I'm not sure which T to get. I was going to get a MRK because I like the way they look but yesterday I saw a few adult chiles up close and they were very pretty too.

For people who own both of them (I know you'll be biased if you only have one) which would you say is better to keep? I would like one that I can see occasionally, that doesn't spend ALL its time hidden away. I'm not too bothered about handling because I know they're happier left alone, but if there are any differences in their temperaments I'd like to know. Are there any big differences between them other than look?

By the way this will be my first T. I may well end up getting both but I can't afford to get both together.

Thanks in advance

I dont keep T's, but in looks alone MRK win hundreds of times over! they haev amazing colouring, and they are more chunky and hairy than chiles, chiles look bald and boring to me!

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I thought that from photographs, but when I saw them this week I realised chiles are pretty too.

b.smithi looks the best out of the two. both of mine are out in the open alot. and the only differnce with temperment is that the red knee kicks hairs alot more then a chile

Thanks Jamie

Mainly wanting to know the differences NOT to do with looks, because I like both equally

G.rosea any day.

Smithi (MRK) kick hairs alot which is very irratating, and painful in the face.

Where as Rosea have better temprements but in my opinion tend to threaten when PO'ed with a display, where smithi will run away whil leaving a spray or urticulate in their wake.

Handling is never reccomended but it is more than possible if due care is taken. For this Rosea is also better...If you can get a red colour form (RCF) because they are much nicer looking!

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apart from the red knee kicking hairs theres not much differnce in temepermant. their are both quite calm
what other differnces u looking for?

tend to disagree there.

G.rosea are bold and fairly calm, whereas Smithi will tend to be skittish and shy when the person comes into their enviroment.

Both are good pets but IMO all brachypelma are "level 2 animals" with G.rosea and 1/2 others making up level one...

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Im with Dan on this one, B.smithi's look nicer but are far more skittish and prone to flick hairs.

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Anything that strikes other T owners as being significant really. Never having owned one I don't have a clear idea of what different behaviour they might exhibit, I'm just interested to see which ones owners prefer.