Spanish Dancer

Hexabranchus sanguineus

Spanish Dancer

The Spanish dancer is a giant sea slug that swims by throwing its body into sweeping flexions, rippling red and white folds as it goes. It pulls a chemical defence straight from the Halichondria sponge it eats, and reaches about 25 centimetres on coral reefs between roughly 10 and 50 metres.

Taxonomy: Animalia › Mollusca › Gastropoda › Doridida › Hexabranchidae › Hexabranchus

Species data via the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), AphiaID 220381.

FAQ

How deep does the Spanish Dancer live?
The Spanish Dancer (Hexabranchus sanguineus) is typically found at 1–50 m.
Is the Spanish Dancer dangerous to divers?
The Spanish Dancer is harmless to divers.
How big does the Spanish Dancer get?
The Spanish Dancer grows to about 25 cm.