This is a specific care sheet for Cameroon Reds (Hysterocrates gigas), for more in this genus see Category:Hysterocrates.

The Cameroon Red Tarantula is a large African burrower indigenous to the West African countries of Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea and Zaire. This tarantula is also commonly known by the name “tawny red” baboon.

Contents 1 Description 2 Habitat 3 Behaviour 4 Feeding 5 Temperature 6 Humidity 7 Growth 8 Cleaning 9 Handling

Description

This Tarantula has varied colourations depending on it’s molting cycle. Just after a fresh molt, it is generally much more black in appearance, it will gradually turn a reddish brown color and even develop some orange colouration prior to molt. It generally looks “tawny red” hence, the common name. They have thick rear legs which are believed to aid them in burrowing, though not as pronounced as those of the ‘King Baboon’.

Habitat

As with all tarantulas, it is very important to research their natural habitat so that you can duplicate this as much as possible in captivity. This will keep your tarantula from becoming stressed and enusring its well-being, which in turn, will lead to a longer life. The Cameroon Red is a burrower in a tropical environment. Therefore, it is very important to provide a suitable depth of substrate and humidity to properly care for this tarantula. It will dig elaborate burrows and tunnels and remain there most of the time. Pieces of cork bark make good shelters. Sometimes, they will just burrow down one of the corners of a tank, which makes them visible even while in hiding.

Behaviour

The Cameroon Red is a very reclusive tarantula. While normally shy, if provoked the Cameroon Red becomes a very agressive species. They will rear up and strike repeatedly, and hard, much like a cobra. They have been known to roll over on their back and kick their legs like a child throwing a tantrum. This is not a beginner’s species due to its aggressive nature. Not much is known about the venom of this species. Personal accounts usually describe its potency as greater than your typical “New World” species, but less toxic than say, a Poecilotheria. In any event, taking a bite from this species is not recommended and always use care when working in its enclosure. These tarantulas are fast growing and will attain a maximum leg span of 6 to 6.5 inches. They will attack and eat anything that moves.

Feeding

A diet of crickets, cockroaches, superworms, pinkies, and small fuzzy mice will provide your Cameroon Red with all the nutrients it requires. Note on roaches: avoid catching these on your own or any other food source outdoors, as they may be laden with pesticides that can harm or even kill your tarantula. Note on mice: If you feed your tarantula mice your probably not squeamish, so I advise knocking them unconscious, mice have teeth and will defend themselves which can injure your tarantula. Please note in some countries it is illegal to feed live mice to another creature. To avoid possible prosecution, it is recommended you only feed pre-killed prey to your arachnids.

Temperature

A temperature of between 24-30°C (75-85°F) should be created within the enclosure. A temperature gradient is important to allow the spider to regulate their body temperature as needed. The easiest way to provide the gradient is by using a heating mat designed for use under reptile tanks. This should be placed under no more than about 1/3 of the tank, so your pet can move from warmer to cooler temperatures if desired. Always verify that appropriate temperatures are being provided by using accurate thermometers in a few locations within the enclosure.

Humidity

A high humidity of 70-85% with daily mistings is necessary to maintain the optimum conditions for your Cameroon Red. The substrate should be kept damp, but not wet. If there is mold on the substrate or condensation on the walls of the tank, the humidity is too high.

To successfully maintain the desired humidity conditions for your whip scorpion you are going to need a hygrometer. A hygrometer is a device used to measure relative humidity within the enclosure.

Growth

This is a fast growing species, they should molt 6-8 times in their first year if you feed them daily up to pre-molt. Males will mature in a year, 2 years tops. Females will mature in 2-4 years. Males will live 2-4 years, females have been known to live up to 16 years but 12 would be average. Expect this tarantula to molt once a year after the first year, females may molt twice a year until they reach maturity.

Cleaning

It is very important to keep a clean tank. You should try to prevent prey from going into burrows. It is important to remove leftover food items as these can attract mites. Keep the water dish clean. Food left overs can be removed with salad tongs. Crickets have a tendency to hop right to the tarantula in it’s burrow. You will have to dig around a little to remove unused food items. Use tongs of some type. Change substrate every 6 months to ensure a clean, healthy tank.

Handling

There is no need to handle a Cameroon Red. They are very defensive and can be exremely hostile. They can and will inflict a painful bite. Enjoy these from a distance.