Gandanameno sp. - Velvet Spider

African Velvet Spider: Gandanameno sp.

Stage: Established Juvenile | Size: 7mm – 10mm

The "Eight-Legged Bulldog"

The African Velvet Spider is the ultimate "low-energy, high-reward" pet. Often called the "Teddy Bear" spider, these juveniles have already moved past their fragile early stages and are starting to show the stocky, powerful build that the Eresidae family is famous for.

At 7-10mm, these spiders are the perfect size for keepers who want a "velvet" experience without the stress of raising a tiny 5mm sling. They are sturdy, slow-moving, and exceptionally fuzzy.

Why Choose an Established Juvenile?

Built to Last: At nearly 1cm, these spiders are much hardier than smaller slings. They have a robust immune system and are well-established hunters.

Fascinating Architects: You won’t need a magnifying glass to see their work. At this size, they build thick, opaque "wool" silk tubes that they will inhabit for years.

Easy Feeding: They are no longer restricted to fruit flies. These juveniles can easily tackle small crickets, roach nymphs, or mini mealworms, making feeding time much more convenient.

The Velvet Look: Their signature matte-black or charcoal-grey "velvet" texture is starting to become more apparent, giving them a unique, high-end aesthetic.

Juvenile Care Requirements

The "Desert" Home: Gandanameno are arid specialists from Southern Africa. They require bone-dry substrate with high ventilation. Damp, stagnant air is their biggest enemy.

Hydration: At 10mm, they rarely need misting. Instead, we recommend a tiny, shallow water dish or placing one single drop of water on their webbing once a week for them to drink from.

Temperature: They love it warm! Thrives between 25°C – 29°C. A heat mat on the side of the enclosure is recommended to ensure they stay active and grow.

Substrate: Provide at least 2–3 inches of a sand/soil/clay mix. They need a substrate that holds its shape so they can anchor their silk tunnels safely.

Longevity: A True Long-Term Pet

One of the best reasons to buy a Velvet Spider is their lifespan. While a jumping spider may only be with you for a year or two, a female Gandanameno can live for 5 to 10 years. Buying a juvenile now means you have years of companionship and fascinating behaviour to look forward to.

Important Shipping Update

We have made the decision to dispatch all live spiders exclusively via Royal Mail Special Delivery (Guaranteed by 1pm).

The welfare of our spiders is our absolute priority, and we have implemented this policy for the following reasons:

• Reliability: Unfortunately, services such as Tracked 24 have recently seen an increase in delayed or lost parcels. When it comes to a living creature, we simply cannot take that risk.
• Priority Handling: Special Delivery is a premium service that bypasses the standard post. This means your spider spends as little time as possible in the mail system and isn't left sitting in a delivery office during a backlog.
• Reduced Stress: A faster journey means less stress for the spider, ensuring they arrive healthy, hydrated, and ready for their new home.

Please Note: To avoid any risk of your spider being held in a sorting office over the weekend, we only post orders from Monday to Thursday.

Velvet Spider "Sling" Dome Enclosure

Give your new velvet spider the perfect head start with our custom-designed temporary enclosures. These orb-style habitats are specifically curated to meet the needs of Gandanameno sp. slings, providing a secure, ventilated, and aesthetically pleasing home. Note: enclosure designs vary.

Features:

• Bio-Inspired Decor: Each enclosure features a unique mix of natural preserved mosses, providing essential texture for web-building and humidity retention.
• Vibrant Accents: Decorated with high-quality artificial plants and floral accents to add a pop of color without the maintenance of live flora.
• Optimal Airflow: Fitted with a 3D-printed ventilated lid to ensure consistent air exchange while preventing escapes.
• Compact & Clear: The spherical design offers a 360° view of your velvet spider’s behavior and growth.

Note: These are temporary habitats designed for spiderlings (slings). As your velvet spider matures, they will eventually require a larger permanent enclosure.

📷 A Note on Appearance

Please Note: The images provided show mature adult specimens to illustrate the "Heavyweight Bear" potential of this species. At 7-10mm, your juvenile is a "miniature version"—already fuzzy and grey/black, but with much more growing to do. Watching them thicken out and darken into their adult velvet coat is one of the most satisfying experiences in the hobby!