Hexabranchus sanguineus (Rüppell & Leuckart, 1828)
Spanish dancer
Hexabranchus sanguineus
photo by Harasti, David

Family:  Hexabranchidae ()
Max. size:  25 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthic; marine; depth range 1 - 50 m
Distribution:  Indo-Pacific: from East Africa to Red Sea, east to French Polynesia, north to Japan, and south to Australia and New Caledonia.
Diagnosis:   
Biology:  Maximum length is based on data from Marshall Islands (Ref. 100471). Found in coral reefs at depths of 10 to 20 m (Ref. 866). Derives a potent chemical defense from Halichondria sp., a sponge that it eats. It displays a spectacular swimming response - it throws its body into sweeping dorsoventral flexions creating synchronous undulations through its broad and vividly patterned red and white mantle (Ref. 100471).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. 123251)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:   
 

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