Poecilotheria metallica"Gooty Sapphire Ornamental Tarantula" care guide

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Poecilotheria metallica Care Guide

The Gooty Sapphire Ornamental is one of the most beautiful tarantulas in the hobby, but it is an Old World arboreal species known for extreme speed, strong defensive behavior, and medically significant venom. It is generally considered suitable for experienced keepers rather than beginners.

Quick Facts

Category Information

Origin Southeastern India

Type Arboreal (tree-dwelling)

Adult Size 7–8 inch (18–20 cm) leg span

Growth Rate Fast

Female Lifespan 10–12+ years

Male Lifespan 3–5 years

Experience Level Advanced

Temperament Fast, nervous, defensive

Enclosure

Because this species lives in tree hollows and under bark, height is more important than floor space.

Adult Enclosure

Minimum: 12" × 12" × 18" (30 × 30 × 45 cm)

Front-opening arboreal enclosure preferred

Excellent cross-ventilation

Secure locking lid (they are escape artists)

Interior Setup

2–3 inches (5–8 cm) of substrate

Large vertical cork bark tube or slab

Artificial plants or branches for cover

Water dish always available

The spider should be able to retreat behind bark and spend most of its time elevated off the ground.

Temperature

Ideal range:

75–82°F (24–28°C)

Night drops are acceptable

Avoid temperatures above 86°F (30°C)

Consistent warmth is more important than high heat.

Humidity & Moisture

A common mistake is keeping them too wet.

Recommended:

Humidity: 65–80%

Keep some substrate moisture, not swampy conditions

Maintain strong ventilation

Keep a full water dish

Overflow the water dish occasionally

Many experienced keepers report success with mostly dry substrate and a moist corner rather than constant misting. Stagnant, wet conditions are more dangerous than slightly lower humidity.

Feeding

Slings

Feed every 3–4 days

Fruit flies, tiny roaches, pinhead crickets

Juveniles

Feed 1–2 times per week

Small to medium crickets or roaches

Adults

Feed every 7–14 days

Appropriately sized crickets, roaches, locusts

Remove uneaten prey, especially during premolt.

Behavior

Typical behaviors include:

Staying hidden behind cork bark

Fast bursts of movement

Moderate webbing around retreats

Defensive posture when cornered

Handling is not recommended. This species is extremely quick and can cover surprising distances in seconds.

Molting

Signs of premolt:

Reduced appetite

Darkening coloration

Increased hiding

Sealing off retreat with webbing

During molt:

Do not feed

Do not disturb enclosure

Ensure water is available

Freshly molted specimens may not eat for days to weeks depending on size.

Common Problems

Dehydration

Signs:

Shriveled abdomen

Weak movement

Lethargy

Solution:

Ensure water dish access

Slightly increase moisture

Poor Ventilation

Signs:

Mold

Constant condensation

Unhealthy enclosure smell

Solution:

Increase airflow immediately

Falls

While arboreal, injuries can still occur if heavy décor shifts or collapses. Secure all cork bark and branches.

Safety Notes

No urticating hairs

Relies on speed and biting for defense

Venom is considered medically significant

Use catch cups and tools for maintenance

Never free-handle

Most keepers use "maintenance with respect" rather than interaction.

Ideal Husbandry Summary

Enclosure: Tall arboreal setup with cork bark

Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)

Humidity: 65–80% with excellent ventilation

Water: Always available

Feeding: Weekly for adults

Handling: Not recommended

Keeper Level: Advanced

A well-set-up P. metallica is often visible in the evenings and displays some of the most striking metallic blue coloration seen in any tarantula species.