Haplopelma lividum stands as the most marvellous and distinctive spider in the world through its attractive cobalt blue coat. Its bright blue hue stands out among exotic pets as a result of which enthusiasts highly value it. The aggressive behavior together with particular care requirements make this tarantula unsuitable for people entering the pet care field. The cobalt blue tarantula exists in Thailand together with Myanmar as its native homeland where it builds underground burrows for most of its lifespan. This spider remains alert due to its fast reactions while being defensive and choosing to stay away from handling.
This tarantula responds to danger through harmful bites but its poison does not lead to death although it creates intense swelling and discomfort. Keeping a cobalt blue tarantula as a pet needs a suitable habitat and moisture regulation as well as regular food maintenance. Cobalt blue tarantulas need a climate with both warmth and moisture and they eat mainly crickets together with roaches. The complete information about cobalt blue tarantula ownership and nutrition alongside caring practices is presented in this manual. A cobalt blue tarantula would be suitable as a unique demanding pet for established keepers who want to add some excitement to their breeding projects.
Summary
The cobalt blue tarantula appears stunning to the eye yet its aggressive behaviour makes it an inappropriate spider choice for people who are new to pet spiders. This arachnid becomes an intriguing species for keepers who already maintain tarantulas. Providing suitable habitat conditions with an appropriate diet along with proper care will ensure your spider remains healthy.
What is a Cobalt Blue Tarantula?
As an Asian native species, the cobalt blue tarantula exists mainly in Myanmar and Thailand. The species has a blue appearance, yet it devotes most of its time to underground activities by digging into the ground.
Scientific Name
- Haplopelma lividum (also known as H. lividum) stands as the taxonomic name for this species.
- Common Names: Cobalt blue tarantula, blue cobalt tarantula, blue spider, Asian cobalt blue tarantula
Natural Habitat
- The cobalt blue tarantulas inhabit Southeast Asian tropical forests as their natural habitat. The blue cobalt tarantula needs a climate with warmth along with damp conditions that offer ample space for digging underground. Their natural habitat consists of:
- High humidity levels (70-80%)
- Dense vegetation
- A suitable environment for burrowing includes soil which remains soft and loose.
- Warm temperatures between 75-85°F
- Captive facilities need to imitate these environmental elements for full physical and mental care of these animals.
Physical Characteristics
- This species reaches approximately 5 to 6 inches in leg extent and falls within the medium category for tarantulas.
- The tarantula displays captivating appearances with bright cobalt blue legs coordinated next to its dark brown-coloured carapace.
- An adult female tarantula reaches a maximum lifespan of 20 years, which indicates they need long-lasting care. Male Schwarzanium Tarantulas survive 2-3 years since their maturation process happens faster while their total life expectancy remains shorter than female expectancy, which extends up to 20 years.
- The lifespan disparity between male and female Blue Boy Golden tarantulas should be taken into account when selecting this species as a pet, even though it remains a popular choice for collectors.
Behavior and Temperament
The cobalt blue tarantula functions as both a splendid and aggressive creature within the animal kingdom. The species does not choose to be held like various other tarantulas since it prefers distant observation instead. A feeling of threat will make the cobalt blue tarantula display warning postures by raising its front legs before potentially biting at speed. An individual who receives a cobalt blue tarantula bite does not experience mortal danger but may experience serious discomfort along with muscle cramps and extensive swelling.
The burrowing species of tarantula creates extensive underground tunnels, which consume most of their time in hidden locations. Observing this tarantula infrequently becomes understandable since it chooses its underground burrow as its preferred haven. This species is active when darkness falls because it hunts and explores outside its burrow. The daytime morph of this species stays concealed within its lair, so it works as a suitable pet choice for pet keepers who want to observe nighttime activities. The vibrant blue colour attracts attention, but this spider type should remain untouched due to its non-handleable nature. Expert care providers should consider getting this pet because it needs its territory without being disturbed.
Can You Have a Cobalt Blue Tarantula as a Pet?
The Cobalt Blue Tarantula functions as a pet although it fails to fulfill basic needs for beginner tarantula handlers. The blue hue draws people to this tarantula although it springs into action effortlessly and expresses defensiveness and creates difficulties during handling for its keepers. The animal demands its specific natural environment to stay alive and it refuses to interact with humans making it different from other members of its biological group.
Pros of Owning a Cobalt Blue Tarantula
The Cobalt Blue Tarantula stands out due to its brilliant blue legs that rank as mesmerising among all worldwide arachnid colours. One of the simple requirements for caring for these burrows is the need for regular weekly feedings that allow observers to witness incredible natural engineering.
Cons of Owning a Cobalt Blue Tarantula
The tarantula exhibits severe aggressive tendencies through its biting habits and strikes because it refuses handling yet requires specific living conditions to remain healthy, which need temperatures between 70-80% humidity and warm environments. Its rapid physical actions produce immense trouble for moving the animal between locations.
Is It the Right Pet for You?
Purchasing a cobalt blue tarantula represents an excellent choice for distant observation because of its attractive colour. People who want to care for pets should begin with calm species of tarantulas both before buying one and for those who wish to hold their arachnid companion.
Habitat and Tank Setup
Your cobalt blue tarantula needs a proper environment for well-being and health. As a burrower species, the pet requires an extensive area to dig and create its hiding spaces. The species lives subterranean for the most part because it differs from other tarantulas, which tend to stay in open spaces or climb.
Enclosure Requirements
The proper housing environment requires a tank with a capacity between 5 and 10 gallons. An escape-proof lid is essential because this quick-moving tarantula will attempt to escape through a non-secure enclosure.
🔹 Substrate (Floor Material): Use at least 6 inches of moist coconut fibre, peat moss, or a mix of both. Your tarantula needs the substrate depth to create underground tunnels that match its natural behaviour. It is crucial to maintain substrate dampness at a level that is not comparable to water saturation.
Create proper humidity levels of 70-80% using light weekly mists to the enclosure. Keeping a shallow water dish inside the enclosure enables stable humidity levels.
🔹 Temperature: Keep the tank at 75-85°F (24-29°C). One side of the tank requires a gentle heat source consisting of a reptile heating pad to keep temperatures steady.
Your tarantula feels more comfortable when you provide additional hiding spots through pieces of bark as well as coconut shells and hollow logs, despite its habit of burrowing.
Other Important Tips
- Do not add decorations during care since these tarantulas avoid climbing while staying deeply buried in underground areas.
- The use of gentle lighting should be limited because bright lighting produces anxiety in these arachnids. Keep the enclosure located in a dim environment or a room filled with natural light.
- The pet should only be observed from a distance because it is a look-and-leave-alone type of animal. The creature becomes stressed when disturbed yet tends to defend itself in response to this type of interruption.
Creating an environment that duplicates its native space will create a home which enables your cobalt blue tarantula to stay sheltered and stress-free and feel safe.
Diet and Feeding
A cobalt blue tarantula consumes live prey because it hunts using a carnivorous method. When residing in natural habitats the blue tarantula preys upon passing insects which approach its underground home. When keeping this pet in captivity, you will need to design a proper diet which maintains good health and motivated behavior.
What to Feed
The cobalt blue tarantula should receive crickets as its fundamental food supply because they are easy to find and roaches as additional nutrition with mealworms used as limited occasional treats.
How Often to Feed
- 🍽 Young tarantulas (spiderlings): Feed every 2-3 days.
- 🍽 Adult tarantulas: Feed once or twice a week.
Your tarantula needs feeding less frequently than dogs or cats because it does not require daily meals. Its feeding behaviour primarily regulates itself through appetite, and it may refrain from eating completely during weeks before moulting.
Water Needs
💧 Place a shallow water dish in the tank. While food provides most of the moisture tarantulas need they may occasionally consume liquid water directly. Use a minimized feeding dish to stop drowning.
Extra Tips
- All feeding should consist of live prey because dead insects will not be eaten.
- Discard any leftover food from the tank after a time period of 24 hours to decrease stress levels of the spider.
- Tarantulas should never receive prey that is larger than their body because they require food items of smaller dimensions.
- A predictable feeding plan together with regular behavior checks will help your tarantula remain both well and content.
Handling and Safety
Are Cobalt Blue Tarantulas Suitable for Holding?
You should not attempt to hold this species of tarantula because it poses safety risks to both victim and spider. These spider species have both a defensive nature and quick movement patterns unlike several other tarantulas that remain docile and calm. A cobalt blue tarantula shows no patience for being touched since it responds to perceived threats with powerful strikes.
A dangerous reaction to threats includes quick bites and rapid movements that create two safety risks involving both tarantula and handler. A drop from any height could cause bruises or fatal injuries to this spider because of its thin external shell.
How Dangerous Is a Cobalt Blue Tarantula’s Bite?
The venom of this tarantula produces serious pain but it cannot kill humans. Their venom contains weak toxic substances, which result in these symptoms:
A Cobalt Blue Tarantula bite produces these symptoms:
- 1) long-lasting pain that resembles a bee/wasp sting;
- 2) inflammation followed by tissue redness at the bite location;
- 3) muscle spasms affect certain individuals; and
- 4) Occasionally mild allergy symptoms trigger wider tissue swelling.
Confined discomfort calls for regular water clean-up and a cold pack and over-the-counter pain medication for comfort. Call emergency medical services immediately whenever you experience severe allergic reactions.
The Proper Procedure for Dealing with Cobalt Blue Tarantulas in Safe Conditions
Safe handling of cobalt blue tarantulas is not possible but there are steps for moving and caring for these spiders through indirect movements:
You can position your tarantula using soft tongs and a small paintbrush without causing it stress. Additionally, you should encourage it to enter a receptacle for relocation purposes by educating it with a cup or catch container. Stay calm when moving near the enclosure because quick movements could create stress and exercise caution when opening the tank because the tarantula tends to escape quickly.
Where to Buy a Cobalt Blue Tarantula
Reputable exotic pet breeders together with specialty reptile shops operate as the best options for purchasing cobalt blue tarantulas for sale. You can find this species available for purchase in the price range of $50 to $100 based on the specific age of the spider and its size.
Personal Experiences & Case Studies: Stories from Tarantula Keepers Who Own Cobalt Blue Tarantulas
A Keeper’s Tale: The Challenges and Rewards of Owning a Cobalt Blue Tarantula
Jake has maintained tarantulas for the past ten years at his Texas residence. Among his community of exotic spiders, the cobalt blue tarantula (Haplopelma lividum) maintains its position as one of the most challenging yet enchanting species to possess.
According to Jake, the elegant iridescent colour of the cobalt blue tarantula pulled him toward this species. Once I started caring for it, I recognised that its brilliant appearance leads to special difficulties to manage.
According to Jake, the cobalt blue species acts as a secluded species. Cobalt blues prefer to remain alone since they reject any contact from human hands, different from how other tarantulas behave. These spiders maintain aggressive behaviour, but they choose to remain hidden by burrowing deep beneath the ground. PERTS should understand from the start their cobalt blue pet spends most of its time beneath the ground since it is an expert burrower.
The most challenging aspect for Jake involved moving his cobalt blue from a previous accommodation. These spiders rush with exceptional defence mechanisms. The transfer of my cobalt blue into a bigger enclosure required maximum carefulness. These pets become defensive when disturbed, which leads to threat postures because of their demanding speed.
The challenges of owning cobalt blue tarantulas do not discourage Jake because of the great rewards he receives from their care. You should observe these spiders from a distance since they choose to be avoided but their emergence from their hiding place and vibrant post-moult colouring produce an awe-filled reaction.
An Expert’s Advice: How to Care for a Cobalt Blue Tarantula
Dr. Samantha Hayes serves as an exotic pet specialist who specialises in tropical veterinary medicine after years of experience in this field. The specialist gives crucial information to individuals interested in owning a cobalt blue tarantula.
The main false beliefs about cobalt blue tarantulas lead people to think.
Those new to keep tarantulas tend to believe that these spiders share identical care needs and behaviour patterns. That’s not true. Cobalt blues remain too defensive for novices; thus, they should avoid acquiring them as their first pet. Cobalt blue tarantulas need particular humidity conditions and deep substrate territory because these provide essential elements for their survival.
Please explain the vital care requirements for these animals.
Dr. Hayes advises that the enclosure needs at least six inches of moist substrate, including coco fibre or peat moss, to let the arachnid burrow. The enclosure should maintain a humidity level of 75–80% while preventing unnecessary handling of the cobalt blue. Human interaction is unappealing to these tarantulas because they display aggressive behaviour during any disruptive contact.
What advice should I follow for feeding and hydration of my pet?
The feeding of crickets, roaches or mealworms that receive extra nutrition through gut-loading represents the best dietary choice. Newborn spiders require feeding twice per week but adult specimens should only be offered food once in every seven- to ten-day period. A small water bowl should be included in the enclosure for hydration but extra misting should be avoided since it causes stress.
A keeper should take what action if their cobalt blue tarantula manages to escape from its habitat.
Dr. Hayes states this situation is the worst outcome because they possess exceptional speed. You should initiate a response by lowering the illumination while providing a concealed housing item with an entrance opening on the floor. They naturally seek dark spaces. A person should never try grabbing these spiders with their hands because it can be unsafe; they must use either a soft brush or a small cup to safely recover the spider inside its enclosure.
Conclusion
The cobalt blue tarantula appears stunning to the eye yet its aggressive behaviour makes it an inappropriate spider choice for people who are new to pet spiders. This arachnid becomes an intriguing species for keepers who already maintain tarantulas. Providing suitable habitat conditions with appropriate diet along with proper care will ensure your spider remains healthy.
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Faq's
A cobalt blue tarantula reaches sizes up to 5 inches in length from leg to leg.
The medium-sized cobalt blue tarantula reaches a leg span measuring between 12 to 13 centimeters.
The purchase location for cobalt blue tarantulas can be found at various places that sell them.
Buyers can obtain cobalt blue tarantulas through exotic pet stores in combination with reptile expos and online breeders. Avoid buying from unverified sources because this guarantees proper ethical treatment and prevents buying unwell spiders.
Do cobalt blue tarantulas possess the ability to kill human beings?
Cobalt blue tarantulas possess venom that cannot result in fatal injuries to human beings. Experiencing a tarantula bite leads to intense pain, substantial swelling and intense muscle cramps. Pregnant women should be mindful because they could experience more severe reactions to cobalt blue tarantula bites.
😡 Are blue tarantulas aggressive?
Yes! The defensive and aggressive tendencies serve as major characteristics which define the behavior of cobalt blue tarantulas. The tarantula will automatically bite anyone who disturbs its space.
The cost of acquiring a cobalt blue tarantula depends on factors that include size and age and purchase location.
Tresses vary in cost between $50 and $150 depending on the variety of features like their dimensions and age as well as your purchasing location.
🏠 Is a cobalt blue tarantula good for beginners?
No, they are not beginner-friendly. Advanced tarantula keepers should handle this tarantula because its aggressive behavior combined with high speed and dangerous venom.
Is it possible to safely grip and support cobalt blue tarantulas?
Not a good idea! The tarantulas demonstrate strong defensive traits because they avoid all contact with people. The spider moves quickly while defenseively biting whenever it feels intimidation.