O. havanensis is what I would consider a fairly delicate species. They do not tolerate low oxygen or poor water quality. I have had them die just from stirring up the substrate. They are also one of the more active stomatopod species foraging over several meters from their burrows. Sure you can keep one in a well cycled and stable 3 gallon system, but there is a good chance at some point something will go wrong and you will have a dead animal. Also, it will not be able to engage in normal hunting behavior and this often leads to a general decline in vigor.
As for food, they do not typically eat fish. They also typically do not eat large hermits or snails. They are a fairly weak striking species that can't break armored shells. Typical prey items in the field are small crabs and shrimp, amphipods, and other small crustaceans. We feed our animals small live grass shrimp, tiny crabs (under 1 cm carapace), Selcon treated live brine shrimp and freeze dried krill, etc. Carotinoid supplements help to maintain color.
I would also be concerned about lighting. This is a relatively deep living species found at 10 to 40 m. We have captured most of our O. havanensis at below 30 m. Ambient light at this depth is relatively dim blue.
O. havanensis are great little stomatopods, but they do require more care and specialized conditions than your average gonodactylid.
Roy
what size tank is the little guy in? how big is he?
