⌛ Quick Answer
Chilobrachys natanicharum (Electric Blue) is an advanced Old World fossorial tarantula from Thailand. Keep in a terrestrial enclosure with 4‑6 inches of substrate, temperatures of 75‑85°F, and moderate humidity around 60‑70%. Feed appropriately sized crickets or dubia roaches every 7‑14 days depending on life stage. This is a fast, defensive species with medically significant venom — display only, no handling.
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Introduction
Few tarantulas have caused as much excitement in the hobby as Chilobrachys natanicharum. When photos of this species first circulated online, many experienced keepers genuinely questioned whether they were real. The Electric Blue displays a vivid, iridescent metallic blue coloration unlike virtually anything else in the tarantula world — a structural color that shifts and intensifies with the angle of light.
Formally described to science in 2023, this species was discovered in Phang Nga Province, Thailand, and quickly became one of the most sought-after tarantulas in the hobby. Despite its relatively recent introduction, C. natanicharum has established itself as a crown jewel for advanced collectors worldwide.
It is not a beginner species. The Electric Blue is fast, defensive, and carries Old World venom that warrants real respect. But for experienced keepers who understand what they are working with, it is an unmatched display animal — one of the genuinely stunning creatures the hobby has to offer.
Quick Stats
| Scientific Name | Chilobrachys natanicharum |
| Common Name | Electric Blue |
| Origin | Thailand (Phang Nga Province) |
| Type | Old World Terrestrial / Fossorial |
| Adult Size | 6‑7 inches DLS |
| Lifespan | Females 15+ years / Males 3‑5 years |
| Care Level | Advanced |
| Temperament | Defensive, fast, unpredictable |
| Venom | Old World — medically significant |
| Urticating Hairs | No |
Enclosure Setup
The Electric Blue is a fossorial species — it digs, burrows, and spends most of its time underground. Enclosure design should prioritize depth and appropriate substrate over height or climbing features.
Enclosure size by life stage:
- Sling (under 1 inch): Small vial or 4 oz deli cup with cross-ventilation
- Juvenile (1‑2 inches): 6≃ × 6≃ × 4≃ terrestrial enclosure
- Sub-adult (2‑4 inches): 8≃ × 8≃ × 6≃
- Adult (4+ inches): 12≃ × 12≃ × 8≃ minimum
Provide at least 4‑6 inches of substrate for adults. Use coconut fiber, a peat-coco mix, or similar moisture-retaining substrate. Include a cork bark flat or similar hide at the surface — most specimens will excavate beneath it and reinforce the tunnel with webbing.
Keep decor minimal. This species does not need climbing features or complex layouts. A hide, a water dish, and deep substrate are what matter. Cross-ventilation is important — stagnant, humid air encourages mold and respiratory issues.
Temperature and Humidity
As a tropical species from Thailand, C. natanicharum prefers warm conditions year-round.
- Ideal temperature: 78‑82°F
- Acceptable range: 75‑85°F
- Avoid below: 65°F
- Ambient humidity: 60‑70%
Most keepers in climate-controlled homes do not need supplemental heat. If your ambient temperature drops below 70°F regularly, a low-wattage heat mat on the side of the enclosure (never the bottom) can supplement. Avoid heat lamps — they dry out the enclosure too aggressively.
Maintain the lower third of the substrate slightly moist by pouring a small amount of water down one corner of the enclosure every one to two weeks. The surface should remain dry. Keep the water dish full at all times — hydration is critical.
Feeding
The Electric Blue is a strong feeder that accepts prey readily outside of pre-molt. Offer appropriately sized prey — no larger than half the spider's body length.
| Stage | Prey Item | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Sling | Pre-killed pinheads / fruit flies | 2‑3× per week |
| Juvenile | Small crickets / small dubia | 1‑2× per week |
| Sub-adult | Med. crickets / med. dubia | Every 7‑10 days |
| Adult | Large crickets / large dubia | Every 10‑14 days |
Always remove uneaten prey within 24 hours. A cricket or roach left in the enclosure with a pre-molt or freshly molted tarantula can cause serious injury. Use long tongs for all feeding interactions — this species reacts quickly to movement near the enclosure opening.
Watering
Maintain a full water dish at all times. Use a small, shallow dish — a bottle cap works for slings. For adults, a 2‑3 inch water dish is appropriate. The Electric Blue will drink regularly and the water dish also contributes to ambient humidity near the enclosure floor.
Additionally, lightly moisten one corner of the substrate every one to two weeks. This gives the spider access to a humidity gradient and supports proper molting conditions. Do not mist the spider directly or flood the enclosure.
Molting
Molting is the most vulnerable period in any tarantula's life. Learn the signs and respond correctly.
Pre-molt signs:
- Abdomen darkens to black or very dark gray
- Food refusal for days to weeks
- Increased burrowing or sealed burrow entrance
- Heavy webbing around the hide or burrow entrance
- Reduced activity and extended time hidden
During molt: Do not disturb the enclosure. Do not add prey. Do not mist. The molt may take several hours — leave the spider alone completely.
Post-molt recovery: Wait at least two weeks before offering prey. The fangs and exoskeleton need time to fully harden. Offer water immediately after the molt is complete. When you do reintroduce prey, start smaller than usual and monitor closely.
Temperament and Handling
Chilobrachys natanicharum is not a handling species. Full stop.
This tarantula is fast, defensive, and will not hesitate to react to perceived threats. It has no urticating hairs, so its only defense is its venom — and Old World venom is not something to gamble with. Documented bites from Chilobrachys species cause intense localized pain, significant swelling, muscle cramping, and in some cases systemic symptoms requiring medical attention.
Treat every enclosure interaction as a potential defensive situation. Use long tongs. Move slowly. Keep a secure lid. This species can and will find gaps in enclosure design — make sure yours has none.
Is This Species Right for You?
The Electric Blue is one of the most visually striking tarantulas in the hobby. If you want a species that will genuinely stop people in their tracks, this is it.
But it demands experience. You need to be comfortable with fast, unpredictable Old World species. You need to understand pre-molt behavior. You need to know how to do enclosure maintenance safely with a tarantula that may bolt or threat-posture without warning.
If you have kept Old World terrestrials before and you are ready for the responsibility, C. natanicharum is one of the most rewarding display animals in the hobby. If you are new to tarantulas, build your experience with more forgiving species first and come back to this one when you are ready.
↓ Download the Free Chilobrachys natanicharum Care Sheet (PDF)