The humphead wrasse (also called Napoleon wrasse; Cheilinus undulatus) is a giant reef fish of the family Labridae. It is a flagship predator on coral reefs, known for feeding on sea urchins, molluscs and starfish—includingcrown‑of‑thorns starfish. Global IUCN status: Endangered (EN); listed on CITES Appendix II (international trade strictly controlled).
Ecology & Life History
Inhabits outer reef slopes, drop‑offs and lagoons; diurnal and rests in crevices at night. A protogynous hermaphrodite(first female, then male) with late maturity and long lifespan, making populations highly sensitive to overfishing and the live‑reef fish trade.
Identification
Very large, robust body; adults—especially males—have a prominent forehead hump and thick lips. Colour ranges blue‑green to emerald with undulating wavy lines; often a curved dark mark behind the eye. Juveniles are darker with white blotches; fins often edged in blue.
Size & Longevity
Length: commonly 60–120 cm; maxima ~180–200 cm.
Weight: typically 10–30 kg; very large individuals to ~150–180 kg.
Life: 30+ years; late maturing.
Range & Habitat
Indo‑Pacific tropics from the Red Sea/East Africa to the western‑central Pacific (including the South China Sea, Coral Sea and Micronesia), generally 3–60 m deep on reef slopes and lagoonal reefs.
Threats & Conservation
Overexploitation, especially selective capture of large adults/males for the live reef fish trade.
Cyanide and blast fishing causing direct mortality and reef damage.
Habitat degradation from bleaching, pollution and coastal development.
Actions: enforce size/season/quotas and no‑take areas, ban destructive gears, regulate live‑fish trade and traceability, support community co‑management and reef‑friendly ecotourism.
