Kilimanjaro Mustard Baboon Tarantula (Pterinochilus chordatus) Care Sheet

Quick Facts

Attribute	Details
Common Name	Kilimanjaro Mustard Baboon Tarantula
Scientific Name	Pterinochilus chordatus
Origin	East Africa (Tanzania, Kenya)
Adult Size	12–15 cm leg span
Lifespan	Females: 8–12 years, Males: 3–4 years
Activity	Terrestrial / burrowing, nocturnal predator

Behavior

• Extremely fast, defensive, and aggressive; not suitable for handling.

• Burrower; spends most of the day hidden in substrate or under decor.

• Active hunter at night; may display threat posture when disturbed.

• Known for potent venom relative to size; highly defensive.

Enclosure Requirements

• Tank Size: Minimum 30–40 liters for a single adult

• Substrate: 8–12 cm of coconut fiber, soil, or peat moss; slightly moist but well-drained

• Decor: Cork bark, rocks, logs; provide secure burrow or hide

• Humidity: 60–70%

• Temperature:

  • Day: 24–28°C

  • Night: 20–24°C

• Lighting: Low light; indirect only

• Ventilation: Moderate airflow; avoid stagnant air

Compatibility

• Best housed singly; aggressive and highly territorial.

• Avoid cohabiting with other spiders or small arthropods.

Diet

• Carnivorous; feeds on live prey:

  • Crickets

  • Roaches

  • Mealworms / superworms

• Feed juveniles 2–3× per week; adults 1× per week

• Provide shallow water dish

• Remove uneaten prey after 24 hours

Care Tips

• Avoid handling; very fast and defensive.

• Maintain proper substrate and humidity for burrowing and molting.

• Provide secure burrows and hiding places.

• Spot-clean regularly; remove mold and waste.

• Ensure secure lid; escape-prone if stressed.

Visual Quick Guide

• 🏠 Enclosure: ≥30–40 L, burrowable substrate, hides

• 🌡️ Temp: Day 24–28°C / Night 20–24°C

• 💧 Humidity: 60–70%

• 🍴 Diet: Carnivorous (live insects)

• 🕒 Activity: Nocturnal, burrowing predator

• ⚠️ Stress: Avoid handling; provide secure burrows

Please note: We don't ship live animals. You can order online and choose click and collect, and we will hold it for you.