Keeper guide

How Big Does Straight Horned Baboon Get? — Ceratogyrus marshalli Size Guide

Adult Ceratogyrus marshalli, commonly known as the Straight Horned Baboon, reach about 12–14 cm (4.75–5.5 in). That is an adult size guide, not the size every individual will reach.

At a glance

Quick facts

World
Old World
Origin
Zimbabwe and Mozambique
Lifestyle
Fossorial
UK hobby rarity
Uncommon
Maximum size
About 12–14 cm (4.75–5.5 in)
Growth rate
Fast
Male lifespan
Roughly 2–4 years
Female lifespan
Often 8–12 years
Temperament
Fast, defensive and best maintained with planned catch-cup techniques
Venom
Venomous; Old World bite effects can be medically important
Temperature
21–27°C
Moisture / humidity
Mostly dry upper substrate with some lower moisture and clean water
CITES
Check current CITES rules before cross-border trade

Adult size

Straight Horned Baboons are generally expected to reach about 12–14 cm (4.75–5.5 in) as adults. Individual Ceratogyrus marshalli may finish smaller or larger depending on sex and normal variation.

Do not use one advertised maximum as a promise for a Straight Horned Baboon. 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 Ceratogyrus marshalli, 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 a Straight Horned Baboon purely to obtain an exact number.

Slings and juveniles

Young Straight Horned Baboons start far below adult size and grow through repeated moults. With a fast growth rate, Ceratogyrus marshalli may spend very different amounts of time at each juvenile stage.

Use the current size of Ceratogyrus marshalli 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 Ceratogyrus marshalli 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 Straight Horned Baboon. Use a suitable moult when possible.

Enclosure size follows the spider

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

Moving a Straight Horned Baboon 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 Ceratogyrus marshalli 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 a Straight Horned Baboon is growing and when another enclosure upgrade is likely to be needed.