Gandanameno is a genus of African velvet spiders within the family Eresidae, first described in 1967. They are primarily found in Southern Africa and are highly regarded by keepers for their "fuzzy" appearance and unique social behaviours. 
 
Key Characteristics
Appearance: These spiders have a dense covering of hair giving them a velvety texture. They are often jet black with subtle white spotting or a bluish shimmer under certain light.
Social Behaviour: Unlike most solitary spiders, many Gandanameno species are communal, meaning they can often live and hunt together in groups.
Habitat: They are native to dry, rocky, or arboreal regions in Africa and build thick, wool-like silk retreats or burrows.
Lifespan: Females can live for over five years, whereas males typically have much shorter lifespans and mature faster. 
 
Care in Captivity
For those interested in keeping them as pets, they generally require:
Low Humidity: They thrive in dry setups and typically obtain all necessary moisture from their prey (e.g., small crickets or roaches).
Temperature: Preferred ranges are between 22°C and 28°C.
Safety: They are considered harmless to humans and pets, though they can be shy or defensive if disturbed.