Not furry either, still lovely.
Brazilian Salmon Pink Tarantula
Lasiodora parahybana
Also called Salmon Pink Birdeater, LP
From Endemic to the Atlantic Forest region of northeastern Brazil, particularly the state of Paraíba near Campina Grande.12
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
Diagonal leg span; males often have longer legs but a slimmer body, females are bulkier.
Females can live 15-20 years; males typically live 2-5 years after maturity.
Looks how to spot one
urticating hairs and setae
The body is uniformly black, but mature individuals develop striking salmon-pink hairs on the legs, chelicerae and abdomen. Males tend to show more vibrant colour. The carapace is dark and the abdomen is covered with urticating setae that can be kicked off in defence.14
Personality what they are like
This tarantula is bold and often sits out in the open, but it is not typically aggressive. It may kick urticating hairs when disturbed and can deliver a painful bite as a last resort. Its strong feeding response means it may lunge at prey, so handling is not recommended due to its size and speed.125
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Nocturnal and fairly active; it often explores its enclosure at night. It does not require exercise beyond the space to move and burrow.43
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
No grooming needed. Keepers must be cautious of urticating hairs during maintenance. A fall of more than a few inches can rupture the abdomen, so handling is dangerous for the spider.12
Home where they are happiest
A large, low, terrestrial enclosure with a secure lid and good ventilation. Minimum floor space for an adult is about 45 x 30 cm, with 10 cm or more of substrate (coco coir, soil or peat/vermiculite mix) for burrowing. Temperature 24-28°C (76-82°F) day, 22-24°C (72-75°F) night; humidity 60-75%. Provide a hide and a shallow water dish. Avoid excessive height and swampy substrate.673
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Insectivorous; feed appropriately sized crickets, roaches, locusts, and occasional mealworms or superworms. Adults may also take small rodents or lizards, but insects are the staple. Prey should be no larger than the spider's body.674
Company who they like around
Solitary; must be housed alone except for planned breeding. Handling is not recommended for the safety of both keeper and spider. There are no legal restrictions on keeping this species in most countries, but local rules should always be checked.32
The story where it all began
Discovered and described in 1917 by Brazilian zoologist Cândido Firmino de Mello-Leitão in the state of Paraíba. It quickly became popular in the pet trade due to its enormous size, fast growth, and relatively docile nature. Its readiness to breed and low price compared to the Goliath birdeater have made it a staple in tarantula collections worldwide.1
Recognised by the official bits
Popularity Very popular in the tarantula hobby; often recommended for beginners due to its hardiness and low price.12
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Brazilian Salmon Pink Tarantula. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Humidity checkevery 2 days
- Water dishevery 2 days
- FeedingDepends on species, size and moult stagevaries
- Spot cleanRemove leftover foodevery week
- Moult noteLeave them in peace while moulting and note it in the diaryvaries
- Substrate changeevery 6 months
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Brazilian Salmon Pink Tarantula?
Feeding frequency depends on your tarantula's age, size, and moult stage. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests adjusting based on these factors, and always offer prey no larger than its body. For a precise schedule, ask a good breeder or exotic-pet vet.674 Furry Diary plan
What does a Brazilian Salmon Pink Tarantula eat, and what should it never eat?
This tarantula eats appropriately sized crickets, roaches, locusts, and occasional mealworms or superworms. Adults may also take small rodents or lizards, but insects are the staple. Never feed prey larger than its body, and avoid wild-caught insects that may carry pesticides; for specific restrictions, consult a vet.674
How much space does a Brazilian Salmon Pink Tarantula need?
A large, low, terrestrial enclosure with a secure lid is needed. Minimum floor space for an adult is about 45 x 30 cm, with at least 10 cm of substrate for burrowing. This gives your tarantula room to explore and feel secure.673
What temperature, light or water does a Brazilian Salmon Pink Tarantula need?
Keep the enclosure at 24-28°C (76-82°F) during the day and 22-24°C (72-75°F) at night, with humidity between 60-75%. Provide a shallow water dish and a hide. No special lighting is needed, but avoid direct sunlight.673
How often should I clean a Brazilian Salmon Pink Tarantula's home?
Spot clean weekly by removing leftover food. Change the substrate every 6 months. During moulting, leave your tarantula completely undisturbed. Furry Diary's plan also suggests noting the moult in your diary. Furry Diary plan
Can a Brazilian Salmon Pink Tarantula live with others?
No, this tarantula is solitary and must be housed alone except for planned breeding. Keeping it with others would cause stress and aggression.32
How long does a Brazilian Salmon Pink Tarantula live?
Females can live up to 20 years, while males have a shorter lifespan of around 5 years. With proper care, you can enjoy many years with your tarantula.24
Can I handle a Brazilian Salmon Pink Tarantula?
Handling is not recommended for the safety of both you and the spider. It may kick urticating hairs or deliver a painful bite, and a fall of even a few inches can be fatal. Enjoy watching this bold tarantula from a safe distance.125
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- en.wikipedia.org: Lasiodora parahybana en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, weight kg, length cm, coat or body, colours, best traits, temperament, grooming or care, history, popularity, fun fact
- thetarantulacollective.com: lasiodora parahybana thetarantulacollective.comused for origin, length cm, lifespan years, best traits, temperament, grooming or care, social needs, popularity
- academy.herpeton.net: lasiodora parahybana academy.herpeton.netused for length cm, activity needs, habitat needs, social needs
- torontozoo.com: Brazilian salmon pink bird eating tarantula torontozoo.comused for lifespan years, coat or body, colours, activity needs, diet basics, fun fact
- eightlegs.us: salmon eightlegs.usused for temperament
- nwzoo.com: Parahybana nwzoo.comused for habitat needs, diet basics
- academy.herpeton.net: lasiodora parahybana academy.herpeton.netused for habitat needs, diet basics
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-10-01. Text is written in our own words from these sources.