SAN DIEGO, April 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- To the delight of arachnid lovers everywhere, more than 950 Petco stores nationwide now have up to 25 tarantula species available, including 12 temperate and 13 tropical breeds. Amongst the different species offered in stores are four of the most popular varieties including the Costa Rican Stripe-Knee, Mexican Curly Hair, Guyana Pink Toe and Rose Hair tarantula.
These distinctive spiders have adapted over millions of years and are indisputably one of the most fascinating animals to observe. Different types of arachnid have modified to thrive in their unique climates, some with long hair to help them track prey through vibrations and some with color to make them stand out as dangerous to predators. Tarantulas are also one of the most low-maintenance pets you will find, making them ideal for new pet parents.
"We're excited to expand Petco's tarantula offerings and give pet parents the chance to further explore the amazing world of arachnids," said Todd Gwynn, merchandise manager at Petco. "We are also proud to share that with this launch, all of Petco's tarantulas will be captive-bred. These unique and fascinating animals are a great addition to any home, offering endless learning opportunities for the whole family."
Interestingly, not only do tarantulas have eight legs, they also have a large round eye surrounded by three smaller ones on each side for a total of eight eyes as well. They also shed their exoskeleton, or molt, in order to grow, doubling in size with each molt. Furthermore, females can live up to 30 years while males have significantly shorter lifespans of up to seven years with proper care. The 25 species now available at Petco include the following:
Temperate Tarantulas:
- Chaco Golden Knee
- Costa Rican Stripe-Knee
- Haitian Brown
- Mexican Curly Hair
- Mexican Red Leg
- Mexican Red Rump
- Oklahoma Brown
- Texas Tan
- Mozambique Golden Baboon
- Rear Horned Baboon
- Usumbara Orange Baboon
- Rose Hair
Tropical Tarantula:
- Brazilian Black & White
- Brazilian Giant Salmon
- Brazilian Giant White Knee
- Brazilian Red & White
- Brazilian White Banded
- Costa Rican Tiger Rump
- Guyana Pink Toe
- Indian Ornamental
- Ivory Ornamental
- King Baboon
- Mysore Ornamental
- Trinidad Chevron
- Venezuelan Sun Tiger
To help new pet parents welcoming a pet into the family, Petco offers care sheets that feature tips on diet, feeding, housing and overall health both in-stores and online at Petco.com. For more information on these fascinating creatures please visit Petco Community page at https://community.petco.com/.
About Petco and the Petco Foundation
With more than 50 years of service to pet parents, Petco is a leading pet specialty retailer that focuses on nurturing powerful relationships between people and pets. We do this by providing the products, services, advice and experiences that keep pets physically fit, mentally alert, socially engaged and emotionally happy. Everything we do is guided by our vision for Healthier Pets. Happier People. Better World. We operate more than 1,430 Petco locations across the U.S., Mexico and Puerto Rico, including more than 115 Unleashed by Petco locations, a smaller format neighborhood shop; prescription services and pet supplies from the leading veterinary-operated pet product supplier, Drs. Foster & Smith; and petco.com. The Petco Foundation, an independent nonprofit organization, has invested more than $135 million since it was created in 1999 to help promote and improve the welfare of companion animals. In conjunction with the Foundation, we work with and support thousands of local animal welfare groups across the country and, through in-store adoption events, help find homes for more than 400,000 animals every year.
Megan Oxford, megan.oxford@petco.com
Parinaz Farzin, parinaz.farzin@petco.com
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SOURCE Petco
