Keeper guide

How Big Does Antilles Pinktoe Get? — Caribena versicolor Size Guide

Adult Caribena versicolor, commonly known as the Antilles Pinktoe, reach about 13–15 cm (5–6 in). That is an adult size guide, not the size every individual will reach.

At a glance

Quick facts

World
New World
Origin
Martinique
Lifestyle
Arboreal
UK hobby rarity
Common
Maximum size
About 13–15 cm (5–6 in)
Growth rate
Fast
Male lifespan
Around 3–4 years
Female lifespan
Around 10–12 years
Temperament
Usually more flighty than defensive; capable of quick jumps or bolts
Venom
Venomous, but bites are not generally regarded as medically significant; urticating hairs remain a concern
Temperature
21–26°C
Moisture / humidity
Moderate moisture with excellent cross-ventilation; never keep the enclosure stagnant or constantly wet
CITES
Not CITES-listed

Adult size

Antilles Pinktoes are generally expected to reach about 13–15 cm (5–6 in) as adults. Individual Caribena versicolor may finish smaller or larger depending on sex and normal variation.

Do not use one advertised maximum as a promise for an Antilles Pinktoe. Size figures in the hobby are best treated as useful ranges.

How size is measured

Tarantula size is commonly discussed as diagonal leg span. For Caribena versicolor, that gives a rough comparison with other species, but it is not necessary to stretch or position the spider for a measurement.

Estimate size from a normal resting position or during rehousing if needed. Avoid disturbing an Antilles Pinktoe purely to obtain an exact number.

Slings and juveniles

Young Antilles Pinktoes start far below adult size and grow through repeated moults. With a fast growth rate, Caribena versicolor may spend very different amounts of time at each juvenile stage.

Use the current size of Caribena versicolor when choosing feeders and housing. An adult-size figure does not mean a sling needs adult-size prey or an adult enclosure.

Male and female size

Males and females of Caribena versicolor can differ in build after maturity. Mature males often look leggier and slimmer, while adult females usually remain more robust.

Body shape alone is not a reliable way to sex a juvenile Antilles Pinktoe. Use a suitable moult when possible.

Enclosure size follows the spider

Increase enclosure size for Caribena versicolor when the current setup no longer gives enough retreat space, substrate or practical access for water and feeding.

Moving an Antilles Pinktoe too early into a very large setup can make basic care harder. Rehouse in sensible stages as the spider grows.

Tracking size over time

Keep moult dates and an occasional approximate size for Caribena versicolor if you want to track growth. That is more useful than trying to measure the spider repeatedly between moults.

A simple record will show how quickly an Antilles Pinktoe is growing and when another enclosure upgrade is likely to be needed.