Straight-horned Baboon

Looks how to spot one

carapace and opisthosoma

The carapace is black with light brown striping and a distinctive straight black horn. The opisthosoma is light brown with black spotting, sometimes forming a fishbone pattern. Legs are light brown or grey.1

Personality what they are like

This tarantula is very defensive and fast. It will first try to flee, but if cornered it may stridulate or bite. It lacks urticating hairs, so its main defence is speed and a painful bite. Not recommended for beginners.12

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Low activity needs. It is a burrowing species that spends most of the day in its burrow and becomes vigilant at the tunnel entrance at night.1

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Minimal grooming. Keep the enclosure dry with a moisture gradient and a water dish. Avoid excessive humidity. Use separate tools for quarantine of new animals.32

Home where they are happiest

A secure enclosure around 30 x 30 x 30 cm with deep substrate (15-20 cm) for burrowing. Use a mix of unfertilised topsoil, coco fibre and a little clay or sand. Provide a hide or started burrow under angled cork. Temperature 21-27°C, humidity 50-60%. Good ventilation is essential.32

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Insectivorous. Feed crickets, roaches, locusts and mealworms in moderation. Slings every 3-5 days, juveniles once or twice weekly, adults every 7-14 days. Remove uneaten prey after 24 hours.32

Company who they like around

This species must be kept alone. It is not a social animal and will attack cage mates. Handling is discouraged due to its defensive nature and strong venom.34

The story where it all began

Ceratogyrus marshalli was first described by Reginald Innes Pocock in 1897. It is native to the dry savannas and scrublands of Zimbabwe and Mozambique. In the pet trade it is valued for its striking straight horn and fossorial lifestyle, but it is considered an advanced species due to its defensive temperament and potent venom.12