If you're into tiny, colorful spiders, you've probably heard about the Citharacanthus cyaneus. It's a species that stands out even in a crowded hobby, mostly because of that insane metallic violet color they get as they mature. Often called the Cuban Violet Dwarf, this little tarantula is a favorite for people who want something that looks like it's been spray-painted with high-end automotive paint.
I've spent a lot of time looking at different New World tarantulas, and honestly, the Citharacanthus cyaneus is in a league of its own when it comes to aesthetics. It's not just "blue-ish"—it has this deep, rich purple hue that covers the carapace and legs, making it look like a little jewel crawling through the dirt. But before you go out and buy one just because it's pretty, there are a few things about their personality and care that you should probably know.
Where They Come From and Why It Matters
These spiders are native to Cuba. Being from a Caribbean island, they're used to a climate that stays pretty warm and has 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 finding little nooks and crannies or digging into the leaf litter to stay cool and hydrated.
Knowing their origin helps a lot when you're setting up their home. If you treat them like a Rose Hair tarantula and keep them bone-dry, they probably aren't going to be very happy. On the flip side, you don't want to soak the enclosure until it's muddy. It's all about finding that middle ground where the substrate stays slightly damp but the air isn't stagnant.
That Incredible Violet Color
Let's talk about the main event: the looks. When they're slings (spiderlings), they don't look like much. They're kind of brownish or translucent, which can be a bit of a letdown if you're expecting a purple powerhouse right out of the vial. But as they grow and molt, that violet sheen starts to creep in.
By the time the Citharacanthus cyaneus reaches its juvenile stage, the colors really start to pop. Under a good LED light or even natural sunlight, the metallic purple is breathtaking. It's one of those spiders that makes visitors go, "Wait, that's real?" because the color looks almost artificial. The contrast between the purple legs and the darker abdomen—which often has little hairs that catch the light—is just fantastic.
Speed and Temperament: A Tiny Rocket
Don't let the "dwarf" part of their name fool you into thinking they're slow or lazy. These guys are fast. Like, "teleportation" fast. If you open the enclosure and they get spooked, they can be across the room before you even realize you've blinked. Because of this, I wouldn't really recommend them as a "handling" tarantula.
Actually, I don't recommend handling most tarantulas anyway, but especially not this one. They are skittish and nervous. While they aren't typically aggressive (they'd much rather run and hide than bite), they are definitely high-strung. If you're a beginner, you just need to be mindful during rehousing. Use a catch cup, work inside a larger bin to prevent escapes, and take your time. If you're patient, they aren't that hard to manage, but you have to respect their speed.
Setting Up the Perfect Home
Since the Citharacanthus cyaneus is a dwarf species, you don't need a massive tank. They usually top out at around 2 to 2.5 inches in leg span. A small acrylic enclosure or even a well-ventilated plastic tub works perfectly.
Substrate and Humidity
I usually go with a mix of coco fiber and topsoil. It holds moisture well without getting moldy too quickly. You want to give them enough depth to burrow if they want to. Even though they're technically terrestrial, mine loves to do a bit of "opportunistic burrowing." If 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 lower layers of the substrate damp. I like to overflow the water dish occasionally to keep one corner of the enclosure moist. This creates a moisture gradient so the spider can choose where it feels most comfortable.
Decor and Hides
A piece of cork bark is a must. They'll use it as a starting point for their web or as a place to duck under when they feel vulnerable. You can add some fake plants or real moss too, which helps maintain that humidity we talked about. They aren't the most heavy-duty webbers like a Green Bottle Blue, but they will put down enough silk to make their area feel like home.
What's on the Menu?
Feeding a Citharacanthus cyaneus is pretty straightforward. They have a decent feeding response for their size. As long as the prey isn't bigger than they are, they'll usually go for it.
- Slings: Small pinhead crickets or fruit flies.
- Juveniles: Small crickets or roach nymphs.
- Adults: Medium-sized crickets or mealworms.
One thing I've noticed is that they can be a bit shy when eating. Sometimes they'll grab the prey and immediately retreat into their burrow to eat in private. It's kind of cute, in a "leave me alone" sort of way. Just make sure to remove any uneaten food after 24 hours so it doesn't stress the spider out or cause mold issues.
Growth Rate and Molting
They grow at a moderate pace. They aren't "slow" like some Brachypelma species, but they aren't "lightning fast" growers like some arboreals either. You'll get to see plenty of molts over the first year or two.
When they go into pre-molt, they'll stop eating and might hide away for a few weeks. Their colors will look dull and "ashy." This is the part where new keepers usually freak out and think something is wrong. Don't worry—it's just part of the process. Once they pop out of that old skin, the colors will be more vibrant than ever. Just remember not to feed them for at least a week after a molt so their fangs have time to harden.
Is This the Right Spider for You?
If you're okay with a "look but don't touch" pet, then yes, the Citharacanthus cyaneus is an awesome choice. It's perfect for someone who doesn't have a ton of space but wants a collection piece that really "wows."
The main downsides are the skittishness and the fact that, because they're small, they can sometimes be a bit reclusive. You might have a "pet hole" for a few weeks at a time. But when they do come out and the light hits that violet carapace, you'll remember exactly why you got them.
In the end, keeping one of these is just plain fun. They aren't demanding, they look incredible, and they bring a bit of that Cuban tropical flair to your shelf. Just keep the humidity up, have a catch cup ready for rehousing, and enjoy the show. There aren't many things in nature that can pull off that shade of purple as well as this tarantula does.