Which one?

H. lividum (Cobalt blue) 2cm unsexed USD8
Chilobrachys andersoni 2cm-1inch unsexed USD8
B. smithi (Mexican red knee) 2-2.5inches unsexed USD46

(All sizes are in terms of legspan)

So basically I have 3 choices. Which of these do you recommend for a beginner?

you can get H. lividum for $8usd? put me in touch with your connection for H. lividum.

B. smithi is a common starter but none of us really start out with the "starter" species and $46usd is a lot of money.

all in all, I would get the H. lividum

He's just a normal Tarantula keeper, a friend of mine from my country. Hehe, it's pretty common in the trade here.

I wouldn't necessarily recommend a cobalt for a beginner. They're pet holes and can be VERY defensive.

I'm not familiar with the second species, but Lori says it's a type of baboon -- also known for being extremely defensive.

The first two aren't beginner species at all. I'd go for the redknee. Lori says it should be sexable at that size.

(If anyone's wondering why I keep saying what Lori says and not what I say, it's because she's the tarantula person in the household.)

B.smithi for beginners.. i whould agree with Iheart on does speices, lividum is fast and can be agressive.. a bad choice if your not used to Ts..

I've got another choice - G.Rosea, a 3 inch specimen who is very(sadly) defensive. I can get him for USD25 though, not too much pressure on my wallet compared to the Smithi.

$46 does sound a lot for a smithi but that doesnt shock me since someone in a shop is trying to see an adult one for £90!!! its never been sold and I doubt it would ever be sold!
your $46, converting to english is about right!

Why dont you just wait a bit longer until a cheaper, more beginner tarantula comes your way?

xxxxx

Ahh, I've made up my mind. Booked a 3.5 inch G.Rosea , a confirmed female for USD26.

Note : Not the defensive one mentioned in my previous post.

Rosies are great. They're the "class clowns" of the tarantula world. She'll probably calm down as she grows (maybe she's in premolt?).

Sounds like you made a good choice.

G.rosea can change attitude in a sec, one sec they are calm and dont have a care in the world, the next monemt they are standing on they hidelegs, fangs and all.. like Mike said, class clowns.. i know alot of ppl that have been having trouble with these because they tend to act strangely from time to time, going without eating for a looooooooong time, or just never coming out, or not molting..

Chilobrahys are a bit similar to H.lividum when it comes to defense and speed.
I once had a Chilobrachys breviceps all around my kitchen , and I have also had a little C. sp. burmesis going crazy on me, just for giving it food. The little bastard was about an inch big.(Compare with the mealworm)


From the 3 listed, I would vote for B.smithi, but G.rosea is the ultimate choise.Less hair at least

Regards
Robin

you people have no guts!

May be, but if I had just learned to swim I don't think I'd be ready to cross the English Channel.

Btw Mike, this is not the defensive one. It's a different specimen.

So fluffy!

That's one thing I'll admit I like about Ts that scorps are lacking in.