Phormictopus auratus
✓ VerifiedCuban Gold Tarantula, Cuban Golden Tarantula
Thomas Brown, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Quick Facts
Adult Size
5-6 inches
Growth Rate
fast
Temperament
Fast and skittish; can be defensive but calms with age; urticating hairs present
Taxonomy
Community
Experience Required
Intermediate
Some experience recommended
🌡️ Climate Requirements
Temperature Range
76°F - 84°F
(24°C - 29°C)
Humidity Range
65% - 75%
🏠 Enclosure Sizes
Sling
2x2x2 inches
Juvenile
6x6x4 inches
Adult
12x8x6 inches
🪨 Substrate
Type
coco fiber, topsoil mix
Depth
3-4 inches
🍽️ Feeding Schedule
Sling
2x per week
Juvenile
weekly
Adult
every 7-10 days
Prey Size
medium
💧 Additional Care Notes
Water Dish
Required
Webbing
moderate
Burrowing
Yes
🕷️ Behavior & Temperament
General Temperament
Fast and skittish; can be defensive but calms with age; urticating hairs present
Care Guide
Phormictopus auratus is a striking tarantula from Cuba with an unusual golden-metallic sheen to its carapace and legs, making it one of the more visually distinctive NW species. It grows quickly and reaches adult size in 3-4 years, giving keepers a satisfying progression compared to slow-growing Grammostola or Brachypelma. They are faster and more flighty than P. cancerides, particularly as slings and juveniles — use caution during enclosure maintenance. Urticating hairs are present. Care is straightforward: moderate humidity, a water dish, burrowing substrate, and a hide. Feed regularly with appropriately sized prey. As with P. cancerides, they have an excellent feeding response. Cuba's strict export laws mean all specimens in the hobby are captive bred — always verify provenance.
⚠️ Safety Information
Urticating Hairs
This species has urticating hairs that can cause irritation if handled. Use caution during maintenance.
Venom Potency
Venom is not considered medically significant to humans, though reactions may vary.
Species Statistics
3
Total Keepers
N/A
Community Rating
Intermediate
Care Level
🕷️
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