Spanish dancer nudibranch

Hexabranchus sanguineus

Sighting evidence at Patch Reef East, Chumbe Island Coral Park

Spanish dancers are the largest nudibranchs in the ocean, reaching 40 cm, and are named for the dramatic flamenco-like undulations they perform when swimming freely in the water column to escape predators. They are conspicuous night divers' favourites at Patch Reef East, crawling over sponges and encrusting organisms that they eat with their rasping radula. Females lay distinctive rose-shaped egg masses attached to reef structure, which are equally striking under a torch beam.

Evidence at this site

No confirmed records on file at this site

Spanish dancer nudibranch is listed as a curated species here based on historical reports.

How is this calculated?

Sighting evidence is compiled from iNaturalist observation records within a set proximity radius, filtered for quality-grade observations. “Last confirmed” is the date of the most recent research-grade record. Record count covers a rolling 24-month window. Confidence reflects record count, recency, and consistency of seasonal signal.

Also seen at other sites

Punta Xarraca→