Poecilotheria metallica (Gooty Sapphire Tarantula) Care Guide

Poecilotheria metallica (Gooty tarantula) is the only true blue tarantula in the world. Not gray-blue. Not violet-blue. A brilliant, metallic, electric blue that covers the carapace and femurs, looking photoshopped until you see it in person.

Native to a small region of Andhra Pradesh, India, this species is one of the smaller Poecilotheria, with a Gooty sapphire tarantula leg span of around 5 to 6 inches. The bright yellow bands on the underside of the legs contrast beautifully against the metallic blue body, making every molt a show-stopping event.

Captive-bred specimens have been available for years, and their popularity has never faded. This species is listed on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss in its native range, making captive breeding efforts critical to its long-term survival. Every P. metallica sold helps preserve the wild population.

Why Do Hobbyists Keep the Gooty Sapphire Tarantula?

The Gooty sapphire tarantula has earned its place as one of the most sought-after species in the hobby, and for good reason. Here's what makes it stand out:

• Stunning Coloration: The only true blue tarantula in the world. Brilliant, metallic, electric blue covers the carapace and femurs. Bright yellow bands on the underside of the legs create a striking contrast that gets more vivid with every molt.
• Bold Patterning: The contrast between the metallic blue body and the yellow ventral leg bands is unmatched in the hobby. Every molt reveals a more vivid version of this color combination.
• Spiderling Coloration: Like all Poecilotheria "Pokies", P. metallica spiderlings also have amazing patterns that gradually change into their adult colorations as they grow.
• Feeding Response: Aggressive feeder with a strong prey drive. Will snatch prey from tongs with enthusiasm. One of the more responsive Poecilotheria at feeding time.
• Amazing Display Species: Once established in a well-planted arboreal setup, this species tends to stay visible near its retreat. The blue and yellow coloration photographs beautifully and never gets old.
• Hobby Favorite: Arguably the most famous tarantula in the hobby. The only true blue tarantula on the planet, and a species every keeper recognizes on sight.

Gooty Sapphire Tarantula Care Guide

Proper gooty sapphire tarantula care starts with the right enclosure and environment. Here's everything you need to know:

Enclosure

This species needs a tall arboreal setup at least 3x the legspan in height and 2x the legspan in width and depth. Include vertical cork bark that reaches near the top, plus foliage or magnetic ledges, to support webbing. Provide 4 to 6 inches of substrate at the base to retain humidity.

Temperature

Keep temperatures between 75 to 85°F for optimal activity and growth. These animals also do well at 65 to 75°F, though they may grow more slowly in cooler conditions.

Humidity

Maintain humidity between 65 and 80 percent by misting one side of the enclosure weekly. Always allow it to dry out between mistings, as stagnant wet conditions are harmful and should be avoided.

Diet

Feed appropriately-sized insects once a week, no larger than the length of the tarantula’s carapace. Slings readily accept pinhead crickets, small roaches, and flightless fruit flies. Juveniles and adults do well on crickets, dubia roaches, red runners, and the occasional superworm to eat.

Temperament

The Gooty sapphire tarantula is an Old World species with fast reflexes and medically-significant venom. It’s not just a handling species. That said, it is best kept as a display animal by experienced keepers who understand and respect the risks involved.

Are there any additional notes or considerations? 

All of our P. metallica are captive-bred right here in the USA. We don’t have wild-harvested specimens, which means your every purchase directly contributes to the long-term survival of this IUCN Red List species.

• Adult Gooty sapphire tarantula size: 5 to 6 inches in leg span. Females live 8 to 12+ years in captivity. Males mature faster and typically live 2 to 3 years post-maturity.
• Good ventilation is critical: Cross-ventilation works best, but ample top ventilation can also be effective, provided the enclosure is not over-misted.
• A water dish is necessary: Provide a shallow-water dish placed in an elevated position, if possible. This is more natural for arboreal species and helps prevent crickets from falling in and drowning. Change the water at least once a week. All of our animals ship with a water dish already in the enclosure.
• Communal note: P. metallica can be kept communally, but ONLY with sac mates that were never separated. Do not combine separated slings of this species, even if only separated for one day. If you want a communal group, acquire them together as unseparated slings and keep them together from day one.
• Husbandry note: We rear our slings in larger enclosures with natural cork bark and foliage, allowing them to climb higher from day one. Combined with weekly feeding, we have observed that this approach produces stronger, more resilient animals by the time they reach you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Listing Notes

These specimens are unsexed