[3] Its range extends from East Africa and Madagascar to Japan, Indonesia, the Philippines, northern Australia and various island groups in the Western Pacific.

It used the same behaviour and the same rock on a number of occasions, demonstrating a capacity for remembering how to solve the hard-pellet problem.

It appreciates a large tank with a sandy base and a number of rocks to provide caves and crevices for shelter and hunting.

It will also feed on shrimps, crabs and small fish, bashing larger prey on rocks to break them in pieces.

[6] The specific name honours Bennett's friend and fellow naturalist, Major-General Thomas Hardwicke (1756-1835).