Species · GBIF taxon 5724734
Spanish Dancer
Hexabranchus sanguineusAlso known as Blood-Red Hexabranchus, Imperial Nudibranch
Spanish dancers are among the largest nudibranchs in the world, growing up to 40 centimeters in length. When threatened or dislodged, they unfurl their brilliant red and white mantles to swim through the water column with graceful, undulating movements that mimic a flamenco dancer's skirt. During the day, they hide in dark reef crevices, emerging at night to feed on chemically defended sponges.
NocturnalColorfulMarine
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Halichondria sponges
- Dysidea sponges
- Callyspongia sponges
Predators
- Few specialized crabs
- Large sea stars
- Certain predatory sea slugs
ThreatsCoral reef degradation, ocean warming, and water pollution
HabitatsTropical coral reefs, rocky reefs, and shallow lagoons
Life span1 to 2 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyHexabranchidae
- SpeciesHexabranchus sanguineus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskHigh
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is high
- Contains potent bioaccumulated toxins; do not handle or ingest.
- Why it is dangerous
- Sequesters potent macrolide toxins called kabiramides from its sponge diet, making its tissues highly toxic.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Recognizable by its massive size up to 40 centimeters and brilliant red or orange mantle with white margins.
- What to do
- Avoid touching the delicate mantle or gills, and never attempt to handle or remove them from the water.
Responsible observation
- Night Diving: Look for them active on shallow reefs after dark when they emerge to feed.
- Observe Swimming: If disturbed naturally, watch for their spectacular undulating swimming motion.
- Look for Companions: Check the gills and mantle folds for tiny, colorful emperor shrimps.
Image unavailableSymbiont Prey Close Relative
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