Grammostola pulchra Care Guide — The Gentle Brazilian Black Tarantula

The Grammostola pulchra, commonly known as the Brazilian Black tarantula, is a highly sought-after species in the tarantula hobby. Famous for its stunning jet-black colouration, docile temperament, and incredibly long lifespan, this is a species that can be both a showpiece and a gentle introduction to keeping tarantulas.

This guide covers everything you need to know about Grammostola pulchra care — including enclosure setup, temperature and humidity requirements, feeding, handling, and tips for keeping your spider happy and healthy.

Species Overview

• Scientific Name: Grammostola pulchra

• Common Name: Brazilian Black Tarantula

• Type: Terrestrial New World species

• Adult Size: 6–7 inches (diagonal leg span)

• Lifespan: Females 20–30+ years, males 6–8 years

• Temperament: Exceptionally calm and tolerant, but may flick urticating hairs if provoked. Also, known as the black labrador of the tarantula world!

• Growth Rate: Slow

  
  

Enclosure Setup

A secure, well-ventilated enclosure will help your Brazilian Black tarantula thrive.

Tank Size:For adults, a 12 x 12 inch (30 x 30 cm) enclosure is perfect. Like most terrestrial species, they don’t need much height — width and floor space are more important.

Substrate: Provide 4–6 inches of coco fibre, topsoil, or a soil-sand mix to allow for light burrowing. I personally use Spider Life substrate- this works really well for me. This also helps maintain stable humidity levels.

Hides: Offer at least one secure hide, such as cork bark or a half flowerpot.

Décor: Minimal décor is fine, but adding fake plants and leaf litter can help the tarantula feel secure and make the enclosure more natural-looking.

Temperature & Humidity

Temperature: Maintain between 22–26°C (72–79°F).

Humidity: Keep humidity around 65–75%. Lightly mist one corner of the enclosure once or twice a week and ensure a water dish is always available.

Ventilation: Good airflow is important to prevent mould while maintaining humidity.

Feeding Your Black Velvet Baby

Diet: Feed live insects such as crickets, dubia roaches, or mealworms. Avoid wild-caught prey to prevent parasites.

Feeding Schedule:

• Spiderlings: Every 3–4 days

• Juveniles: Once a week

• Adults: Every 10–14 days

  
  

Remove uneaten prey within 24 hours.

Water: Provide a shallow water dish at all times, cleaning it regularly.

Handling and Temperament

The Brazilian Black tarantula is known for its extremely docile nature, however, it is not recommend to handle your tarantula. Tarantulas do not benefit from it and can be injured if dropped, so handling should be avoided.

They are more likely to slowly walk away than to bite, but they can still flick urticating hairs if they feel threatened.

Moulting

Moulting is an important part of your tarantula’s growth. Signs include refusing food, sluggish behaviour, and laying down a web mat.

Moulting care tips:

• Do not disturb your tarantula during a moult.

• Avoid feeding until the new exoskeleton has hardened (5–7 days for spiderlings, up to 2 weeks for adults).

• Always ensure fresh water is available.

  
  

Common Health Issues

• Dehydration: Can cause shrivelled abdomen and lethargy — fix with clean water and slightly increased humidity.

• Mites/Mould: Prevent with proper ventilation and by removing uneaten prey quickly.

• Fall Injuries: Keep enclosure height low to avoid dangerous falls.

  
  

Why Choose a Brazilian Black Tarantula?

The Grammostola pulchra is one of the calmest and most beautiful tarantulas available. Its velvety black colour, easy care requirements, and exceptionally long lifespan make it a favourite among hobbyists. With the right care, this spider can be a part of your collection for decades.