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Trinidad Dwarf Tiger (Cyriocosmus elegans)

Cyriocosmus elegans

The Cyriocosmus elegans, loved worldwide as 'Trinidad Dwarf Tiger'. It is one of the smallest and most aesthetically pleasing dwarf tarantulas ever (1.2-2 inches legspan maximum, often as big as a large coin). It is immediately recognized by the showy and very elegant 'black heart' or 'spade' shape design (spade/heart shape) imprinted on a bright Copper or burnt Orange abdomen. It is a ravenous terrestrial/weaver 'dwarf bulldog'. Given its ridiculous size, docility and bright colors, it is an absolute must-have for amateurs who want to set up living micro-terrariums.

Taxonomy
Class:Arachnida
Order:Araneae
Family:Theraphosidae
Genus:Cyriocosmus
Species:Cyriocosmus elegans

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Environment

Terrestrial

Humidity

65 - 75 %

Day temperature

24 - 27 °C

Night temperature

20 - 22 °C

UVB

None

Species description

Geographic Origin and Habitat: World Spider Catalog lists Cyriocosmus elegans from Venezuela, Trinidad and Tobago, and Guyana. This taxonomic distribution entry does not characterize habitat conditions.
Taxonomy and Genetics: World Spider Catalog lists Cyriocosmus elegans (Simon, 1889) as an accepted species. The cited entry does not provide genetic results.
Behaviour and Habits: The cited taxonomic catalog does not provide behavioural observations for this species.
Morphology and Sexual Dimorphism: The cited taxonomic catalog entry does not provide a morphological description or sexual-dimorphism measurements; none are inferred here.

Care, breeding and tankmates

Terrarium Setup: World Spider Catalog lists Cyriocosmus elegans (Simon, 1889) as an accepted species from Venezuela, Trinidad and Tobago, and Guyana. This taxonomic distribution entry does not provide enclosure dimensions, substrate, ventilation, or material requirements.
Lighting and Heating: The cited taxonomic entry does not provide a captive lighting or heating schedule.
Humidity and Hydration: The cited taxonomic entry does not quantify humidity, hydration, or a captive target.
Feeding and Supplementation: The cited taxonomic entry does not document diet, feeding frequency, or supplementation.
Compatibility and Coexistence: The cited taxonomic entry does not evaluate cohabitation or provide a compatibility recommendation.
Health and Common Diseases: The cited taxonomic entry does not provide disease, treatment, or veterinary-management evidence.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

This species originates from: Caraibi/Sud America (Foreste tropicali umide di Trinidad e Venezuela).

Origin

Cosmopolitan or introducedAmazon, Orinoco, and GuianasCentral America and Caribbean

Terrestrial invertebrate profile

Diet
No verified data available
Life expectancy
No verified data available
Adult size
5 cm
The catalog's scalar value is 5 cm. The Herpeton Academy — Cyriocosmus elegans source reports a maximum adult measurement of 5 cm for this species, recorded as diagonal leg span (DLS). The taxonomic record consulted is Cyriocosmus elegans. These figures are not interchangeable: the first is the profile's editorial reference, whereas the second is a published maximum under a specific measurement convention; differences among sources can reflect sex, population, life stage and measuring method.
Lifestyle/Microhabitat
No verified data available
Activity cycle
No verified data available
Sociality
No verified data available
Reproduction
No verified data available
Venom level
No verified data available
Handling tolerance
No verified data available
Brumation
No verified data available
Molting
No verified data available

Image gallery

Licensed images linked to the species or, when marked, to the closest representative taxon.

Related species

Recommendations grouped by close relatives, companion choices, and similar care.

Variants and close relatives

Same atlas type, nearby scientific identity, genus, or family.

Colombian Dwarf Tiger (Cyriocosmus leetzi)

Colombian Dwarf Tiger (Cyriocosmus leetzi)

Cyriocosmus leetzi

Trinidad Pink (Holothele longipes)

Trinidad Pink (Holothele longipes)

Holothele longipes

Guatemalan Tiger Rump (Davus pentaloris)

Guatemalan Tiger Rump (Davus pentaloris)

Davus pentaloris

Puerto Rican Brown Tarantula (Cyrtopholis portoricae)

Puerto Rican Brown Tarantula (Cyrtopholis portoricae)

Cyrtopholis portoricae

Recommended companions

Compatible cards from coherent ecosystems with matching parameters.

Argentine Horned Frog
Amphibian

Argentine Horned Frog

Ceratophrys ornata

Cuban Tree Frog
Amphibian

Cuban Tree Frog

Osteopilus septentrionalis

Painted reed frog
Amphibian

Painted reed frog

Hyperolius marmoratus

Chacoan Horned Frog (Pacman Frog) (Albino)
Amphibian

Chacoan Horned Frog (Pacman Frog) (Albino)

Ceratophrys cranwelli "Albino"

Similar care

Cards with similar requirements, difficulty, habitat, and husbandry profile.

Giant Vinegaroon (Mastigoproctus giganteus)

Giant Vinegaroon (Mastigoproctus giganteus)

Mastigoproctus giganteus

Mexican Flame Knee Tarantula (Brachypelma auratum)

Mexican Flame Knee Tarantula (Brachypelma auratum)

Brachypelma auratum

Mexican Giant Redknee Tarantula (Brachypelma smithi)

Mexican Giant Redknee Tarantula (Brachypelma smithi)

Brachypelma smithi

Mexican Pink Beauty Tarantula (Brachypelma klaasi)

Mexican Pink Beauty Tarantula (Brachypelma klaasi)

Brachypelma klaasi

Last updated: 08/10/2026
Trinidad Dwarf Tiger (Cyriocosmus elegans) Care Guide & Terrarium Setup | Atlarium