Phrynichus dhofarensis (hostage spider)
Phrynichus dhofarensis is a large species of flagellate spider (Amblypygi) and originates from Oman (Dhofar region). Keeping these fascinating, spider-like animals is relatively uncomplicated if a few basic requirements are met:
Terrarium
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Size: from approx. 30 × 30 × 50 cm for a single animal
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Ventilation: very important - good cross-ventilation above and below!
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Furnishings: vertical structures such as pieces of bark, cork back walls or branches (they climb a lot!)
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Hiding places: e.g. cork tubes or shallow crevices - they like to hide during the day
Climate
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Temperature: 23-30 °C during the day, at night it may cool down to approx. 22-25 °C
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Humidity: approx. 60-80 %
→ regular spraying is necessary, but not too wet - good ventilation prevents mould
Ffeed
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according to the size of the animal
Behaviour & special features
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Twilight and nocturnal
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Very shy, but fascinating to watch
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Not venomous, but extremely agile
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Not a group animal → Individual keeping recommended, however adult pairs can be kept together, but the terrarium must be large enough approx. 50x50x70cm
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