So, you want a spider that basically doubles as a small dog?
Meet the Brazilian Salmon Pink Birdeater. Scientists call it Lasiodora parahybana, or "LP" if you're hanging out in hobbyist forums. It’s huge. It’s fast. Honestly, it’s one of the most impressive things you can put in a glass box. People see the name "birdeater" and freak out, thinking it’s out there hunting parrots in the rainforest. While it could technically eat a small bird if it stumbled upon a nest, these guys mostly stick to bugs, lizards, and the occasional unlucky mouse.
Most people get into the tarantula hobby wanting something "cool." They usually look at the Goliath Birdeater (Theraphosa blondi) first because it holds the world record for size. But here’s the secret: the Goliath is a bit of a diva. It needs high humidity, it’s expensive, and it hides all the time. The Brazilian Salmon Pink Birdeater is the better choice for almost everyone. It grows nearly as large—hitting a massive 10-inch leg span—but it’s way hardier. It’s basically the tank of the spider world.
Giant Spiders and the "Salmon Pink" Lie
Let’s be real about the color. If you’re expecting a bright, bubblegum-pink spider, you’re going to be disappointed. The Brazilian Salmon Pink Birdeater is mostly a deep, velvet charcoal or chocolate brown. The "pink" comes from the long, bristly hairs (setae) that cover its legs and abdomen. In the right light, especially after a fresh molt, it looks like it’s glowing with a soft, salmon-colored aura. It’s subtle but gorgeous.
These spiders are endemic to Eastern Brazil. They live in the Campina Grande area, hanging out in the scrubland and forest floor. They don't burrow deep into the earth like some other species. Instead, they find a nice log or a rock and just sort of... sit there. This is why they make such great pets. You actually get to see them.
Why Size Matters (and Why It’s Scary)
Growth rates for LPs are absolutely insane. You can buy a tiny "sling" (spiderling) the size of your fingernail, and within a year and a half, it’ll be bigger than your hand. I’ve seen them put on two inches of leg span in a single molt. It’s like watching a teenager hit a growth spurt, but with more legs and exoskeleton shedding.
Because they grow so fast, they are hungry. Always.
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A hungry Brazilian Salmon Pink Birdeater is a sight to behold. They have a massive feeding response. If something touches the substrate near them, they bolt. They don't wait. They don't test the air. They just lunge. This makes feeding time the highlight of owning one, but it also means you need to keep your fingers far away from the enclosure. They aren't "mean," but they are opportunistic. To an LP, anything that moves is potentially a snack.
Handling? Just Don't.
I see videos of people holding these spiders, and honestly, it makes me cringe. Not because the spider is a bloodthirsty monster, but because it’s dangerous for the spider.
Imagine you’re a ten-inch spider. You’re heavy. If you get spooked and jump out of someone’s hand, your abdomen will likely burst upon hitting the floor. It’s game over. Plus, the Brazilian Salmon Pink Birdeater has a defensive weapon that’s arguably worse than its bite: urticating hairs.
These aren't just regular hairs. They are microscopic barbed spears that the spider kicks off its butt when it feels threatened. If those get in your eyes or your nose, you’re in for a world of hurt. It feels like handling fiberglass insulation, but worse. It’s itchy, it’s red, and it lasts for days.
Then there are the fangs. An adult LP has fangs that can reach an inch in length. That’s bigger than a Diamondback rattlesnake’s fangs. While their venom isn't medically significant to a healthy human—think of it like a really bad wasp sting—the mechanical damage from an inch-long needle going into your hand is something you want to avoid. Respect the spider. Use long tongs. Everyone stays happy.
Setting Up the Fortress
You don't need a massive, elaborate setup, but you do need space. A standard 10 or 20-gallon "long" tank is usually perfect. Don't go for height. LPs are heavy-bodied terrestrials. If they climb the glass and fall, they can die.
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- Substrate: Use at least 4-6 inches of coco fiber or a topsoil mix. They need to be able to feel the ground.
- The Hide: A piece of cork bark or a halved plastic flower pot. They need a "bedroom" where they feel safe.
- Water: A wide, shallow water dish. People used to think spiders needed sponges to drink. That’s a myth. Sponges just grow bacteria. Give them clean water.
Temperature-wise, they’re easy. If you’re comfortable in a t-shirt, they’re comfortable. Room temp (70-80°F) is fine. You don't need fancy heat lamps or rocks. In fact, heat rocks can actually cook a tarantula because they don't realize they're burning until it's too late.
The Diet of a Giant
Roaches. Crickets. Mealworms. The occasional hornworm for a treat.
If you're feeling adventurous, you can give an adult Brazilian Salmon Pink Birdeater a frozen-thawed pinky mouse once or twice a year, but don't overdo it. Too much calcium can actually cause issues with their next molt. Most keepers stick to Dubia roaches. They're meaty, they don't smell, and they can't climb glass.
One thing people get wrong is how often to feed. You'll see a fat spider and think it’s healthy. Actually, an overfed tarantula is at a higher risk of injury if it falls. If the abdomen looks like a giant, shiny grape, back off the snacks for a few weeks.
The Mystery of the Molt
The most stressful part of owning a Brazilian Salmon Pink Birdeater is the molt. One day, your spider will stop eating. It’ll get sluggish. Its abdomen will turn dark and shiny. This is "pre-molt."
Then, you’ll come home and find your spider lying on its back.
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DO NOT TOUCH IT. New owners often panic and think their spider is dead. It’s not. It’s just getting ready to crawl out of its own skin. This process can take hours. The spider pumps fluid to expand its new exoskeleton and literally pops the top of its old shell off. When it emerges, it will be soft, vulnerable, and slightly larger. Its fangs will be white and rubbery.
Wait at least ten days before feeding it again. If you throw a cricket in there while the spider is soft, the cricket can actually eat the spider. Nature is weird like that.
Is the LP Right for You?
Honestly, if you want a display animal that looks like a prehistoric relic, yes. The Brazilian Salmon Pink Birdeater is bold. It doesn't hide as much as other species. It’s affordable—usually under $50 for a juvenile. And it’s incredibly long-lived. Females can live 15 to 20 years. Males, unfortunately, only get about 3 to 5 years before they go looking for love and eventually kick the bucket.
It’s a commitment. You’re essentially getting a pet that will be with you through several different apartments, jobs, or even relationships.
Actionable Tips for New Keepers
If you're ready to pull the trigger on an LP, start with these steps:
- Buy a juvenile, not a sling. Spiderlings are fragile and can die if the humidity drops for even a few hours. A 2-3 inch juvenile is much hardier and already has that cool spider look.
- Invest in 12-inch feeding tongs. Trust me. Their reach is longer than you think, and their lunge is faster than your reflex.
- Join a community. Sites like Arachnoboards or various Discord groups are lifesavers. If your spider starts acting weird, someone there has seen it before.
- Prepare for the "butt baldness." LPs are notorious for kicking hairs even when they aren't mad. They often line their enclosure with these hairs for protection. If your spider has a bald patch on its butt, don't worry—it’ll grow back during the next molt.
- Check your local laws. Most places are fine with tarantulas, but a few cities have weird bans on "venomous" animals regardless of how harmless they actually are.
Owning a Brazilian Salmon Pink Birdeater is less about "playing" with a pet and more about being a curator of a tiny, ancient ecosystem. It’s fascinating, it’s a bit creepy, and it’s undeniably cool. Just keep your hands out of the tank and enjoy the show.