Spanish Dancer

Spanish Dancer

Hexabranchus sanguineus

Not Evaluated

Image generated by artificial intelligence

DESCRIPTION

The Spanish Dancer gets its name from how it escapes when startled, unrolling the wide, ruffled margins of its body to flap through open water like the swirling skirt of a flamenco performer. It also concentrates noxious chemicals gathered from its food directly into its bright scarlet egg coils, which look like miniature paper roses and warn curious fish not to take a bite.

Max Length 60 cm
Max Weight 2 kg
Lifespan Up to 1 year
Habitat Seabed and coral reef
Depth Range 1 - 50 m
Diet Carnivore
Activity Nocturnal
Social Behavior Solitary

Destinations to spot Spanish Dancer

SIGHTING PROBABILITY
  • Unlikely
  • Likely
  • Very likely
Range

Where Spanish Dancer has been recorded

Fewer recordsMore records
FAQ

Frequently asked questions about Spanish Dancer

Where can you see the Spanish Dancer?

The Spanish Dancer can be seen at 8 dive destinations in Egypt, Indonesia, Philippines, Australia, Thailand, and South Africa. The best spots include Anilao (Philippines), Great Barrier Reef (Australia), Hurghada (Egypt), Komodo (Indonesia), and Lembeh Strait (Indonesia).

What is the best time to see the Spanish Dancer?

The Spanish Dancer is most often seen at Hurghada from March to October.

Where can you see the Spanish Dancer in Egypt?

In Egypt, you can see the Spanish Dancer at Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh.

Where can you see the Spanish Dancer in Indonesia?

In Indonesia, you can see the Spanish Dancer at Komodo and Lembeh Strait.

Where can you see the Spanish Dancer in Philippines?

In Philippines, you can see the Spanish Dancer at Anilao.

How big does the Spanish Dancer get?

The Spanish Dancer can reach up to 60 cm in length and 2 kg in weight.

What habitat does the Spanish Dancer live in?

The Spanish Dancer is found in these habitats: seabed and coral reef.

How deep does the Spanish Dancer live?

The Spanish Dancer lives between 1 and 50 m deep.

What does the Spanish Dancer eat?

Feeds on other animals, from fish to crustaceans or molluscs depending on the species.

When is the Spanish Dancer most active?

Active after dark, resting or hidden away during the day. Night dives are when it comes out.

Does the Spanish Dancer live in groups?

No. The Spanish Dancer is mostly solitary and is usually seen on its own.

How long does the Spanish Dancer live?

The Spanish Dancer lives up to 1 year.

What is the conservation status of the Spanish Dancer?

The Spanish Dancer is listed as Not Evaluated on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Every answer is built from the conditions and sightings data we keep for Spanish Dancer. Spotted something that looks off?

Tell us