Spanish Dancer nudibranch added March 27 '97
This is the largest species of nudibranch, commonly known as a Spanish Dancer, which can grow to as much as two feet in length. This specimen is about a foot long. Spanish Dancers are often seen swimming through the water, as this one is (note the rhinophores on the left side of the photo, and the gills barely visible on the right side of its body). Their peculiar movement is fascinating for divers to watch, as they simultaneously bend their body up and down, and move the edges in a wavelike motion.

Identification:
Hexabranchus sanguineus

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