This is a specific care sheet for Horned Baboons (Ceratogyrus darlingi), for more in this genus see Category:Ceratogyrus.
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Known as the Horned Baboon Tarantula, this is a strange species of tarantula having a horn like bulge on its carapace. They are generally an all over brown colour and are known to be aggressive and unsuitable as a beginner pet.
| Tarantula Information (for a more detailed Tarantula care review see Tarantula Care Sheets | |
| Regions Found: | Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe |
| Class: | Terrestrial. Likes to burrow |
| Longevity: | Medium growth rate |
| Adult Size: | 10 and 13cm |
| Temperament: | Aggressive, practice no touch policy on this one. |
| Urticating Hairs: | No |
| Venom Potency: | has a medically significant bite |
| Ceratogyrus darlingi Housing Requirements | |
| Tarantula Housing: | Floor space is more important than height, a deep substrateshould be provided for burrowing. A good retreat is required. |
| Temperature: | 24-28°C (75.2-82.4°F) |
| Humidity: | Around 75% |
| Special Requirements: | Not for beginners |
| Breeding Ceratogyrus darlingi Tarantulas | |
| Breeding Difficulty: | Unknown |
| Egg sac size: | Unknown |
| Danger to Male: | Probable sexual cannibalism |
| Ceratogyrus darlingi Diet | |
| Livefood insects such as crickets, locust, butter worms, meal worms, superworms, houseflies and cockroaches. | |
| Recommended Pet Supplies for Ceratogyrus darlingi | |
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Habitat
Enclosure
The Horned Baboon Tarantula should be provided with an enclosure of atleast 4 gallons in volume. Vertical room is not really a priority as they prefer to stay at ground level, however, the enclosure should be large enough for you to provide a deep substrate as this species will produce extravagent burrows. Floor space is important to allow places for your spider to explore, and an improvised shelter such as a hollow log or a decorative cave used in aquariums should also be included.
Substrate
You should cover the bottom of the enclosure with 3-4 inches of peat moss, potting soil or vermiculite.
Temperature
This species requires temperature ranges of between 24-28°C (75.2-82.4°F). A temperature gradient is important to allow the tarantula 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. However, to ensure the temperatures are being provided you should monitor them by using accurate thermometers in a few locations within the enclosure.
Humidity
They can be kept in a humid environment of around 75%, and this can be achieved by providing a shallow water dish and misting regularly as necessary. To successfully maintain the desired humidity conditions for your tarantula you are going to need a hygrometer. A hygrometer is a device used to measure relative humidity within the enclosure.
Feeding
The diet of this tarantula is typically insects such as crickets, grass-hoppers, beetles, moths, mealworms, cockroaches and pinky mice. A staple diet of crickets is fine however it is best to mix things up a little. Typically these pets should be given two weekly feedings with one to three food items. Uneaten prey should be removed after one day to prevent problems and attracting mites. Food must usually be fed live, as dead prey may be rejected or go unnoticed.
Handling
The Horned Baboon is regarded as an aggressive and particularly skittish species, and for this reason it is recommended that they should not be handled by anyone.