Spanish Dancer

The Spanish dancer is the largest nudibranch species in the world and one of Komodo's most spectacular night dive encounters. Reaching lengths of up to 60 centimetres, this magnificent sea slug earns its name from its dramatic swimming style — when disturbed, it launches off the reef and undulates its broad, ruffled mantle through the water in flowing movements that resemble the swirling skirts of a flamenco dancer. By day, Spanish dancers hide in caves and under coral overhangs, their deep crimson to bright red colouration making them easy to spot once found. At night, they emerge to feed on sponges, gliding across the reef surface with surprising speed for a nudibranch. Their vibrant red colour is a warning that they are toxic, carrying compounds derived from the sponges they consume. In Komodo, Spanish dancers are a prized night dive sighting, and witnessing one swimming is considered one of the ultimate experiences in underwater observation.