Gooty Sapphire Ornamental Tarantula (Poecilotheria metallica) Care Sheet
The Gooty Sapphire Ornamental Tarantula (Poecilotheria metallica) is one of the most visually distinctive tarantulas maintained in captivity. Adults can develop extraordinary metallic blue colouration combined with intricate white, grey and yellow patterning.
Native to India, this arboreal Old World tarantula has a very restricted natural distribution and significant conservation importance.
Despite its beauty, P. metallica is not a beginner tarantula. It is extremely fast, capable of sudden defensive behaviour and possesses medically significant venom.
It should be regarded strictly as an observational animal and should never be routinely handled.
Quick Facts
Scientific name: Poecilotheria metallica
Common names: Gooty Sapphire Ornamental, Gooty Sapphire Tarantula, Metallic Blue Ornamental
Family: Theraphosidae
Origin: India
Lifestyle: Arboreal
Adult leg span: Approximately 15–20 cm (6–8 in)
Activity: Primarily nocturnal/crepuscular
Temperament: Fast, defensive and generally retreat-oriented when suitable cover is available
Experience level: Advanced
Lifespan: Females potentially 12–15+ years; males considerably shorter-lived
Social behaviour: Generally maintained individually
UVB: Not required
CITES: Appendix II
Conservation: Critically Endangered in the referenced IUCN assessment
Natural Distribution
Poecilotheria metallica is native to India and has an exceptionally restricted known natural range.
Unlike widespread tarantula species, its limited distribution makes habitat protection and responsible captive breeding particularly important.
The species inhabits forest habitat where it uses cavities and sheltered spaces in trees.
Wild collection should never be encouraged.
Captive-bred specimens should be strongly preferred.
Appearance
Adults are famous for their intense metallic blue colouration.
The legs display:
- vivid blue tones
- white or pale patterning
- darker markings
- contrasting yellow markings beneath the legs
The abdomen and carapace display complex ornamental patterns characteristic of the genus.
Juveniles are generally much less intensely blue than established adults, with the spectacular adult colouration becoming more apparent as they mature.
Colour intensity can also vary according to:
- age
- sex
- lighting
- time since the last moult
Adult Size
Adults commonly attain approximately:
15–20 cm (6–8 in) diagonal leg span
Females are typically more heavily built than mature males.
Mature males develop a noticeably more slender appearance with proportionately longer legs.
Lifespan
Females are long-lived compared with males.
Approximate captive expectations are:
Females: 12–15+ years
Males: Usually substantially shorter-lived, particularly following maturity
Growth rate is moderate to relatively fast under suitable conditions.
Behaviour
Poecilotheria metallica is an arboreal tarantula naturally adapted to using vertical retreats.
When provided with an appropriate hollow or cork-bark retreat, individuals frequently remain concealed during daylight hours and become more active after dark.
They can move with remarkable speed.
A frightened specimen may rapidly:
- retreat into its hide
- circle around the back of cork bark
- climb enclosure walls
- bolt unexpectedly
- adopt a defensive posture if escape is prevented
The keeper should therefore design the enclosure so that retreat is always available.
Old World Tarantula Considerations
Poecilotheria metallica is an Old World tarantula.
It does not possess the defensive urticating abdominal hairs characteristic of many New World tarantulas.
Its defensive options instead include:
- rapid escape
- threat postures
- striking
- biting
The combination of speed and venom makes careful enclosure management essential.
Venom and Bite Risk
Bites from Poecilotheria species can cause significant symptoms.
Reported effects associated with Old World tarantula envenomation can include:
- intense pain
- swelling
- muscle cramps
- muscular spasms
- nausea
- sweating
- increased heart rate
- prolonged discomfort
Effects can persist considerably longer than the immediate bite.
A bite should therefore never be regarded casually.
Anyone experiencing significant or worsening symptoms following a bite should seek appropriate medical attention.
Handling
Do not routinely handle this species.
Handling provides no meaningful welfare benefit and introduces unnecessary risk to both spider and keeper.
The spider may:
- bolt
- fall
- become injured
- bite defensively
For essential transfers, use controlled methods involving appropriately sized catch cups, secure containers and long tools.
Never attempt to catch a bolting specimen with bare hands.
Enclosure
As an arboreal species, P. metallica requires substantially more vertical structure than a terrestrial tarantula.
A suitable adult enclosure might measure approximately:
30 × 30 × 45 cm
or larger where appropriately designed.
The exact dimensions are less important than providing:
- secure vertical retreats
- climbing surfaces
- adequate ventilation
- suitable substrate
- safe maintenance access
The enclosure must be completely escape-proof.
Arboreal Retreat
A vertical cork-bark tube or curved slab of cork bark is ideal.
Position it so the spider can retreat:
- behind it
- beneath it
- inside a hollow section
Many individuals will heavily web the entrance and surrounding surfaces.
A retreat extending towards substrate level is particularly useful because Poecilotheria may incorporate the lower portion into its webbed hide.
Substrate
Provide approximately:
5–10 cm of suitable substrate
although deeper areas can be offered around the base of retreats.
Suitable materials include:
- coco fibre
- pesticide-free topsoil
- appropriate soil/coco mixtures
- specialist tarantula substrate
The substrate should retain some moisture without remaining saturated.
Avoid:
- fertilised compost
- chemically treated soil
- sharp materials
- aromatic wood products
Furnishing
Additional enclosure furnishings can include:
- cork bark
- branches
- artificial plants
- safe live plants
- leaf litter
These provide cover and webbing anchor points.
All heavy furnishings must be positioned securely so that they cannot collapse onto the spider.
Temperature
A useful captive range is approximately:
22–27°C
Avoid prolonged exposure to excessive heat.
Many tarantulas tolerate ordinary indoor temperatures extremely well, particularly in dedicated heated animal rooms.
If supplementary heating is necessary, heat the surrounding environment rather than applying intense direct heat to the spider.
Any heating equipment should be thermostatically controlled.
Humidity and Moisture
Poecilotheria metallica should not be maintained in a permanently saturated enclosure.
A better approach is to provide:
- moderate substrate moisture
- good ventilation
- a fresh water dish
- natural variation between slightly moist and drier areas
The lower layers of substrate can retain some moisture while the surface is allowed to dry somewhat.
Constantly wet surfaces combined with poor ventilation can encourage mould and other undesirable conditions.
Spiderlings are more susceptible to dehydration and generally require closer attention to moisture levels.
Ventilation
Ventilation is extremely important.
Ideally provide cross-ventilation rather than relying exclusively on ventilation at the top of the enclosure.
Good airflow helps prevent:
- stagnant conditions
- excessive condensation
- persistent mould
- overly wet substrate
Humidity should never be achieved by sacrificing ventilation.
Water
Provide a clean water dish at all times.
The dish should be securely positioned and easily accessible.
Tarantulas can safely drink from normal shallow water dishes.
Clean and refill it whenever required.
Lighting
Specialist lighting is unnecessary.
Normal ambient room lighting providing a regular day/night cycle is adequate.
Avoid placing the enclosure in direct sunlight.
Direct sunlight through glass can rapidly raise temperatures to dangerous levels.
UVB lighting is not required for normal tarantula husbandry.
Feeding
Suitable prey includes:
- crickets
- locusts
- appropriately sized cockroaches
- mealworms
- superworms
- other safe captive-produced feeder insects
Adults can generally be offered approximately:
one or two suitable prey items every 7–14 days
Juveniles can receive smaller meals more frequently.
Feeding should be adjusted according to:
- body condition
- growth
- temperature
- prey size
- moulting cycle
A tarantula does not need to eat every time food is offered.
Body Condition
Avoid allowing the abdomen to become excessively enlarged.
An extremely heavy abdomen increases vulnerability to injury.
Reduce feeding frequency when necessary.
Periods of fasting are common in tarantulas and do not automatically indicate illness.
Uneaten Food
Remove uneaten live prey if the spider shows no interest, particularly when a moult may be approaching.
Never leave potentially harmful feeders such as crickets with a vulnerable moulting tarantula.
Moulting
Signs of an approaching moult can include:
- reduced appetite
- complete food refusal
- increased hiding
- additional webbing
- reduced activity
- changes in colour
- sealing of the retreat
Do not disturb a specimen preparing to moult.
A tarantula lying upside down is commonly in the normal moulting position.
Never attempt to turn it over.
After Moulting
Freshly moulted tarantulas are extremely vulnerable.
Allow the new exoskeleton and fangs to harden fully before feeding.
As a general guide:
Juveniles: approximately 5–7 days
Large adults: approximately 7–14 days or longer where necessary
Wait until the fangs have hardened and darkened.
Rehousing
Rehousing P. metallica requires careful preparation.
Before opening the enclosure:
- Prepare the new enclosure completely.
- Work inside a secure room.
- Close doors and windows.
- Remove pets and unnecessary people.
- Have appropriately sized catch cups ready.
- Use long tools.
- Identify where the spider is likely to run.
- Move calmly and deliberately.
Because Poecilotheria can climb smooth surfaces and move extremely quickly, never assume the spider will remain at the bottom of a container.
Controlled container-to-container transfers are preferable to attempting to direct the animal over an exposed surface.
Cleaning
Established tarantula enclosures require relatively little disturbance.
Routine maintenance generally consists of:
- cleaning the water dish
- removing feeder remains
- removing obvious mould
- monitoring substrate condition
Avoid repeatedly dismantling established retreats and webbing.
Complete substrate replacement is normally only necessary when conditions genuinely require it.
Housing Multiple Animals
Individual housing is the safest standard approach.
Although Poecilotheria species have occasionally been maintained communally under specialised conditions, this carries a genuine risk of:
- cannibalism
- competition
- injuries
- unnoticed losses
Communal keeping should not be presented as normal husbandry for this species.
For the vast majority of keepers:
one tarantula per enclosure is recommended.
Sexing
The most reliable method of sexing immature or subadult specimens is examination of a suitable moult.
Females possess spermathecae that can be identified in an intact exuvia.
Mature males develop obvious sexual characteristics and become more slender and long-legged.
Ventral sexing may provide an indication but is less reliable than examination of a moult.
Breeding
Breeding should only be attempted by experienced keepers.
A mature male should be introduced carefully to a receptive female.
Courtship typically involves vibrational and tapping communication.
The male attempts to approach and elevate the female before transferring sperm with his pedipalps.
There is a risk of the female attacking or consuming the male.
Breeding interactions should therefore be supervised.
Egg Sac and Spiderlings
A successfully bred female may eventually produce an egg sac inside a heavily webbed retreat.
Females should receive minimal disturbance during this period.
Spiderlings can initially be maintained in small secure containers with:
- adequate ventilation
- appropriate moisture
- climbing structure
- a secure retreat
Very small spiderlings can accept tiny live prey or portions of pre-killed feeders.
Enclosures should be upgraded as the animals grow.
Conservation
Conservation is an especially important consideration with this species.
Poecilotheria metallica has an extremely restricted natural distribution and has been assessed as Critically Endangered.
Habitat loss and degradation represent serious threats to wild populations.
The popularity of this species within the exotic pet trade makes responsible captive breeding particularly valuable.
Keepers should purchase documented captive-bred animals wherever possible and avoid supporting questionable wild collection.
CITES
The genus Poecilotheria, including Poecilotheria metallica, is listed under:
CITES Appendix II
International commercial movement is therefore regulated.
Depending on jurisdiction and the nature of the transaction, appropriate documentation may be required.
Keepers, breeders and sellers should retain records demonstrating the lawful origin of their animals and check current requirements before moving animals internationally.
CITES Appendix II does not mean private ownership is universally prohibited; it regulates international trade.
National or local laws may impose additional requirements.
Health
Potential husbandry-related problems include:
- dehydration
- injuries caused by falls
- unsuccessful moults
- excessive moisture
- poor ventilation
- feeder-related injury
- overheating
A healthy tarantula should generally appear coordinated and capable of normal movement, with an abdomen appropriate to its body condition.
Dehydration
Possible signs include:
- shrunken abdomen
- lethargy
- abnormal posture
- impaired coordination
Reliable access to drinking water is one of the simplest and most important husbandry provisions.
The Death Curl
A tarantula that has its legs tightly curled beneath its body and cannot move normally may be severely compromised.
This should not be confused with the normal upside-down position adopted during moulting.
Serious concerns should be discussed with an appropriately experienced exotic/invertebrate veterinarian where such expertise is available.
Suitability as a Pet
Advantages
- extraordinary appearance
- fascinating arboreal behaviour
- impressive feeding response
- relatively straightforward environmental requirements for experienced keepers
- conservation value of responsible captive breeding
- excellent observational display species
Considerations
- extremely fast
- medically significant venom
- capable of defensive biting
- unsuitable for handling
- escape management requires experience
- not appropriate for beginners
- regulated under CITES
- significant conservation concerns
The beauty of Poecilotheria metallica should never obscure the responsibility involved in keeping it.
Responsible Ownership
Before acquiring this species:
- check current national and local legislation
- ensure CITES requirements are understood
- purchase captive-bred animals from reputable sources
- retain acquisition and provenance records
- prepare an escape-proof enclosure before obtaining the animal
- ensure other household members understand the risks
- never deliberately handle the spider
- never release a captive animal
Prospective keepers should be comfortable managing fast Old World tarantulas before acquiring P. metallica.
Summary
The Gooty Sapphire Ornamental is an extraordinary arboreal tarantula best suited to experienced keepers.
Successful husbandry centres on:
- a secure vertically oriented enclosure
- a substantial arboreal retreat
- appropriate climbing structure
- good cross-ventilation
- moderate moisture without saturation
- continuous access to clean drinking water
- suitable feeder insects
- minimal disturbance
- careful rehousing procedures
- no routine handling
Its spectacular metallic blue appearance has made Poecilotheria metallica one of the world’s most recognisable tarantulas, but its speed, venom and conservation status mean it should never be acquired simply because of its appearance.
Responsibly maintained captive-bred animals can provide experienced keepers with an exceptional opportunity to observe the behaviour of one of India’s most remarkable arboreal tarantulas.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
This care sheet provides general husbandry guidance and does not replace species-specific research or veterinary advice. Individual requirements may vary.
If you have concerns about an animal’s health or care, consult a suitably experienced exotic or invertebrate veterinarian.
Information correct at the date of publication.
reptilecommunity.com | Revised: August 2026