Common name: Dragon shrimp

General information

Harding's Mantis Shrimp, Miropandalus hardingi, is a fascinating species of stomatopod, commonly known as mantis shrimp, recognized for its unique behavior and striking appearance. Unlike the more aggressive 'smashers', this species belongs to the 'spearers' group, which means it is equipped with barbed appendages used to snag prey rather than smash it. They are not as brightly colored as some of their relatives but still exhibit an interesting array of patterns.

Care

M. hardingi requires a specialized care regimen due to its predatory nature and burrowing habits. An aquarium with a thick sand bed and plenty of live rock is essential to mimic their natural habitat and provide hiding places. They are solitary creatures and can be aggressive towards tank mates, so they are best kept alone or with larger, non-competitive species. A varied diet of meaty foods such as fish, shrimp, and mollusks is necessary for their well-being.

Reproduction

Reproduction in mantis shrimp is complex, with intricate mating dances and rituals. M. hardingi typically lays eggs in a burrow, which are then guarded by the female until they hatch. Breeding them in captivity is challenging and not commonly done by hobbyists.

Symbiosis

While mantis shrimp do not have symbiotic relationships in the same way as clownfish with anemones, their burrowing behavior can indirectly benefit other tank inhabitants by turning over the substrate and helping with tank aeration.

Habitat

M. hardingi is found in the Indo-Pacific region, often in shallow, sandy areas where they can easily burrow and ambush prey. They are not a common species in the aquarium trade and are more often a subject of interest for advanced hobbyists or researchers due to their specific care requirements and aggressive nature.