Cobalt Blue Tarantula Care Guide

Cobalt Blue Tarantulas (Cyriopagopus lividus) – Size, Origin, Temperament & Complete Care

The Cobalt Blue Tarantula is one of the most visually striking tarantulas for sale in the hobby, famous for its deep metallic blue legs and intense defensive behavior. Native to the tropical forests of Southeast Asia, this fossorial Old World species is highly sought after by experienced keepers for its incredible coloration, heavy webbing, and powerful feeding response.

While stunning in appearance, Cobalt Blue Tarantulas are fast, defensive, and not recommended for beginners. Proper enclosure setup and respect for this species’ temperament are essential for long-term success.

Cobalt Blue Tarantula Overview

Scientific Name

Cyriopagopus lividus

Common Names

• Cobalt Blue Tarantula

• Thai Blue Tarantula

Origin

Thailand
Myanmar

Habitat

Tropical rainforest environments with humid soil and deep burrowing conditions.

Lifestyle

• Fossorial

• Heavy webber

• Nocturnal ambush predator

Cobalt Blue Tarantula Size

Cobalt Blue Tarantulas are medium-to-large fossorial tarantulas with long legs and powerful builds.

Adult Size

• Females: 5 to 6 inches diagonal leg span

• Males: slightly smaller and leggier

Although often hidden underground, adults are extremely impressive display specimens when visible.

Cobalt Blue Tarantula Lifespan

Female Lifespan

• 15 to 20 years in captivity

Male Lifespan

• Approximately 3 to 5 years

Females grow slower but live dramatically longer than mature males.

Cobalt Blue Tarantula Appearance

Cobalt Blue Tarantula is famous for its vivid electric-blue legs, dark carapace, and velvety appearance.

Coloration includes:

• Metallic cobalt-blue legs

• Dark gray to black body

• Dense leg hairs

• Heavy silk production around burrow entrances

Freshly molted specimens display the strongest blue coloration.

Cobalt Blue Tarantula Temperament

This species is known for being highly defensive and extremely fast.

Typical behavior includes:

• Retreating rapidly into burrows

• Defensive threat postures

• Heavy webbing

• Aggressive feeding response

• Sudden bursts of speed

Unlike New World tarantulas, Old World species lack urticating hairs and rely more heavily on speed and biting for defense.

This species is not recommended for handling.

Are Cobalt Blue Tarantulas Good for Beginners?

No — Cobalt Blue Tarantulas are considered advanced-level tarantulas.

Reasons include:

• Fast movement

• Defensive temperament

• Potent Old World venom

• Fossorial behavior

• Escape risk during maintenance

Experienced keepers who enjoy fossorial Old World species often consider them one of the most rewarding tarantulas in the hobby.

Cobalt Blue Tarantula Enclosure Setup

Because they are fossorial tarantulas, deep substrate is absolutely essential.

Recommended Enclosure Sizes

Spiderlings

• Small sling containers with deep substrate

Juveniles

• 1–3 gallon fossorial setups

Adults

• 5–10 gallon enclosure with significant burrowing depth

Important enclosure features:

• Deep compact substrate

• Cross ventilation

• Cork bark starter burrow

• Slightly humid conditions

• Secure enclosure lid

Most specimens spend the majority of their lives underground.

Best Substrate for Cobalt Blue Tarantulas

This species requires moisture-retentive substrate capable of supporting stable burrows.

Recommended substrates:

• Coco fiber

• Organic topsoil

• Clay-based substrate mixes

• Bioactive fossorial mixes

Substrate Depth

• Juveniles: 4+ inches

• Adults: 6–10 inches preferred

The substrate should remain slightly moist but never waterlogged.

Temperature & Humidity

Ideal Temperature

• 74°F to 82°F

Humidity

• Moderate to high humidity around 70–80%

Good airflow is critical despite the higher humidity requirements.

Overflowing one side of the enclosure periodically helps maintain proper moisture levels.

Feeding Cobalt Blue Tarantulas

Cobalt Blue Tarantulas are powerful ambush predators with intense feeding responses.

Common Feeder Insects

• Crickets

• Dubia roaches

• Mealworms

• Superworms

Feeding Schedule

Spiderlings

• 2–3 feedings weekly

Juveniles

• Every 5–7 days

Adults

• Every 7–14 days

Most specimens attack prey aggressively once it approaches the burrow entrance.

Growth Rate

This species has a moderate growth rate.

Approximate growth:

• Sling to juvenile: 1–2 years

• Female maturity: 4–6 years

Warm temperatures and consistent feeding encourage faster growth.

Webbing & Burrowing Behavior

One reason this species is so popular is its incredible webbing behavior.

Cobalt Blue Tarantulas often create:

• Silk-lined tunnels

• Complex underground chambers

• Heavily webbed enclosure surfaces

• Reinforced burrow entrances

A well-established enclosure can become an elaborate subterranean web structure.

Molting Behavior

Signs of premolt include:

• Refusing food

• Increased hiding

• Reduced activity

• Darkening coloration

Never disturb this species during molt, especially inside a burrow.

Freshly molted specimens may remain hidden for extended periods before reappearing.

Do Cobalt Blue Tarantulas Bite?

Yes — and bites should be taken seriously.

As an Old World tarantula:

• This species has no urticating hairs

• Defensive biting is the primary protection mechanism

• Venom is considered medically significant

Symptoms reported from Old World bites can include:

• Severe pain

• Muscle cramping

• Sweating

• Localized swelling

Because of their speed and temperament, this species should only be kept by experienced tarantula keepers.

Bioactive Setup for Cobalt Blue Tarantulas

Bioactive fossorial setups work exceptionally well for this species.

Common additions include:

• Springtails

• Tropical isopods

• Leaf litter

• Cork bark

• Moisture-retaining moss

Bioactive systems help stabilize humidity while supporting natural burrowing behavior.

Where to Buy Cobalt Blue Tarantulas

When purchasing a Cobalt Blue Tarantula, look for:

• Captive-bred specimens

• Healthy feeding response

• Established spiderlings or juveniles

• Reputable exotic invertebrate breeders

Captive-bred specimens adapt better to captivity and help reduce pressure on wild populations.

Final Thoughts

The Cobalt Blue Tarantula remains one of the most iconic Old World tarantulas for sale in the hobby. With its electric-blue coloration, heavy webbing, and intense fossorial behavior, this species is both beautiful and challenging.

Although not recommended for beginners, experienced keepers often consider Cyriopagopus lividus one of the most rewarding display tarantulas available when maintained in a properly designed fossorial enclosure.