Common name: goliath

Range: Surinam, Guyana, Brazil and Venezuela.

Size: Can reach up to 25 cm leg span (worlds largest spider).

Habitat: In burrows and scrapes under rocks and roots in deep rainforest.

Temp/Humidity: 75F - 80F / 65 - 70%.

Housing: Due to its large size, the goliath requires a larger enclosure. A retreat in the form of cork bark or a half flower pot is a must as this species can take some time to settle in captivity. High humidity is not essential but the substrate should not be allowed to dry out completely. A large open water dish is also a must.

Comments: T. blondi is the worlds largest recorded species of spider. Males have a greater leg span but are slimmer than the females. Not overly aggressive, the goliath is more nervous but be aware that this species has very irritating urticating hairs that it will throw off at the slightest sign of disturbance. Care should be taken especially when cleaning out the container as the hairs can cause a severe reaction. For their size, mating is usually a rather subdued affair with little risk to the male if both are receptive. Egg sacs contain few eggs (around 70) but the resulting spiderlings are huge, having a 2 cm leg span after their first moult. The goliath is a ravenous feeder throughout its life and is fast growing. The enclosure shouldn't be too high as these spiders like to wander and a fall from a tank wall can prove fatal. Wild caught specimens should be avoided as these seem to take time to settle in captivity and this shouldn't be a problem as there are plenty of captive bred stock available. Recently a species of scuttle fly was discovered that has a very close relationship with the goliath, more can be found here.