Tell me about: Cyriopagopus lividus

[Liam52]

Hello fellow arachnophiles,

I am looking into getting a Cyriopagopus lividus (Cobalt Blue), and I was hoping to get some information on just what this will entail, since it’s really quite worthless to trust a care sheet. Most of them contradict each other so I figured the best people to consult are the people who keep them. What’s this tarantula like? Are they always feisty and aggressive, active or passive, and do they eat well? I currently have a Brachypelma Albopilosum, and it’s a pretty laid back T (I say it because I haven’t been able to sex it yet by a molt, they’re always pretty beat up by the time I look at them). I always like to research before I buy, and I’d just like some background before I decide to go for it.

 

[Venom1080]

Probably one of the worst spiders for beginners.

Extremely defensive. But generally refers to run back down its hole.

It's Haplopelma lividum. The new name lacks proof.

Deep moist substrate. These are a fossorial species.

Medium sized spiders. 5.5" or so.

 

[Liam52]

Probably one of the worst spiders for beginners.

Extremely defensive. But generally refers to run back down its hole.

It's Haplopelma lividum. The new name lacks proof.

Deep moist substrate. These are a fossorial species.

Medium sized spiders. 5.5" or so.

Do you have any experience with Avicularia avicularia? I was also looking into one of them. If the lividum isn’t for the less experienced... I’ve heard they have a tendency to leap, which is concerning. I just like to know what I’m getting into.

 

[lostbrane]

I only put funny because he wrote a guide to their care.

 

[Venom1080]

Yes. I love Avicularia. One of my favorite genera.

http://arachnoboards.com/threads/avicularia-care.291340/#post-2588057

Slings aren't the best choice for beginners. But they're not too bad honestly. Little picky sometimes, but plenty hardy.

They do jump. And shoot poop. Generally when trying to get away from something or deter an annoying keeper. When you avoid handling, neither is an issue. They are experts at surviving falls. At least on carpet. I think you'd have to throw the thing to kill it on carpet honestly.

 

[Minty]

I would recommend Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens to you. Generally, they tend to be a bit skittish, but still do-able for a beginner, especially as you'll have some experience with your Brachypelma albopilosum.

I recommend them because they web a lot, are usually visible, are fast growers, great eaters and in my opinion, are visually stunning. They can be quick to flick hairs but common sense and sensible precautions means you can be unlikely to be hit by them.

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Regarding old world species in general, not just the species you mentioned, while it is possible, I wouldn't recommend anyone getting any OW as their second tarantula. The difference in speed and temperament is staggering and you increase your risk of being bitten or worse, the tarantula escaping, while you don't have the necessary experience to deal with it. I can't stress the speed of OW tarantulas enough, when they want to, they can move so quickly that your brain isn't fast enough to react, until it is too late.

OW tarantulas aren't going away any time soon, so you'll have plenty of time and opportunity to get one when you're ready.

 

[sasker]

I’ve heard they have a tendency to leap, which is concerning.

The jumping abilities of Avics is not anywhere near as scary as what an C. lividus could do to you

I second Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens (GBB). Their skittishness is not too bad. Yes, they are much more skittish than Brachypelmas, but not like the usual speediness of an OW.

If you are thinking you are not yet ready for anything speedy, then go for another slower terrestrial for now. There are plenty of interesting species!

 

[Vanisher]

You have to set up the enclosure right, meaning lots of compressed moist substrate of the right kind so they can dig a deep burrow. In this scenario they retreat readily. My belief is that they will not flourish if set up in an enclosure with to little substrate, or the wrong substrate. If they are, they will be much more defenssive and the risk of beeing bitten or they bolt out increases alot! I dont recommend the speicies fir a person with little experience in tarantulas! If you planning to get a OW i suggest a P murinus! Same overall defenssiveness, but much easier to care for! But they ofvourse arnt for beginner eigher. I always suggest a Phormictopus cancerides for someone jumping from a docile NW to an OW like a P murinus. They are NW but much more feisty and defenssive than your typical L parahybana