The Goliath Bird Eater has made a name for itself not only in the pet trade, but in the rest of the public based on its size. T. blondi is arguably the largest tarantula known; at least it holds the world record (13inches). T. blondi is also an extremely bulky spider. It is an overall brown color with flame markings on its knees. Males are a little less bulky and lack tibial spurs.
T. blondi can be found in the tropical areas of South America. They inhabit fairly deep burrows lined with a little bit of webbing.
Humidity is the most important part to keeping T. blondi in captivity. Some keepers recommend a 100% level to be the proper humidity, however, I find this unnecissary. Experienced keepers, such as Dr. Robert Bustard, keep their Goliaths at a 75% humidity level + a large open water dish. I spray my T. blondi' cage twice a day at the least, and frequently I poor a glass of water into one side of the cage. One hint as to if your T. blondi's cage is not humid enough is if it tends t ohang over its water dish. If you find it sitting on the water dish more than in its retreat, chances are your humidity levels aren't high enough. Here are some more ideas on maintaining higher humidity levels.
In captivity, T. blondi is reluctant to build burrows. A large cage must be supplied, at least 24" long with at least a 12" burrowing space, although the depth can be reduced to 4-5" if you are not allowing it to burrow. In either case, provide a large retreat for the spider t oinhabit and molt in. If you are not going to allow space for burrowing, keep this shelter at least 5" high with plenty of space length-wise and width-wise. This will allow for extra space when it comes time to molt.
As a substrate, don't use straight vermiculite; my T. blondi found it very difficult to burrow in. I recommend either straight pete moss (packed firmly) or a vermiculite/pete mixture.
T. blondi is a veracious eater. After a molt, it can take two or more pinky mice a week for a good two months. However, T. blondi has been known to go on long fasting periods before and after a molt, one to three months (Schultz 31). It is a good idea to vary your spider's diet; feed it an occasional roach or a few crickets, as well as the pinkies. Often you see pictures of huge, bulky-abdomened T. blondis; this is how they should look. A thin Goliath Bird Eater is an unhappy Goliath bird Eater.
...For Here Be the Goliaths: My main man Stan gives us a narative and pictures of the breading of Theraphosa blondi. Also check out Stan's Book.
ArachnoCity: Wayne gives an extensive caresheet and picture on T. blondi
ATS Web page: Go to "Articles Online"; "ATS Eggsack"; Who Doesn't Use Snares? by Rhys A. Brigida
Jordan's Arachnid Page: a brief intro
Tarantula Planet's overview of T. blondi: Go to "Species Specific List"
Tarantula Dreams: Contains the basic info like housing, temperature, etc.
Lelles Tarantula Page (English version): A picture and a good intro
Tarantula Terrain: housing and habitat
The Tarantula Forum: Gives habitat, location, some care, and a good picture
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