How big is the Spanish dancer?

Spanish dancer (Hexabranchus sanguineus) reaches 20–60 cm in length.

At what depth can you find the Spanish dancer?

Spanish dancer is found between 3–40 m deep.

What is the conservation status of the Spanish dancer?

IUCN status: Least concern (LC).

Where can you find the Spanish dancer?

Found in: Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Mediterranean.

Spanish dancer (Hexabranchus sanguineus)

Key facts

Scientific name: Hexabranchus sanguineus
Common name: Spanish dancer
Category: Molluscs
Family: Hexabranchidae
Genus: Hexabranchus
Size: 20–60 cm
Depth: 3–40 m
IUCN status: Least concern (LC)
Danger level: Harmless
Habitats: coral-reef, sand
Behaviours: benthic, swimming
Ocean zones: Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Mediterranean

Description

Hexabranchus sanguineus reaches 60 cm, one of the largest nudibranchs worldwide. Spectacular bright red-orange to pink mantle with white or yellow borders, red rhinophores, six-fold gills (hence hexabranchus). Unique behavior: capable of swimming by moving its rolled mantle like a wavy rose, evoking the skirt of a flamenco dancer (hence Spanish dancer). Lives from 3 to 40 m on coral reefs and sand of entire Indo-Pacific (Red Sea to Hawaii). Iconic photo and video subject of coral dives.

Photo of Spanish dancer

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Spanish dancer?: Spanish dancer (Hexabranchus sanguineus) reaches 20–60 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the Spanish dancer?: Spanish dancer is found between 3–40 m deep.
Is the Spanish dancer dangerous to divers?: Danger level: Harmless.
What is the conservation status of the Spanish dancer?: IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
Where can you find the Spanish dancer?: Found in: Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Mediterranean.

Similar species

Sources

Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 220381)
Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 5724734)
Conservation: IUCN Red List
Encyclopedia: Wikipedia