{"product_id":"poecilotheria-metallica-s","title":"Gooty Sapphire Ornamental Tarantula (S) | Poecilotheria metallica","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOverview\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003ePoecilotheria 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eOrigin\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eIndia. Its natural retreats are tree hollows and bark crevices in seasonal forest.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eHousing\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eKeep 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTemperature \u0026amp; Moisture\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAim 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFeeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eOffer 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eBehaviour \u0026amp; Care\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eStock Information\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe original S label is preserved. It does not confirm sex, age or precise leg span.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePlease note\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLive Animals Are Click and Collect Only.\u003c\/strong\u003e Order online for collection at Newlands Home \u0026amp; Garden Centre, Clondalkin. We do not ship live animals.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Well Fed Ltd.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55250287460679,"sku":"1142007","price":71.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0661\/8821\/4500\/files\/GootySapphireOrnamentalTarantula_S__Poecilotheriametallica.png?v=1790973859","url":"https:\/\/www.newlands.ie\/en-gb\/products\/poecilotheria-metallica-s","provider":"Newlands Garden Centre","version":"1.0","type":"link"}