Invisible Oceans Founder's Collection: Invisible Oceans #75: Hexabranchus I

Spanish dancer sea slug, Hexabranchus, filmed off Lizard Island in the deepwater channel. Variable in the intensity of their colourful mantles, the slugs can grow to more than two feet long, 60-70 centimetres. Their flamboyant convulsions when swimming like this are very reminiscent of a female flamenco dancer, hence the common name. Most sea slugs are indeed sluggish, creeping creatures but a few, like Hexabranchus, will 'take off' and explore other parts of the reef. Accordingly they are a widespread species. By day, they hide away, and are much more active at night.

Lizard Island, Australia (1978)

Nikonos III | Kodachrome 64