Not furry either, still lovely.
Pinkfoot Goliath Birdeater
Theraphosa apophysis
Also called Goliath Pinkfoot Tarantula, Pinkfoot Goliath
From Northern South America, especially Venezuela, Colombia and Brazil; humid lowland forests.12
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
Legspan; body length about 8-12 cm.
Looks how to spot one
hair/urticating setae
The body is coffee brown with long orange-brown hairs scattered over the legs and abdomen. Spiderlings have pink feet on all eight legs, which fade with each moult. Mature males develop a metallic wine-red or purple sheen on the front part of the body and legs.16
Personality what they are like
Generally docile and sedentary, often lounging in its burrow. However, it can be nervous and defensive when disturbed, flicking extremely irritating urticating hairs or hissing. It is not a beginner species due to its potent hairs and high humidity needs.14
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Low activity; spends most time in its burrow. Enclosure should focus on floor space with deep substrate for burrowing, not height.46
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Minimal grooming; the keeper must avoid handling. Use gloves, long sleeves and eye protection during maintenance because the urticating hairs can cause severe skin and eye irritation lasting 24-48 hours.4
Home where they are happiest
Terrestrial enclosure with at least 15 cm (6 inches) of moisture-retaining substrate for burrowing, a large hide, and a large water bowl. Temperature 21-24°C (70-75°F), humidity 80-85%. Substrate should be damp but not waterlogged. Not recommended for beginners.41
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Ravenous eater. Adults eat about 15 adult crickets or 3 adult dubia roaches per week. Spiderlings eat small crickets, roaches or mealworms every few days.46
Company who they like around
Solitary; must be housed alone. Not suitable for handling. The urticating hairs are a serious hazard; always use protective gear when working in the enclosure.42
The story where it all began
The Pinkfoot Goliath Birdeater was first described scientifically in 1991 by Tinter. It is a New World tarantula from the rainforests of northern South America. In the pet trade it is prized by experienced keepers for its enormous size, fast growth and the beautiful metallic colours that mature males develop. Its pink-footed spiderlings are especially distinctive. Because of its potent urticating hairs and high humidity requirements, it is considered an intermediate to advanced species.174
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Pinkfoot Goliath Birdeater. 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 Pinkfoot Goliath Birdeater?
Adults eat about 15 adult crickets or 3 adult dubia roaches once a week. Spiderlings need small prey every few days. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests feeding depends on species, size and moult stage, so adjust as needed.46 Furry Diary plan
What does a Pinkfoot Goliath Birdeater eat, and what should it never eat?
They are ravenous eaters, enjoying crickets, roaches, and mealworms. Avoid any prey that could harm them, but specific forbidden foods vary; consult a vet or experienced breeder for a safe list.46
How much space does a Pinkfoot Goliath Birdeater need?
Provide a terrestrial enclosure with plenty of floor space and at least 15 cm of moisture-retaining substrate for burrowing. A large hide and water bowl are essential.46
What temperature, light or water does a Pinkfoot Goliath Birdeater need?
Keep temperature between 21-24°C (70-75°F) with high humidity of 80-85%. Provide a large water bowl and keep substrate damp but not waterlogged. No special lighting is needed. Furry Diary suggests checking humidity and water every 2 days.41 Furry Diary plan
How often should I clean a Pinkfoot Goliath Birdeater's home?
Spot clean the enclosure weekly by removing leftover food. A full substrate change is recommended every 6 months. Always use protective gear during maintenance.4 Furry Diary plan
Can a Pinkfoot Goliath Birdeater live with others?
This species is solitary and must be housed alone. They are not social and should never be kept with other tarantulas.42
How long does a Pinkfoot Goliath Birdeater live?
Pinkfoot Goliath Birdeaters can live from 3 to 20 years, with females typically living longer than males.45
Can I handle a Pinkfoot Goliath Birdeater?
Handling is not recommended due to their potent urticating hairs, which can cause severe irritation. Always use gloves, long sleeves, and eye protection when working in the enclosure. They are best admired from a distance.42
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: Theraphosa apophysis en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, coat or body, colours, best traits, temperament, habitat needs, history, fun fact
- academy.herpeton.net: theraphosa apophysis academy.herpeton.netused for origin, length cm, social needs
- britannica.com: pinkfoot goliath britannica.comused for length cm, fun fact
- beyondthetreat.com: theraphosa apophysis beyondthetreat.comused for lifespan years, best traits, temperament, activity needs, grooming or care, habitat needs, diet basics, social needs, history, fun fact
- spoodoire.uk: theraphosa apophysis spoodoire.ukused for lifespan years
- tomsbigspiders.com: theraphosa apophysis the pinkfoot goliath birdeater complete care tomsbigspiders.comused for coat or body, colours, activity needs, diet basics, fun fact
- itis.gov: SingleRpt itis.govused for history
- eol.org: articles eol.org
- 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.