The Stunning Purple of Citharacanthus cyaneus
In case you're into tiny, colorful spiders, you've probably heard regarding the Citharacanthus cyaneus . It's a varieties that stands away even in the crowded hobby, mainly because of that insane metallic purple color they get as they mature. Often called the Cuban Violet Dwarf, this little tarantula is definitely a favorite for people who want something that appears like it's already been spray-painted with expensive automotive paint.
I've invested a lot of time looking in different New Planet tarantulas, and truthfully, the Citharacanthus cyaneus is in a league of its very own when it comes to aesthetics. It's not just "blue-ish"—it has this deep, rich purple hue that covers the carapace and hip and legs, making it look like a small jewel crawling with the dirt. But prior to you go out and buy one simply because it's pretty, there are a few things regarding their personality and care that you should probably know.
Where Offered From and Why It Matters
These spiders are usually native to Cuba. Being from the Caribbean island, they're utilized to an environment that stays quite warm and provides a fair bit of humidity. It's not like they're living in a swamp, but they definitely aren't desert dwellers. In the wild, they tend to hang out in tropical dry forests, often getting little nooks and crannies or looking into the leaf litter to stay cool and hydrated.
Knowing their own origin helps a lot when you're setting up their home. If you deal with them like a Rose Hair tarantula plus keep them bone-dry, they probably aren't going to be happy. On the particular flip side, you don't want in order to soak the housing until it's muddy. It's about obtaining that middle surface where the substrate stays slightly moist however the air isn't stagnant.
That Incredible Violet Colour
Let's chat about the primary event: the looks. When they're slings (spiderlings), they don't appear like much. They're kind of brownish or translucent, which usually can be a bit of a letdown if you're expecting a violet powerhouse right from the vial. But as they grow and molt, that violet sheen starts to creep in.
By the time the Citharacanthus cyaneus reaches its teen stage, the shades really start in order to pop. Under the good LED lighting or even natural sunlight, the metallic purple is breathtaking. It's one of those spiders that makes visitors proceed, "Wait, that's genuine? " because the color looks almost artificial. The contrast between the purple hip and legs and the darker abdomen—which often has little hairs that capture the light—is simply fantastic.
Velocity and Temperament: A Tiny Rocket
Don't allow "dwarf" part of their particular name fool a person into thinking they're slow or lazy. These guys are usually fast. Like, "teleportation" fast. If you open the housing and they get spooked, they may be across the table before you even recognize you've blinked. Because of this, I wouldn't actually recommend them as being a "handling" tarantula.
Actually, I actually don't recommend dealing with most tarantulas anyhow, but especially not this one. These people are skittish plus nervous. While they will aren't typically aggressive (they'd much instead run and cover than bite), they are definitely high-strung. If you're the beginner, you just need to be conscious during rehousing. Use a catch glass, work inside the larger bin to prevent escapes, plus take your time. If you're individual, they aren't that difficult to manage, but you need to respect their speed.
Setting Up an ideal Home
Because the Citharacanthus cyaneus is a dwarf species, you don't require a massive tank. They usually top out at around two to 2. 5 inches in leg span. A small acrylic enclosure or even a well-ventilated plastic tub functions perfectly.
Substrate and Dampness
I generally go with a mix of coco fiber plus topsoil. It holds moisture well without getting moldy too quickly. You want in order to give them enough depth to burrow if they want to. Although they're technically terrestrial, mine loves to do a bit of "opportunistic burrowing. " In the event that you give them a few inches of dirt, they'll likely create a little cave system or at least a silk-lined retreat.
Keep the reduce layers of the substrate damp. I actually like to overflow water dish from time to time to keep one part of the enclosure moist. This creates the moisture gradient therefore the spider can choose where it feels most comfortable.
Decor and Hides
A piece of cork start barking is a must. They'll utilize it as the starting point for their web or as a place to shift under when they feel vulnerable. A person can add several fake plants or real moss as well, which helps keep that humidity all of us discussed. They aren't the most heavy-duty webbers just like a Green Container Blue, but they will will put down plenty of silk for making their area seem like house.
What's on the Menu?
Feeding a Citharacanthus cyaneus can be quite straightforward. They have got a good feeding reaction for size. As long as the particular prey isn't larger than they are, they'll usually go intended for it.
- Slings: Small pinhead crickets or fruits flies.
- Juveniles: Small crickets or even roach nymphs.
- Adults: Medium-sized crickets or mealworms.
One thing I've noticed is that they can be a bit timid when eating. Sometimes they'll grab the particular prey and immediately retreat into their dig to eat within private. It's kind of cute, in a "leave me alone" sort of way. Simply make sure to remove any uneaten food after 24 hrs therefore it doesn't stress the spider away or cause form issues.
Growth Rate and Molting
They grow at a moderate speed. They aren't "slow" like some Brachypelma species, but they aren't "lightning fast" growers like several arboreals either. You'll get to discover lots of molts over the first 12 months or two.
When they go into pre-molt, they'll stop eating and might hide away for the few weeks. Their particular colors will appear dull and "ashy. " This is the part exactly where new keepers usually freak out plus think something will be wrong. Don't worry—it's just portion of the procedure. Once they take out of that old skin, the colors will become more vibrant than ever. Just remember not to feed all of them for a minimum of a week after a molt so their own fangs have period to harden.
Is This the Right Spider for You?
If you're okay with the "look but don't touch" pet, after that yes, the Citharacanthus cyaneus is definitely an awesome choice. It's perfect for someone who doesn't possess a ton of space but desires a collection item that really "wows. "
The main downsides are usually the skittishness and the fact that, because they're little, they could sometimes end up being a bit reclusive. You might have a "pet hole" for a couple weeks with a time. But when they do arrive out and the light hits that purple carapace, you'll remember exactly why you got them.
In the end, keeping one associated with these is just simple fun. They aren't demanding, they appear incredible, and they bring a bit of that Cuban exotic flair to your shelf. Just keep the humidity up, have a capture cup ready regarding rehousing, and enjoy the particular show. There aren't many things within nature that may accomplish that color of purple simply because well as this particular tarantula does.