Spanish dancer

Hexabranchus sanguineus

The Spanish dancer is a large, bright-red nudibranch found on tropical reefs. When disturbed, it can wave its broad body edges like a dancer's skirt.

Not a fish · an aquatic neighbor

Water

Saltwater

Coral and rocky reefs, rubble, and nearby sandy areas.

Temperature

Range not established

A dependable species-specific wild temperature range was not found; values are left unreported.

Size

Commonly up to about 25 cm (10 in), with larger reports to about 40 cm (16 in)

About as long as a large dinner plate

Lifespan

Not established in the wild

Life expectancy varies with place, conditions, and what scientists have been able to observe.

01 · Signature adaptation

What does it do?

It is usually found alone or in pairs and often hides in reef crevices during daylight. Its bright color and sponge-derived chemicals may discourage predators.

Its superpowerIt can swim by rhythmically undulating the sides of its body.

02 · Home coordinates

Where does it live?

Tropical Indo-Pacific waters from East Africa and the Red Sea to Japan, Australia, and French Polynesia.

Regions: East Africa · Red Sea · Indian Ocean · Japan · Australia · French Polynesia

03 · The menu

What does it eat?

It feeds mainly on encrusting sponges and can obtain defensive chemicals from them.

carnivore: marine sponges.

04 · Remember this

Two wow facts

Flamenco escape

When threatened, it can fold and undulate its body edges to swim away from the seafloor.

Sources [1]

Chemical shield

Compounds from the sponges it eats can help defend the slug and its egg ribbons.

Sources [1]