inches
Lifespan: 10 – 30 years
Care Level: Beginner
The Mexican Red Knee Tarantula is one of the most recognizable spiders on our list and is ideal for first-time keepers. They are distinctive, pretty arachnids with a hairy black body and bright red or orange knees. They are super docile, hardy, easy to handle, and don’t need much space.
Male Red Knee Spiders live for around 10 years, but females can live up to 30, making them one of the longest-living insects in the world. In the spider world, females generally live substantially longer than males. Mexican Red Knee spiders have captivating behavior and will usually flee rather than attack. That said, their hairs can irritate sensitive skin.
7. Mexican Redleg Are Adaptable Pets
Size: 5 – 6 inches
Lifespan: 5 – 30 years
Care Level: Beginner
The Mexican Redleg is the final entry on our list of spiders that make good pets. It looks similar to the Mexican Red Knee, except its legs are entirely red, and it has a similar nature and care needs. Redleg tarantulas are excellent for beginners because they are docile and adaptable. They also thrive in many environments, from tropical rainforest to semi-arid scrubland.
Redleg spiders love burrowing and are excellent ambush hunters. Generally speaking, tarantulas aren’t good pets for children, but the Mexican Redleg is a good choice for responsible young arachnophiles. These spiders rarely bite, but their hairs can irritate the skin.
