Poecilotheria metallica
✓ VerifiedGooty Sapphire Ornamental, Metallic Blue Tarantula
Photo: Micha L. Rieser (Attribution) via Wikimedia Commons
Quick Facts
Adult Size
7-8 inches
Growth Rate
fast
Temperament
defensive, nervous
Taxonomy
Community
Experience Required
Advanced
Experienced keepers only
🌡️ Climate Requirements
Temperature Range
75–85°F
(24–29°C)
Humidity Range
70% - 80%
🏠 Enclosure Sizes
Sling
Small arboreal vial
Juvenile
5x5x8"
Adult
12x12x18" minimum
🪨 Substrate
Type
coco fiber, peat moss
Depth
2-3 inches
🍽️ Feeding Schedule
Sling
Every 3-4 days
Juvenile
Twice per week
Adult
Once per week
Prey Size
Large crickets, roaches
What keepers actually do
Tarantuverse keepersEvery 3 days
Median across 3 keepers · 9 animals · 94 logged feedings
Observed across all life stages, so slings and adults are combined. This describes what keepers log — it isn’t a recommendation.
💧 Additional Care Notes
Water Dish
Required
Webbing
moderate
Burrowing
No
🕷️ Behavior & Temperament
General Temperament
defensive, nervous
Care Guide
Stunning metallic blue coloration. Extremely fast with medically significant venom. Not for handling. Requires vertical cork bark for hiding. Can teleport-fast when disturbed. Critically endangered in wild. Only for experienced keepers.
⚠️ Safety Information
Urticating Hairs
This species does not have urticating hairs (Old World species).
Venom Potency
⚠️ WARNING: This species has medically significant venom. Bites can cause severe pain and systemic effects. Only for experienced keepers. Seek immediate medical attention if bitten.
Species Statistics
16
Total Keepers
N/A
Community Rating
Advanced
Care Level
🕷️
Keeping Gooty Sapphire Ornamental?
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