Phormictopus auratus - Goliath Golden Bird-Eater - For Sale

Give an adult female a large terrestrial enclosure with plenty of usable floor space and several inches of compactable substrate. A partially buried piece of cork bark makes a great starter retreat, although established females will often spend plenty of time sitting completely out in the open. Keep climbing height low since these become very large, heavy-bodied tarantulas.

Keep this species around 72–80°F with moderate moisture and good ventilation. Rather than trying to maintain a specific humidity percentage, give them a moisture gradient—one area slightly damp and the majority of the surface allowed to dry. Avoid keeping the entire enclosure soaking wet or stagnant.

P. auratus are serious eaters and rarely hesitate when prey enters the enclosure. Growing specimens can be fed an appropriately sized cricket or roach about once a week, while large females can be fed every 7–14 days depending on body condition. Always provide a clean water dish, and occasionally overflowing it is an easy way to add localized moisture.

Goliath Golden Bird-Eaters are large, hardy Caribbean terrestrials that appreciate some moisture without being kept constantly wet. Give them several inches of substrate, a cork-bark retreat, plenty of floor space, and a large water dish. I recommend keeping one area slightly moist while allowing the rest of the enclosure to dry between waterings. They are fast-growing, incredibly food responsive, and generally very forgiving once established.