Gandanameno sp. - Velvet Spider

African Velvet Spider (Gandanameno sp.)

Stage: Established Juvenile | Size: 5–8mm | Origin: Captive Bred

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 5–8mm, they are the perfect size for keepers who want a velvet experience without the stress of raising a tiny sling — sturdy, slow-moving, and exceptionally fuzzy.

Why Choose an Established Juvenile?

• Built to Last: These instar spiders are much hardier than smaller slings, with a robust constitution and well-established hunting instincts.
• Fascinating Architects: At this size, they build thick, opaque “wool” silk tubes that they will inhabit for years — no magnifying glass required to appreciate their work.
• Easy Feeding: Currently feeding reliably on fruit flies, and ready to transition to Green Bottle flies at around 10mm.
• The Velvet Look: Their signature matte-black or charcoal-grey “velvet” texture is already becoming apparent, giving them a unique, high-end aesthetic.

UK Care Requirements

Hydration note: Gandanameno are a completely dry, arid species — they get all their water from their food. Never mist their enclosure.

Feeding & Growth

• Current Diet: Feeding reliably on Drosophila hydei (large fruit flies).
• Next Stage: At around 10mm, they can transition to Green Bottle flies.
• Hunting Style: Ambush predators — they wait inside their silk tubes for prey to wander past, rather than actively hunting in the open.

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 years of companionship and fascinating behaviour to look forward to.

Important Shipping Update

We dispatch all live spiders exclusively via Royal Mail Special Delivery (Guaranteed by 1pm). The welfare of our spiders is our absolute priority:

• Reliability: Special Delivery bypasses the standard post, minimising time in the mail system.
• Priority Handling: Your spider won’t be left sitting in a delivery office during a backlog.
• Reduced Stress: A faster journey means your spider arrives healthy, hydrated, and ready for their new home.

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

Velvet Spider Starter 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.

• Bio-Inspired Decor: Each enclosure features a unique mix of natural preserved mosses, providing essential texture for web-building.
• Vibrant Accents: Decorated with high-quality artificial plants and floral accents for a pop of colour 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 behaviour and growth.

Note: These are temporary habitats designed for spiderlings. 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 5–8mm, 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!

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Gandanameno velvet spider?
Gandanameno sp. is an African velvet spider from the arid regions of Southern Africa. They are members of the Eresidae family, known for their incredibly dense, matte-black “velvet” coat, stocky build, and remarkably long lifespan of 5–10 years.

Are velvet spiders good for beginners?
Yes — they are one of the most beginner-friendly exotic spiders available. They are slow-moving, docile, require no misting, and are very forgiving of minor husbandry mistakes. Their low-maintenance care makes them ideal for first-time keepers.

Do Gandanameno need water or misting?
No — they are a completely dry, arid species that get all their moisture from their prey. Never mist their enclosure. Damp conditions are their biggest health risk.

What do they eat?
Juveniles at 5–8mm feed on Drosophila hydei (large fruit flies). Once they reach around 10mm, they can transition to Green Bottle flies. They are ambush predators that wait in their silk tubes for prey to pass.

How long do velvet spiders live?
Female Gandanameno can live for 5–10 years — significantly longer than jumping spiders or most other commonly kept exotic spiders. Males can live on average around 2 years. Buying a juvenile now means years of companionship ahead.

Is it legal to keep Gandanameno velvet spiders in the UK?
Yes — Gandanameno sp. is not a protected or restricted species under UK law. No licence is required to keep or purchase them. All our spiders are captive bred, so there are no import or CITES concerns.

What temperature do they need in the UK?
They thrive at 23°C–28°C. As a Southern African arid species, they need consistent warmth. A thermostat-controlled heat mat is recommended for UK keepers, especially during winter.