Congo Scorpion Care Guide
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Congo Scorpion Care Guide
The Congo Scorpion (Pandinus cavimanus), also known as the Red Claw Scorpion, is a large, impressive African forest scorpion closely related to the famous Emperor Scorpion (Pandinus imperator). Native to the tropical rainforests of Central and West Africa, Congo Scorpions are robust, relatively docile for a scorpion, and make an excellent choice for keepers stepping up from beginner invertebrates. Their deep black coloration, striking red-tinted claws, and impressive size make them one of the most visually striking scorpions available in the hobby.
At Ohio Pet Depot, we carry Congo Scorpions alongside a full selection of scorpion species. This guide covers everything you need to keep them healthy and safely.
⚠️ Venom Information — Read First
The Congo Scorpion is venomous, but like its close relative the Emperor Scorpion, its venom is considered mild — one of the least potent of any commonly kept scorpion species. Important facts:
- Sting effects for most healthy adults: localized pain and swelling at the sting site, comparable to a bee sting, typically resolving within a few hours
- Not considered medically significant for healthy adults in most cases — Congo Scorpions rely more on their powerful claws (pedipalps) than their venom for defense and prey capture
- Seek medical attention if you experience systemic symptoms (nausea, difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat, spreading numbness), if a child is stung, or if you have known allergies to bee or wasp venom
- Despite mild venom, these are large, powerful animals with strong claws that can pinch hard — handle with respect
Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Pandinus cavimanus |
| Common Names | Congo Scorpion, Red Claw Scorpion, Tanzanian Red Claw Scorpion |
| Adult Size | 5–7 inches total length — one of the larger scorpion species in the hobby |
| Lifespan | 6–10+ years in captivity |
| Origin | Central and West Africa (Congo Basin, Tanzania, surrounding regions) |
| Habitat | Tropical rainforest floor; under logs, leaf litter, and in burrows |
| Activity Level | Nocturnal; slow-moving and deliberate compared to desert species |
| Temperament | Relatively docile; defensive pinching more common than stinging |
| Experience Level | Beginner to Intermediate |
| Venom | Mild — localized pain; not medically significant for healthy adults in most cases |
| UV Fluorescence | Yes — glows blue-green under UV/blacklight |
Enclosure Setup
Size
Congo Scorpions are large and benefit from more space than smaller desert species. A 10–20 gallon tank is appropriate for a single adult. They are solitary and must be housed alone — scorpions are cannibalistic and will fight and eat each other outside of controlled breeding situations. A secure, escape-proof lid is essential.
Substrate
Unlike desert scorpions, Congo Scorpions are tropical forest animals that require moist substrate:
- Zoo Med Eco Earth Loose Coconut Fiber — excellent moisture retention, soft for burrowing, naturalistic — ideal for this species
- Zoo Med Eco Earth Compressed Coconut Fiber — same great substrate in brick format; expand with water before use
- A coconut fiber + topsoil mix (no fertilizers or pesticides) works well for larger enclosures
Provide 4–6 inches of depth to allow burrowing. Keep the substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged — like a wrung-out sponge. This is the opposite of desert scorpion care; Congo Scorpions need humidity to thrive.
Hides & Decor
Provide cork bark tubes, half-logs, flat cork bark, and leaf litter for hides and enrichment. Congo Scorpions are found under logs and in burrows in the wild and will use hides extensively. Live or artificial plants add to the naturalistic feel and help maintain humidity. Keep enough decor to allow visual inspection of the enclosure without needing to reach inside.
Temperature & Lighting
Temperature
| Zone | Temperature |
|---|---|
| Ambient (daytime) | 75–85°F |
| Warm side | 82–88°F |
| Cool side | 72–78°F |
| Nighttime low | 68–74°F |
Congo Scorpions are tropical animals and do best in the upper 70s to low 80s. Most homes maintain adequate temperatures without supplemental heating. If additional heat is needed, a low-wattage Fluker's Ceramic Heat Emitter on a thermostat mounted to the side or top of the enclosure is the safest option. Never use an under-tank heater without a thermostat — burrowing scorpions can be trapped against unregulated bottom heat.
Lighting & UV
No special lighting is required for the scorpion's health. However, a UV/blacklight flashlight or lamp reveals one of the most spectacular features of scorpion keeping — all scorpions fluoresce vivid blue-green under UV light. Congo Scorpions are particularly striking given their large size and dark coloration. Maintain a standard 12-hour light / 12-hour dark cycle; scorpions are nocturnal and most active after lights out.
Humidity
Target 70–80% humidity. Congo Scorpions are tropical forest animals and require consistently high humidity — this is the most important difference from desert scorpion care.
- Mist one side of the enclosure lightly every 1–2 days to maintain moisture
- The substrate should remain damp but never waterlogged — standing water causes bacterial growth
- A shallow water dish (too shallow to drown in) can be provided and helps maintain ambient humidity
- Partial coverage of the screen lid with glass or plastic helps retain humidity in drier climates
- A digital hygrometer is recommended to monitor levels
Diet & Feeding
Congo Scorpions are ambush predators that use their large, powerful claws to capture and crush prey. They are less reliant on venom than smaller-clawed species. Always use feeding tongs — never hand-feed or place your hand near the enclosure opening during feeding.
Feeder Insects (Staples)
- Banded Crickets — excellent staple; movement triggers strong predatory response
- Dubia Roaches — nutritionally superior staple; highly accepted; low odor; ideal for this species
- Superworms — great for adults; high protein and fat
- Mealworms — good variety feeder; offer in moderation
- Nightcrawlers — excellent protein source; highly accepted
Treat Feeders (Occasional)
Feeding Schedule
| Age / Size | Frequency | Prey Size |
|---|---|---|
| Juvenile (under 2 inches) | Every 3–5 days | Small crickets, small dubias, mealworms |
| Sub-adult (2–4 inches) | Every 5–7 days | Medium crickets, dubias, nightcrawlers |
| Adult (4+ inches) | Every 7–14 days | Large dubias, nightcrawlers, superworms; large crickets |
Prey size rule: Offer prey no larger than the scorpion's carapace (the flat plate behind the head). Oversized prey can injure the scorpion, especially during molting.
Remove uneaten prey within 24 hours. Live crickets left in the enclosure will stress and can injure a molting scorpion.
Fasting is normal: Scorpions can go weeks to months without eating, especially before a molt or during temperature fluctuations. Do not force-feed a scorpion that refuses food.
Water
Provide a very shallow water dish (bottle cap depth) with fresh dechlorinated water at all times. Change it every 2–3 days. Congo Scorpions drink more regularly than desert species due to their tropical origins. Never use a deep dish — scorpions can drown.
Molting
Congo Scorpions molt periodically as they grow. Signs of an upcoming molt:
- Refusal to eat for 1–3 weeks
- Increased burrowing and hiding
- Dull, faded coloration
During and after molting:
- Do not feed — the scorpion is completely vulnerable; live prey will injure or kill a freshly molted animal
- Do not disturb the enclosure
- Maintain adequate humidity — low humidity during a molt can cause it to become stuck, which is often fatal
- Wait at least 2–3 weeks after molting before resuming feeding to allow the new exoskeleton to fully harden
- The old exoskeleton can be left in the enclosure or removed — the scorpion may eat it to reclaim minerals
Handling
Congo Scorpions are among the more handleable scorpion species due to their relatively mild venom and deliberate, slow movements. However, caution is always warranted.
- Use long feeding tongs to gently guide the scorpion onto your hand — never grab from above or behind
- Watch the claws — Congo Scorpions pinch more readily than they sting; a pinch from a large adult is strong and can break skin
- Keep handling sessions brief — scorpions are not social animals and handling is stressful
- Never handle during or after molting — the new exoskeleton takes weeks to fully harden
- Never handle if you are allergic to bee or wasp stings
- Keep over a low surface — a dropped scorpion can be injured and is difficult to safely retrieve
- Wash hands thoroughly before and after any contact
Health & Common Issues
| Issue | Signs | Cause / Action |
|---|---|---|
| Dehydration | Shriveled abdomen, lethargy, curled posture | Low humidity or no water source; mist enclosure, provide fresh water cap, check substrate moisture |
| Stuck molt | Partial shed retained, inability to move normally | Low humidity during molt; do not attempt to remove shed manually; consult exotic vet |
| Prey injury | Wounds, missing appendages, lethargy after feeding | Live prey left in enclosure; always remove uneaten prey within 24 hours |
| Prolonged fasting | Refusal to eat for weeks | Usually pre-molt or temperature-related; check temps, do not force-feed; offer food weekly and remove if refused |
| Bacterial infection | Discoloration, lesions, lethargy | Waterlogged substrate; improve drainage and ventilation; exotic vet consultation |
| Death after molting | Found dead shortly after a molt | Often caused by live prey injury during vulnerable post-molt period; always remove prey during molting |
If stung or pinched: Wash the wound with soap and water. Apply a cold compress for pain and swelling. Monitor for systemic symptoms. Seek medical attention if symptoms spread beyond the sting site, if a child is affected, or if you have known allergies. Inform medical staff the species is Pandinus cavimanus.
Shopping List
- 🪲 Congo Scorpion
- 🦟 Banded Crickets — staple feeder
- 🪲 Dubia Roaches — staple feeder
- 🐛 Superworms — adult feeder
- 🪱 Nightcrawlers — excellent protein variety
- 🐛 Mealworms — variety feeder
- 🐛 Hornworms — hydration treat
- 🐛 Wax Worms — occasional treat
- 🌱 Zoo Med Eco Earth Loose Coconut Fiber — substrate
- 🌱 Zoo Med Eco Earth Compressed Coconut Fiber — substrate
- 🔥 Fluker's Ceramic Heat Emitter — supplemental heat if needed
Also at Ohio Pet Depot
Love scorpions? Check out our full selection:
- 🪲 Striped Devil Scorpion — hardy North American desert scorpion
- 🪲 Asian Forest Scorpion — robust tropical forest scorpion from Southeast Asia
Also check out our other impressive invertebrates:
- 🪲 Tailless Whip Scorpion (Whip Spider) — non-venomous, prehistoric-looking arachnid
- 🪲 Vinegaroon — non-venomous whip scorpion that sprays acetic acid as defense
Come Visit Us!
Ready to bring home a Congo Scorpion? Stop by Ohio Pet Depot to see our current Congo Scorpions in person. Our staff can walk you through enclosure setup, feeding, and safe handling practices for this impressive African species. We carry all the feeders and supplies listed in this guide.
Questions? Call us, stop in, or reach out online. We take invertebrate care seriously.