Brazilian Red and White Tarantula | Nhandu chromatus

Behavior

• Bold, active species often visible in the enclosure.

• Can be defensive and quick to kick urticating hairs when disturbed.

• Terrestrial hunter; spends time exploring the ground and using shallow burrows or hides.

• Not recommended for handling due to defensive behavior.

Enclosure Requirements

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

• Substrate: 8–12 cm of coconut fiber, peat moss, or soil mix for burrowing

• Decor: Cork bark, hides, logs, and rocks for shelter

• Humidity: 60–70%

• Temperature:

  • Day: 24–28°C

  • Night: 20–24°C

• Lighting: Low light; indirect only

• Ventilation: Moderate airflow to prevent mold

Compatibility

• Best housed singly; territorial and may attack other spiders.

• Avoid housing with other invertebrates.

Diet

• Carnivorous; feeds on live prey:

  • Crickets

  • Roaches

  • Mealworms / superworms

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

• Provide shallow water dish for drinking

• Remove uneaten prey after 24 hours

Care Tips

• Avoid handling; species is defensive and may flick urticating hairs.

• Maintain slightly moist substrate for proper humidity and molting.

• Provide hides or shallow burrows for security.

• Spot-clean regularly; remove waste and mold.

• Ensure secure lid to prevent escapes.

Breeding

• Oviparous; females produce egg sacs containing 500–1000 eggs.

• Incubation: approximately 6–8 weeks depending on temperature and humidity.

• Spiderlings are independent once hatched and require appropriately sized prey.

Visual Quick Guide

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

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

• 💧 Humidity: 60–70%

• 🍴 Diet: Carnivorous (live insects)

• 🕒 Activity: Nocturnal, terrestrial hunter

• ⚠️ Stress: Avoid handling; provide hides and stable humidity

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