Cameroon Red Baboon Spider (Hysterocrates gigas “Cameroon Red”)
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Cameroon Red Baboon Spider (Hysterocrates gigas “Cameroon Red”) Care Sheet
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Cameroon Red Baboon Spider |
| Scientific Name | Hysterocrates gigas |
| Origin | Cameroon, West Africa |
| Adult Size | 15–18 cm leg span |
| Lifespan | 10–15 years |
| Activity | Nocturnal / burrowing predator |
Behavior
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Defensive.
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Burrower; spends most of the day in substrate or under hides.
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Active at night when hunting.
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Generally slow-moving but strong; may rear up when threatened.
Enclosure Requirements
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Tank Size: Minimum 40 liters for a single adult
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Substrate: 10–15 cm of moist coconut fiber, soil, or peat moss for burrowing
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Decor: Cork bark, rocks, and hides; provide secure burrowing space
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Humidity: 70–80%
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Temperature:
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Day: 24–28°C
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Night: 20–24°C
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Lighting: Low light; indirect lighting preferred
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Ventilation: Moderate airflow to prevent mold while maintaining humidity
Compatibility
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Best housed singly; highly territorial.
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Avoid cohabiting with other spiders or predatory arthropods.
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Can tolerate quiet, non-threatening tank mates only if space is abundant.
Diet
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Carnivorous: live prey only
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Crickets
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Roaches
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Mealworms / superworms
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Occasional waxworms
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Feed juveniles 2–3× per week; adults 1× per week
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Provide shallow water dish
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Remove uneaten prey after 24 hours
Care Tips
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Avoid handling; may bite defensively.
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Maintain proper humidity and substrate moisture for burrowing and molting.
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Provide secure hides and burrowing opportunities.
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Spot-clean regularly and remove mold or waste.
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Ensure a secure lid; strong climber and escape-prone if given the chance.
Visual Quick Guide
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🏠 Enclosure: ≥40 L, burrowable substrate, hides
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🌡️ Temp: Day 24–28°C / Night 20–24°C
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💧 Humidity: 70–80%
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🍴 Diet: Carnivorous (live insects)
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🕒 Activity: Nocturnal, burrowing hunter
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⚠️ Stress: Avoid handling; provide secure burrows
