Keeper guide

Pinkfoot Goliath Temperature Guide — Theraphosa apophysis

A practical temperature range for Theraphosa apophysis, commonly known as the Pinkfoot Goliath, is 22–26°C. Stable room conditions matter more than chasing tiny changes on the thermometer.

At a glance

Quick facts

World
New World
Origin
Venezuela
Lifestyle
Terrestrial
UK hobby rarity
Rare
Maximum size
About 25–28 cm (10–11 in)
Growth rate
Fast
Male lifespan
Roughly 3–5 years
Female lifespan
Often 12–18 years
Temperament
Large, powerful and defensive when disturbed; hairs can be extremely irritating
Venom
Venomous; urticating hairs and large fangs are more immediate husbandry concerns than venom alone
Temperature
22–26°C
Moisture / humidity
Moisture-retentive substrate with strong airflow and constant water
CITES
Check current CITES rules before cross-border trade

Working temperature range

Keep Theraphosa apophysis around 22–26°C. Use that as a practical captive range and avoid prolonged exposure to temperatures well outside it.

Pinkfoot Goliaths do not need the enclosure to hit one exact number all day. Normal small room fluctuations are easier to manage than repeated heating and cooling adjustments.

Measure the shelf, not just the room

Check the temperature where the Theraphosa apophysis enclosure actually sits. Shelves near windows, radiators, computers or external walls can differ from the centre of the room.

A thermometer placed near the enclosure gives more useful information for a Pinkfoot Goliath than a reading taken across the room.

Avoid direct heat on the enclosure

Do not attach a heat mat directly to a Theraphosa apophysis enclosure. Small containers can develop concentrated hot areas that are much warmer than the surrounding room.

If the room is genuinely too cold for Pinkfoot Goliaths, warm the room instead and check the temperature at enclosure level. That gives a more even and controllable result.

Summer heat

During hot weather, keep Theraphosa apophysis out of direct sunlight and watch rooms that heat up during the afternoon. A closed window area can become much warmer than expected.

Do not respond to a warm day by soaking the Pinkfoot Goliath enclosure. Temperature and substrate moisture are separate husbandry issues.

Winter conditions

In winter, check the coldest part of the day where Theraphosa apophysis is kept. Rooms can cool overnight even when daytime readings look comfortable.

If room heating is used, remember that it may also dry Pinkfoot Goliaths enclosures faster. Adjust watering to the actual drying rate rather than assuming winter always means wetter substrate.

Use behaviour as context

Temperature readings for Theraphosa apophysis should be considered alongside normal feeding, retreat use and moulting. One slightly different reading is less useful than a consistent pattern over time.

If a Pinkfoot Goliath suddenly changes behaviour, check temperature along with water, moisture and recent disturbance instead of assuming temperature is the only cause.