Mexican Red-Knee Tarantula

Brachypelma hamorii

Updated: September 2025

Quick Facts

COMMON NAME :

SCIENTIFIC NAME :

TYPE :

ADULT SIZE :

LIFESPAN :

TEMPERAMENT :

ENCLOSURE SIZE :

SUBSTRATE :

TEMPERATURE :

HUMIDITY :

WATER :

FEEDING:

Mexican Red Knee Tarantula

*Brachypelma hamorii*

New World — terrestrial (floor space > height)

♀ 5–6", ♂ 4–5"

♀ 15–30 years; ♂ ~5 years

Generally calm/docile; individuals vary

Adult ~12×12×12 in (or low 5–10 gal); juvenile 6–8" tub

3–4" mostly dry coco/soil; provide a hide

70–78 °F (21–26 °C)

Keep substrate **dry**; don’t chase a % number

Shallow dish available at all times

Juv ~1×/week; adult every 10–14 days; remove leftovers

  • • Adult footprint: ~12×12×12 in (or low 5–10 gal); floor space > height

    • Juveniles: 6–8" deli cup/tub; upgrade as they outgrow

    • Lid & ventilation: Escape-proof lid with cross-ventilation (side vents)

    • Substrate: 3–4" mostly dry coco/topsoil mix; lightly compacted

    • Hide & decor: One secure hide (cork/half-log); leaf litter or faux plants

    • Climbing risk: Minimize tall drops; terrestrial species can be injured by falls

    • Lighting: No special lighting; ambient room light is fine

  • • Target temps: ~70–78 °F (21–26 °C); avoid extremes

    • Heat (only if room is cool): Thermostat-controlled mat on the SIDE, never underneath

    • Humidity method: Do NOT chase %; keep substrate dry and provide a constant water dish

    • Ventilation: Good airflow > misting; avoid stale, sealed setups

    • Molting: Pre-molt fasting and low activity are normal; keep conditions stable and hands off

  • • Juveniles: Appropriate-size prey about once per week

    • Adults: Every 10–14 days

    • Prey types: Crickets, roaches; size ≲ abdomen width

    • Clean-up: Remove uneaten prey within 24 hours

    • Fasting: Weeks/months of fasting can be normal (esp. pre-molt) if abdomen isn’t shrinking

    • • Temperament: Generally calm, but individuals vary

      • Handling: Best as a display animal; handling risks falls and stress

      • Defenses: May flick urticating hairs—avoid eye/skin exposure

      • Stress signs: Pacing, refusing hide, pressing against walls → review enclosure and vibrations

    • Dehydration: Shrunken abdomen, lethargy → refresh water, check temps/airflow

      • Stuck molt: Don’t spike humidity; keep quiet and monitor post-molt recovery

      • Injury: Falls can rupture abdomen; if bleeding, use cornstarch/styptic and seek help

      • Pests: Prevent mites by removing leftovers and keeping enclosure clean/ventilated

  • • Pesticides/cleaners: No aerosols or scented cleaners near the enclosure

    • Kids/pets: Keep enclosure secured and out of reach

    • Sourcing: Prefer captive-bred; follow local regulations

  • • Escape-proof enclosure (adult) + juvenile tubs

    • Coco/soil substrate (unscented, chemical-free)

    • Cork hide + leaf litter

    • Shallow water dish

    • Feeding tongs, catch cup, soft brush

    • Digital thermometer (and thermostat if using heat)

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