Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens Care Guide
(Green Bottle Blue Tarantula / GBB)
Introduction & Species Overview
Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens, commonly known as the Green Bottle Blue (GBB) tarantula, is one of the most sought-after species in the hobby. With vivid blue legs, a metallic green carapace, and a fiery orange abdomen, this New World tarantula offers striking colors and active behaviors.
GBB tarantulas are semi‑arboreal to terrestrial in behavior: they build extensive webbing, sometimes use vertical surfaces, but also use substrate.
Life expectancy is relatively good under proper care: females may live 12–15+ years, while males often reach 4–5 years post-maturity.
Because of their vibrant coloration and web‑making talents, GBBs are often kept by intermediate and even beginner hobbyists—though good husbandry is crucial for success.
Enclosure & Housing
Size & Style
- For adult GBBs, a horizontally oriented enclosure with some vertical space is ideal (e.g. a 30 × 30 × 30 cm cube or 12 × 12 × 12 inch enclosure).
- Some keepers use enclosures with more floor space than height, since excessive vertical fall risk is a concern.
- For younger slings / juveniles, use smaller acrylic “crib” or “slider” style enclosures sized ~3× the tarantula’s diagonal legspan to allow movement.
Substrate & Lining
- GBBs prefer dry to moderately dry substrate. Common mixes include coconut fiber (coco coir), peat / sphagnum moss, and organic topsoil in combinations.
- The substrate depth can be around 2–3 cm to several cm depending on enclosure size. This species does not tend to dig deep burrows under captive conditions; they often use webbing and hides instead.
- Avoid using sharp stones, coarse sand, wood chips, or substrates that may injure the exoskeleton.
Decor, Hide & Anchors
- Provide anchor points for webbing: cork bark, vertical branches, bark slabs, roots, thin twigs, or even plastic plants (they’ll web over them).
- Use hides or retreats (e.g. cork tubes, coconut shells, half logs) to allow the tarantula a quiet resting area.
- Some keepers use cork tubes partially buried in substrate as a starting retreat, and the GBB may web over or around them.
Ventilation & Lid
- Adequate ventilation is important to avoid mold in webbing or substrate. Use screened vents or mesh lids.
- The lid must be secure and escape‑proof, as GBBs can be active and opportunistic.
Temperature & Humidity
- Temperature: Maintain ambient temps between ~20 °C and 24 °C (≈ 68–76 °F). Some sources allow slight variation up to low 80s°F (26 °C) but avoid extremes.
- Humidity: GBBs tolerate lower humidity than many tropical species. Aim for ~ 40–60% RH (relative humidity).
- Keep substrate dry-to-slightly moist (damp in deeper layers if needed), but avoid sogginess.
- A shallow water dish should always be present; refill and clean it regularly. Many keepers rely on water dish rather than frequent misting.
Lighting & Day Cycle
- GBBs do not require special UV lighting. Ambient room light is usually sufficient.
- Avoid placing the enclosure in direct sunlight (risk of overheating).
- A 12-hour light/dark cycle is sufficient; they may retreat under brighter light and emerge at dusk.
Feeding & Nutrition
Diet
- Adults: Offer 2–3 large crickets, or roaches (e.g. Dubia roaches), per feeding session.
- Younger juveniles / subadults: Feed smaller crickets or roaches more frequently.
- Spiderlings / slings: Use tiny prey such as pinhead crickets, fruit flies, or roach nymphs, offered often.
Feeding Schedule
| Stage | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Spiderling / juvenile | Every 4–7 days (or more frequently) |
| Subadult / young adult | Every 7–10 days |
| Adult | Every 10–14 days (or even ~2–3 weeks) depending on appetite and body condition |
- After molting, wait before feeding: for slings ~1–2 days, for adults 5–10 days (or until the exoskeleton hardens fully).
- Remove any uneaten prey after ~24 hours to avoid stress, pests, or mold.
Hydration
- The primary water source is a shallow water dish, which should be cleaned and refilled regularly.
- Misting should be done sparingly and carefully—better to rely on dish water than frequent sprays (which can lead to mold).
Behavior, Handling & Safety
- GBBs are skittish and move quickly. They are not typically aggressive, but they may flick urticating hairs when disturbed.
- Handling is not recommended because of risk of fall injuries or stressing the tarantula. Use tools (soft paintbrush, tongs) or gentle coaxing to move it if necessary.
- Watch for pre-molt behavior: appetite loss, increased webbing inside retreats, lethargy, or darkening of the abdomen.
- After molting, the tarantula is fragile—avoid disturbance and do not feed until the exoskeleton hardens.
Maintenance & Cleaning
- Spot clean regularly: remove dead prey, shed exoskeletons, waste, or webbing debris. This helps prevent mold, mites, or pests.
- Full cleaning / substrate replacement: every 6–12 months (or sooner if mold or pest issues arise). Replace substrate, clean walls and decorations.
- Be extra cautious when cleaning, not to disturb the tarantula or cause damage to delicate web structures.
Troubleshooting & Common Issues
- Refusal to eat: GBBs sometimes fast before molting or during periods of stress. If refusing food for >2 weeks, check humidity, temperature, enclosure conditions, and ensure water is available.
- Mold / fungus growth: Often due to high humidity, poor ventilation, or decaying material. Reduce moisture and improve airflow.
- Negative body condition (thin abdomen): Could indicate underfeeding or stress. Adjust the feeding schedule or prey size.
- Injury from falls: Avoid high enclosures or loose decor that can shift and cause a fall.
Summary & Tips
Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens (Green Bottle Blue) is a rewarding species to keep because of its vivid coloration, active webbing, and generally hardy nature when given proper husbandry. To succeed:
- Use a well-ventilated, escape-secure semi-arboreal style enclosure with anchor points.
- Keep substrate relatively dry, but maintain a shallow water dish.
- Feed appropriately sized prey on a schedule that matches life stage.
- Minimize disturbance, especially around molting times.
- Maintain clean enclosure conditions with regular spot cleaning and occasional full maintenance.
With consistent care and attention to detail, a GBB can thrive for over a decade.