Introducing Hexabranchus sanguineus

Have you ever heard of the taxonomic group Opisthobranchia? It is a subclass of gastropods that include sea hares, sea slugs, and nudibranchs. A species from this group that particularly intrigued me was Hexabranchus sanguineus, also more commonly known as the Spanish dancer. Before starting my research, I knew that this species was a beautiful, large sea slug that has been seen in the Great Barrier Reef. But other than that, and knowing it’s not actually a Spanish dancer, I didn’t know much! The species, Hexabranchus sanguineus, received the name “Spanish dancer” because it resembles the red skirts of flamenco dancers, as you can see in the image to the left. They are a very colorful species and always have colors of red with hints of whites, oranges, and pinks. But there has been sightings of a rare yellow kind.They inhabit warm, tropical waters in the Indo-Pacific from East Africa to the Red Sea, French Polynesia, Japan, South Australia, and Hawaii. In low tide, they are found in shallow waters, at depths of 10 to 20 meters in coral or rocky reefs, and sometimes sandy areas. In high tides, the species can be found as deep as 50 meters because they tuck into coral crevices to reduce the risk of being swept away from the tide. This species is unique because it can grow up to forty centimeters, making it the largest nudibranch species. I look forward to learning and sharing more about the sea’s Spanish Dancer through my blog so stay tuned!

 

 

Citations

Hexabranchus sanguineus   (Rüppell & Leuckart, 1828). Hexabranchus sanguineus, Spanish dancer. (n.d.). Retrieved January 27, 2023, from https://www.sealifebase.se/summary/Hexabranchus-sanguineus.html

Spanish dancers ~ marinebio conservation society. MarineBio Conservation Society. (2022, December 27).      Retrieved January 27, 2023, from https://www.marinebio.org/species/spanish-dancers/hexabranchus-sanguineus/

Francis, P. 1980. Habitgat, Food and Reproductive Activity of the Nudibranch Hexabranchus sanguineus on Tongatapu Island. The Veliger 22:252-258