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Genus Dolomedes

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4 species

Fishing spiders. Semi-aquatic, large, and capable of running across water surface tension and diving to take small fish and tadpoles, which is genuinely worth seeing.

They need a setup no other animal here needs: substantial water surface, emergent structure to sit on, and enough humidity that they do not dry out. That is more work than a tarantula and it is the reason the genus stays niche.

Almost entirely wild-collected in North America and Europe, so availability is seasonal and specimens are typically adults with unknown remaining lifespan. Nobody breeds these commercially. If you want one, buy in season and expect a shorter run than you would get from a captive-bred animal.

Species
4
Live Listings
10
Family Market Index
$25
median market price
Entry Price
$10
Dolomedes albineus
Common
Whitebanded Fishing Spider
▼ COOLING
3 live listings · from $20 mkt $25
Dolomedes okefinokensis
Common
Okefenokee Fishing Spider
3 live listings · from $16 mkt $30
Dolomedes tenebrosus
Uncommon
Dark Fishing Spider
2 live listings · from $20 mkt $25
Dolomedes triton
Common
Six-spotted Fishing Spider
▼ COOLING
2 live listings · from $10 mkt $10