'Spanish Dancer'?

July 14, 1999
From: Emily Stitt

I was vacationing down on South Padre Island, and we saw this animal that looked like a jelly fish ? but when further examination we saw it was not one?? some man said it was a Spanish dancer otherwise known as a sea slug. I was just wondering if you could send a picture and info so my kids can see what it looks like.
Thanks so much,

Emily Stitt

ssjms@msn.com

Dear Emily,
Where in the world is South Padre Island? Although the internet brings us all closer together it is still a very big planet. As each region has its own unique nudibranchs, I could give you a better answer if I knew which part of the world we're talking about. Have a look at the page on the Spanish Dancer. There is some information at the top of the page and if you move down through the messages you will find a spectacular photo from Wayne Ellis of it swimming. It gets it name 'Spanish Dancer' from the resemblance of its red and white edged 'ruffled' mantle, to the dress of a Spanish Flamenco Dancer.

However the Spanish Dancer is found in the tropical Indian and West Pacific Oceans. If South Padre Island is in California, or your animals didn't look like the photos here, perhaps you should let me know and I'll try again. Perhaps you could tell me a little about its shape and colour.

Best wishes,

Bill Rudman.

Factsheet

Hexabranchus sanguineus

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