Size and growth
Adult Ceratogyrus darlingi reach about 12–14 cm (4.75–5.5 in) and are fast growers. Adult Ceratogyrus marshalli reach about 12–14 cm (4.75–5.5 in) and are fast growers. That affects how quickly Rear Horned Baboons and Straight Horned Baboons move through sling and juvenile enclosure sizes.
Do not use size alone to estimate age in either Ceratogyrus darlingi or Ceratogyrus marshalli. Sex, feeding and individual variation can change the pace of growth even when two spiders began at a similar size.
Enclosure and lifestyle
Rear Horned Baboons are fossorial, while Straight Horned Baboons are fossorial. Build the Ceratogyrus darlingi enclosure for a fossorial spider and the Ceratogyrus marshalli enclosure for a fossorial spider instead of assuming two tarantulas need the same shape of setup.
For Ceratogyrus darlingi, substrate depth, retreat position and usable space should match its fossorial lifestyle. Apply the same rule separately to Ceratogyrus marshalli; the enclosure should make normal behaviour easy rather than forcing either species into a generic layout.
Temperature, water and moisture
A practical temperature range for Ceratogyrus darlingi is 21–27°C; for Ceratogyrus marshalli, it is 21–27°C. Stable room conditions are more useful for both species than chasing small fluctuations within those ranges.
For Ceratogyrus darlingi, keep a mostly dry setup with surface with a modest moisture gradient below; provide water and ventilation. For Ceratogyrus marshalli, keep a mostly dry setup with upper substrate with some lower moisture and clean water. In both enclosures, keep fresh water available and adjust substrate moisture to how quickly the setup actually dries.
Temperament and maintenance
Ceratogyrus darlingi is an Old World species, while Ceratogyrus marshalli is an Old World species. That background is useful when planning maintenance, but individual Rear Horned Baboons and Straight Horned Baboons can still differ noticeably in speed and defensiveness.
With both Ceratogyrus darlingi and Ceratogyrus marshalli, locate the spider before opening the enclosure, use long tools when they make the job safer and keep a catch cup ready for rehousing. Handling is not required for routine care.
Male and female lifespan
Male Ceratogyrus darlingi generally live roughly 2–4 years, while females can live 8–12 years. Male Ceratogyrus marshalli generally live roughly 2–4 years, while females can live 8–12 years.
Those lifespan ranges make sex particularly relevant when comparing Ceratogyrus darlingi with Ceratogyrus marshalli. A confirmed female of either species is normally a much longer commitment than a mature male, and the exact age of an older juvenile may be impossible to know.
UK availability and trade notes
In the UK hobby, Ceratogyrus darlingi is currently classed as uncommon, while Ceratogyrus marshalli is classed as uncommon. Stock changes between specialist sellers, captive-produced batches and show weekends, so availability should be checked at the time of purchase.
For records and purchases, use the scientific names Ceratogyrus darlingi and Ceratogyrus marshalli as the main identifiers. Current trade notes list Ceratogyrus darlingi as 'Check current CITES rules before cross-border trade' and Ceratogyrus marshalli as 'Check current CITES rules before cross-border trade', so check current requirements before any international movement where controls may apply.
Practical difference in day-to-day care
The practical difference between Ceratogyrus darlingi and Ceratogyrus marshalli comes from the combination of lifestyle, adult size, growth and moisture needs. Those factors change how much substrate, vertical space and maintenance access each enclosure needs.
Whichever species you keep, let the individual spider settle into an enclosure designed for its own biology. That applies equally to Ceratogyrus darlingi and Ceratogyrus marshalli: fresh water, secure housing and patient observation matter more than trying to make the two species behave the same way.