Overview

Poecilotheria metallica is the blue Gooty Sapphire Ornamental, with contrasting pale and yellow markings. It is a fast tree-dwelling tarantula, commonly reaching approximately 15–18 cm leg span.

Origin

India. Its natural retreats are tree hollows and bark crevices in seasonal forest.

Housing

Keep singly. Our recommended adult enclosure is approximately 25 × 25 × 40 cm, with secure side ventilation, upright cork forming a sheltered hollow and foliage to break sightlines. Use smaller vertical housing for a small spider, with several centimetres of substrate and a cork retreat reaching towards the base. Ensure feeding and watering access does not force it into the open.

Temperature & Moisture

Aim for 22–25°C. Supply fresh water continuously and keep a lower corner slightly moist while allowing the surface to dry. Ventilation is essential; avoid a sealed, perpetually wet enclosure. Do not position the tank in sunlight or spray the spider.

Feeding

Offer small crickets or roach nymphs sized to the individual. Feed tiny spiderlings about twice weekly, juveniles roughly weekly and adults every 1–2 weeks, adjusting to condition. Place prey near the retreat and avoid opening the enclosure more than necessary.

Behaviour & Care

For experienced keepers only: very fast, with medically significant venom. No handling or hand-feeding. Rehousing needs a planned containment method, long tools and a catch cup. Do not house communally. Remove uneaten live prey within 24 hours and immediately if moulting is suspected. Do not disturb a spider on its back or open a sealed retreat. After a moult, wait until the fangs are dark and fully hardened before feeding; this takes longer in larger spiders.

Stock Information

The original S label is preserved. It does not confirm sex, age or precise leg span.

Please note

Live Animals Are Click and Collect Only. Order online for collection at Newlands Home & Garden Centre, Clondalkin. We do not ship live animals.