Hysterocrates gigas

Hysterocrates gigas hails from the lush, humid forests and riverbanks of West Africa, with its stronghold mainly in Cameroon. The climate in its home range is typically tropical, with warm temperatures and plenty of rainfall—think 'holiday brochure weather' if you’re a spider. You’ll find these chunky beauties burrowing deep into moist soil, often close to water sources where the ground stays nice and damp year-round. Their habitat is a mix of leafy floors, decaying wood, and occasional streams—perfect for a tarantula that sometimes fancies a swim (yes, really!).

Once mature, H. gigas is a certified whopper—females can reach 18–20 cm diagonal leg span, making them one of the largest true tarantulas you’ll encounter. Males usually top out a bit smaller, with slightly leggier proportions but less overall bulk. Growth is fairly steady, and with the right care, you’ll soon watch your juvenile become an impressive armoured tank of a spider. Their size makes them a talking point for any collection, but be prepared—they take up space and aren’t shy about it.

As a classic fossorial species, Hysterocrates gigas is all about life underground. In captivity, they’ll love a deep, moist substrate to dig impressive burrows—some might tunnel straight down, while others go for sprawling multi-chamber masterpieces. Give them the right depth and you’ll be treated to a display of construction skills worthy of a furry little civil engineer. They’re also infamous for their semi-aquatic antics—actively swimming and even hiding underwater when spooked. Good luck keeping up with their home improvements!

Female H. gigas are the long-haul operators, clocking in at 10–12 years—and sometimes even more if treated as royalty. Males, bless them, are the short-lived rock stars: they’re lucky to see about 3–4 years, usually maturing faster and rarely sticking around much after their ultimate moult. As with most tarantula species, patience is key, especially if you’re raising slings. Don’t be surprised if your feisty female is still with you when you’re considering a new bookshelf just for her terrarium.

H. gigas is best described as a steady grower. Not the slowpoke of the tarantula world, but not likely to win any races either—let’s call it 'medium with ambition'. Regular feeding and proper moisture help speed things along, especially in the first couple of years. Once juveniles get going, you’ll see size jumps with each moult—sometimes a cheeky spurt that’ll have you double-checking your old photos. Good husbandry, especially keeping humidity and warmth consistent, can make all the difference.

H. gigas has a reputation as one of the more unpredictable tarantulas—generally reclusive but surprisingly bold if annoyed. They’re not the most defensive species, but if you disturb their burrow or handle them roughly (not recommended!), you’ll see just how quickly they can move. Most of the time, they prefer to barricade themselves in and thump the ground dramatically, but an angry H. gigas is no joke: expect hissing, posturing, and a flash of impressive fangs. Treat them with respect, give them space, and they’ll tolerate your nosy human ways.

Aim to keep your H. gigas at a comfortable 23–26°C, which mirrors its tropical home and supports healthy eating, growing, and tunnelling. A drop to around 21°C overnight is fine and natural, but longer periods below 20°C could have your spider feeling a bit less energetic (and potentially susceptible to health niggles). Most UK hobbyists find that a well-placed heat mat on the side (never underneath) or using ambient room heating easily does the trick. Just don’t overdo it—too hot and you risk turning your spider’s home into a sauna. Use a digital thermometer to keep tabs.

These burrowers love it muggy—aim for 75–85% relative humidity, which is higher than 'standard fare' for many tarantulas. Achieve this by keeping the deep substrate moist (not soaking), topping up as needed, and always providing a large, shallow water dish. Good ventilation is essential, though: too stuffy and you’ll encourage mould or mites, which no one wants. Openings high on the enclosure walls or a mesh lid will help airflow while keeping humidity stable at burrow level. Mist sparingly; it’s all about damp earth, not tropical storms.

Display value isn’t their strong suit—most H. gigas prefer to be underground or peeking from a tunnel, surveying their kingdom. That said, they can surprise you with night-time escapades or by completely rearranging your painstakingly arranged enclosure (they’re the interior designers no one asked for). If you spot them above ground, you know something interesting is going on. Their sporadic aquatic antics are a real treat if you’re lucky enough to catch them in action. Not for fans of constant visibility, but very rewarding if you like a bit of suspense.

Webbing is on the modest side. H. gigas will reinforce burrow entrances, anchor substrate, or block out prying eyes with silken doors—never quite the spectacle of an arboreal or the endless carpeting of some desert species, but practical nonetheless. Sometimes their webbing is used to waterproof a tunnel or create a barricade to signal 'do not disturb'. Don’t expect huge visible webs but pay attention: their silk is strong, and the best-built burrow is usually evidence of a spider going full architect mode!

H. gigas isn’t particularly fussy—a hearty appetite and a bold feeding response are trademarks. Suitable prey includes large crickets, roaches (especially Dubia or Red Runners), locusts, and the occasional mealworm or superworm as a treat. Juveniles and slings will take smaller prey items—pinhead crickets or pre-killed roaches until they bulk up a bit. Slings can be fed every 4–5 days, juveniles every 5–7, and adults once every week to ten days. As with all big eaters, avoid overfeeding—these guys will gorge themselves if allowed, which can lead to issues with moulting or obesity (a fat spider is not necessarily a happy spider!). And yes, they will happily take prey from the water dish for a bit of added spectacle. Remove uneaten food after 24 hours to prevent stress or mouldy surprises in the enclosure.

The enclosure for H. gigas must allow for deep digging—start with a container at least 40cm tall, and aim for at least 20–25cm of substrate. Glass or sturdy plastic tubs work well; just ensure safe and secure ventilation. A simple hide near the surface can help them settle in, but most of the magic happens underground. Substrate should be a mix of coco fibre, topsoil, and a smidge of sand to help with stability—packed tightly but moist. Always provide a large, shallow water dish (bonus points if you create a mini pool for their occasional aquatic adventures). No sharp decorations—these bulldozers will move everything anyway. Avoid excessive clutter above ground; neat freaks they are not, but you want easy access for maintenance. Keep the enclosure secure, as adults are strong and inquisitive. Good ventilation to minimise stuffiness, but no draughts.

H. gigas isn’t for total beginners, but intermediate keepers with some fossorial experience will thrive. Their size, humidity requirements, and renowned defensive displays can all be a bit much for the greenhorn keeper. But if you’re familiar with deep substrate management and can read spider body language, you’ll find these are rewarding and fascinating pets. Add in their unique aquatic tricks and epic burrowing, and you’ve got a true conversation starter for any serious collection.

Hysterocrates gigas is the stuff of legend—massive, a bit mysterious, and possessed of the occasional knack for swimming (no arm bands required). Their impressive size, unusual aquatic abilities, and subterranean antics set them apart from your run-of-the-mill terrestrial tarantula. The combination of burrow engineering, fierce feeding, and the occasional dramatic dash make them a rewarding—if sometimes elusive—pet. They’re not cuddly, and they’re never show-offs, but for the enthusiast who craves something different, H. gigas is a true gem. If you’re ready for a challenge, enjoy constructing palatial burrows, and appreciate a spider that sometimes pretends it’s a goldfish, then this is your ultimate showpiece. Just remember: best admired, not handled, and always respected.