{"product_id":"poecilotheria-metallica-gooty-sapphire-tarantula-male-female","title":"Poecilotheria metallica (Gooty Sapphire Tarantula) MALE","description":"\u003ch3\u003ePoecilotheria metallica (Gooty Sapphire Tarantula)\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePoecilotheria metallica, commonly known as the Gooty Sapphire Tarantula or simply the \"Gooty,\" is arguably the most famous tarantula in the entire hobby — and for good reason. This is the only true blue tarantula on the planet. Not a gray-blue, not a violet-blue — a brilliant, metallic, electric blue that looks photoshopped until you see it in person. Captive bred specimens of this stunning species have been available for years, but their popularity has never faded, and they remain one of the most sought-after ornamental tarantulas in the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNative to a small region of Andhra Pradesh, India, P. metallica is one of the smaller species in the Poecilotheria genus, reaching a mature legspan of around 6\". Despite its smaller size, this species packs a visual punch that no other tarantula can match. The bright yellow bands on the underside of the legs provide a striking contrast to the metallic blue carapace and femurs, making every single molt a show-stopping event.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis species is listed on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss in its native range, which makes captive breeding efforts all the more important to the long-term survival of the species. Every captive bred P. metallica sold helps preserve the wild population.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow big do Poecilotheria metallica get?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePoecilotheria metallica reaches a mature legspan of about 5-6\". Females live significantly longer than males, with a lifespan of 8-12+ years in captivity. Males mature faster and typically live 2-3 years post-maturity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eAre Poecilotheria metallica good for beginners?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe classify P. metallica as an intermediate-level species. While they are surprisingly hardy and resilient tarantulas, they are faster-moving than most beginner species and possess a medically significant venom that requires caution. Their venom is not deadly to healthy adults, but the bite is extremely painful and may require medical attention. This is not a handling species — it is a display species for keepers who respect old world speed and venom potency.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat do Poecilotheria metallica eat?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePoecilotheria metallica slings readily accept pinhead crickets, small roaches, and flightless fruit flies. Juveniles and adults will take appropriately sized crickets, dubia roaches, red runners, and the occasional superworm as a treat. These are aggressive feeders with a strong prey drive — expect them to snatch prey from tongs with enthusiasm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow to set up an enclosure for Poecilotheria metallica\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs an arboreal old world species, P. metallica needs vertical space with plenty of anchor points. A tall enclosure with cross-ventilation is ideal. Provide 4-6\" of substrate for humidity retention and a vertical piece of cork bark or cork rounds that reaches near the top of the enclosure. Add fake plants or magnetic ledges to create a web anchor structure — this species will build a tubular web retreat where it feels secure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 75-85°F (use a space heater in a temp-controlled room rather than a heat mat, which can dry out the enclosure too quickly)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHumidity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 65-80% — mist one side of the enclosure weekly and allow it to dry out between mistings. Stagnant wet conditions can be harmful.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWater dish rule\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eALL tarantulas need a water dish. No exceptions. Provide a shallow, small water dish in the enclosure and overflow it when you mist. Change the water at least once a week. All of our animals ship with a water dish already in the enclosure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCross-ventilation rule\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCross-ventilation is critical for all tarantula enclosures — especially for arboreal species. Stagnant air can lead to mite infestations, mold growth, and respiratory issues. Ensure any enclosure you use has ventilation on at least two sides (not just the lid).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCan Poecilotheria metallica be kept communally?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eP. 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. Communal groups that have been together since hatching can coexist peacefully, but introducing new individuals or re-introducing separated slings will result in cannibalism. If you want a communal group, acquire them together as unseparated slings and keep them together from day one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy buy your Poecilotheria metallica from Exotics Unlimited?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvery P. metallica we sell is captive bred right here in the USA. We do not wild-harvest. Our animals are well-established, feeding consistently, and kept in proper conditions before they ship. We guarantee live arrival on all overnight shipments and pack every order with insulated liners, heat packs or cool packs as needed, and appropriate box sizing for the value of the animal. All of our tarantulas ship with a water dish in the enclosure, and we include a care card with every order.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Exotics Unlimited USA","offers":[{"title":"5\" MALE","offer_id":52891152679231,"sku":null,"price":155.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0701\/5828\/7167\/products\/481f4e_4b29355c9a124003a4d35af24fd90ad9_mv2.jpg?v=1682317556","url":"https:\/\/exoticsunlimitedusa.com\/products\/poecilotheria-metallica-gooty-sapphire-tarantula-male-female","provider":"Exotics Unlimited","version":"1.0","type":"link"}