Brazilian Blue Tarantula

Brazilian Blue Tarantula Care Guide

Scientific Name: Pterinopelma sazimai
Common Name: Brazilian Blue Tarantula
Adult Size: Around 13–15 cm leg span
Lifespan: Females 15–20+ years; males considerably shorter
Difficulty: Intermediate
Temperament: Generally defensive; may kick urticating hairs
Activity: Mainly nocturnal

Size

• Adults can reach around 13–15 cm leg span.
• Juveniles grow steadily with appropriate feeding.

Housing

• Provide a secure, well-ventilated terrestrial enclosure.
• Floor space should allow the spider to comfortably move around.
• Provide around 10–15 cm of substrate for burrowing.
• Add cork bark or another secure hide.
• Ensure the enclosure is escape-proof.

Temperature

• 22–26°C is suitable.
• A slight nighttime drop is perfectly acceptable.
• Avoid prolonged temperatures above 28°C.
• Use thermostatically controlled heating if additional heat is required.

Lighting

• UVB is not required.
• Normal ambient room lighting is sufficient.
• Avoid bright lights and direct sunlight.

Humidity

• Maintain moderate humidity, around 65–75%.
• Keep part of the substrate slightly moist while allowing the surface to dry.
• Provide good ventilation to prevent stagnant, overly damp conditions.

Food

• Feed appropriately sized live insects such as:
  • Crickets
  • Locusts
  • Dubia roaches
  • Mealworms
• Juveniles can be offered food around 1–2 times per week.
• Adults generally require less frequent feeding.
• Remove uneaten prey, particularly when a moult is approaching.

Water

• Provide a shallow water dish whenever the tarantula is large enough to use one safely.
• Keep fresh water available at all times.
• Keep the dish clean.

Shedding

• The tarantula will periodically moult as it grows.
• Refusing food and becoming less active can indicate pre-moult.
• Remove live prey and do not disturb the spider during moulting.
• Never attempt to pull away retained shed.

Handling

• Not recommended.
• Brazilian Blue Tarantulas can be defensive and fast-moving.
• They may kick urticating hairs when threatened.
• Use a catch cup and soft brush when relocation is necessary.

Health

Watch for:

• Loss of body condition
• Injuries
• Persistent lethargy outside of pre-moult
• Mould or pest infestations
• Difficulty moulting
• Abnormal posture or movement

Cleaning

• Remove uneaten prey and waste regularly.
• Keep the water dish clean.
• Spot-clean rather than repeatedly replacing all substrate.
• Remove mouldy material and improve ventilation if necessary.

Before You Bring Your Animal Home

• Have the enclosure completely prepared beforehand.
• Add suitable depth of substrate and a secure hide.
• Check temperature and ventilation.
• Provide fresh water.
• Have appropriately sized livefood available.
• Make sure the enclosure is securely locked.

Important Bits

• 🕷️ Terrestrial species that benefits from deep substrate.
• ⚠️ Can be defensive and fast.
• 🧶 May kick irritating urticating hairs.
• 💧 Moderate humidity with good ventilation is important.
• 🚫 Never disturb during a moult.
• 🦗 Remove livefood if the spider enters pre-moult.
• 🧤 Handling is best avoided.
• 🕰️ Females can be a long-term commitment of 15–20+ years.