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
- diet
- Marine sponges, particularly those rich in chemical defenses
- family
- Hexabranchidae
- threats
- Coral reef degradation, ocean warming, and water pollution
- life Span
- 1 to 2 years
NE
Contains potent bioaccumulated toxins; do not handle or ingest.
Sequesters potent macrolide toxins called kabiramides from its sponge diet, making its tissues highly toxic.
Avoid touching the delicate mantle or gills, and never attempt to handle or remove them from the water.- 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.