For many, spiders are the stars of Halloween nightmares, eight-legged lurkers in shadowy corners, spinning webs of mystery. But behind their spooky reputation lies a world of surprisingly gentle, fascinating, and even cute creatures that are fast becoming favourites among exotic pet owners. Whether you’re curious about keeping your first tarantula or just want to learn why some spiders deserve more treats than tricks, this guide will introduce you to some of the creepiest (yet most charming) spiders you’ll actually want to meet.
1. Mexican Red Knee Tarantula
(Brachypelma hamorii)
Spook Rating: 2/5 – Striking, but far too chill to haunt your dreams.
This iconic tarantula is often the first love of beginner keepers. With its velvety black body and fiery orange knees, the Mexican Red Knee looks like it strutted straight off a Halloween runway. But don’t let the vivid colours fool you, these spiders are famously calm and slow-moving, making them one of the best tarantulas for beginners in the UK.
Care notes: They thrive in a dry, warm terrarium with a shallow water dish and hide. They’re docile, long-lived, and rarely aggressive, more of a “watch me while I lounge” pet than a jumper!
2. Curly Hair Tarantula
(Tliltocatl albopilosus)
Spook Rating: 1/5 – Fuzzy, friendly, and frightfully cute.
With their soft, curled hairs and easy-going temperament, Curly Hairs are the teddy bears of the spider world. They’re often recommended as one of the best beginner pet spiders in the UK for their gentle nature and resilience to minor setup mistakes.
Care notes: Keep humidity moderate and provide a hideaway. They tolerate handling better than most tarantulas, though it’s still best to admire them hands-off.
3. Pink Toe Tarantula
(Avicularia avicularia)
Spook Rating: 3/5 – Delicate, graceful, and mysteriously elegant.
The Pink Toe Tarantula adds a dash of glamour to any collection. With iridescent blue-green bodies and tiny pink feet, they look more like living jewels than horror movie villains. Arboreal by nature, they love climbing and webbing around plants, perfect for a tropical-themed enclosure.
Care notes: These spiders prefer good ventilation, vertical space, and slightly higher humidity. They’re a little jumpy but rarely bite, making them a stunning display species.
4. Brazilian Black Tarantula
(Grammostola pulchra)
Spook Rating: 2/5 – Elegant, calm, and all-around charmer.
If the Red Knee is fiery, the Brazilian Black is pure sophistication. Its deep, glossy black sheen gives it a mysterious aura, ideal for a Halloween aesthetic — but it’s one of the calmest species you’ll ever meet.
Care notes: Hardy and slow-growing, they’re perfect for beginners who prefer a more reserved, easy-care pet. They appreciate low humidity and a simple, cosy setup.
5. Greenbottle Blue Tarantula
(Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens)
Spook Rating: 4/5 – Flashy looks with a dash of drama.
Vibrant blue legs, metallic green carapace, and fiery orange abdomen, this spider looks like it was designed for the spotlight. While not quite as docile as beginner species, their bold colours and busy webbing behaviour make them a favourite among enthusiasts looking for something eye-catching.
Care notes: Best for those ready to move beyond their first spider. Keep humidity low and provide plenty of décor for web-building.
6. Goliath Birdeater
(Theraphosa blondi)
Spook Rating: 5/5 – The ultimate Halloween heavyweight.
Meet the world’s largest spider, a true giant whose leg span can reach up to 30cm! Despite the terrifying name, the Goliath Birdeater doesn’t hunt birds in captivity and is usually more bluster than bite. They’re fascinating to observe and a must-see for any arachnid enthusiast.
Care notes: For experienced keepers only. They need high humidity, deep substrate, and minimal handling. Think of this one as your living haunted house centrepiece!
7. Jumping Spider
(Phidippus regius)
Spook Rating: 1/5 – Too adorable to fear.
These pint-sized charmers are stealing hearts across social media. With their big, curious eyes and quirky personalities, jumping spiders are quickly becoming one of the most popular exotic pets in the UK. They’re inquisitive, active, and even seem to recognise their owners.
Care notes: Best kept in small, well-ventilated enclosures with climbing structures. Feed them tiny insects and watch them stalk their prey with cat-like focus, it’s pure entertainment!
8. Cobalt Blue Tarantula
(Cyriopagopus lividum)
Spook Rating: 5/5 – Stunning, secretive, and seriously spooky.
This species might just win Halloween with its electric-blue legs and reclusive temperament. They’re not for beginners, they’re fast, defensive, and prefer to stay hidden, but their beauty is undeniable.
Care notes: Suitable for confident keepers who appreciate watching from afar. Provide deep substrate for burrowing and keep humidity steady.
How to Care for Pet Spiders (Without Breaking a Sweat)
If this lineup has you itching to start your own spider collection, don’t worry, caring for them is far easier than you might think! Here are the basics every beginner should know:
- Housing: A secure, ventilated terrarium or critter keeper works perfectly. Size depends on the species — ground dwellers need more floor space, while arboreal spiders prefer height.
- Temperature & Humidity: Most tarantulas thrive between 22–28°C with varying humidity depending on species.
- Feeding: Small live insects such as crickets, roaches, or mealworms will keep them happy and healthy.
- Handling: Less is more, most spiders prefer observing over cuddling!
- Decor: Add a hide, a shallow water dish, and natural décor for enrichment.
With the right setup, your eight-legged companion will reward you with years of calm, mesmerising behaviour, the perfect mix of mystery and charm.
Ready to Welcome a Spider into Your Haunted Home?
Whether you’re looking for a fuzzy beginner tarantula or a rare exotic showstopper, there’s a spider out there to suit every temperament, yours included! This Halloween, swap your fake cobwebs for the real deal and embrace the magic of these misunderstood creatures.
Discover our range of tarantulas and reptile supplies at Aqua Group and find your own creepy-but-cute companion today.
