Spanish dancer
Hexabranchus sanguineus
- Scientific name
- Hexabranchus sanguineus
- Group
- Nudibranchs & Molluscs
- Rarity
- Rare
- Where to see it
- Indo-Pacific & Red Sea
- Conservation status (IUCN)
- Not evaluated
Did you know?
The Spanish dancer is one of the largest nudibranchs in the world and swims by rippling its red mantle in a motion that resembles a flamenco dress. Its vivid colors warn predators that it's toxic.
What defines this group — Nudibranchs & Molluscs
Sea snails, with or without a shell — nudibranchs traded theirs for warning colours.
- “Nudibranch” means naked gills: the plume on the back is their breathing apparatus.
- Two rhinophores on the head act as a nose, following scent trails.
- Many recycle the venom of their prey — anemones, hydroids — for their own defence.