Sealife guideThe humphead wrasseCheilinus undulatus
the humphead wrasse, is a fish from the wrasse family (Labridae) in the order Perciformes. It is one of the oldest fish species still present in the world's seas and oceans, making it a true living fossil. It is commonly nicknamed in french the « Napoleon fish » or the « reef bison ».
Taxonomy
- Common name: Humphead wrasse, giant Wrasse
- French name: Poisson Napoléon, labre géant, bison des récifs
- Scientific name: Cheilinus undulatus (Rüppell, 1835)
- Family name: Labridae
- Order name: Perciformes
- Class name: Actinopterygii
Description
The humphead wrasse typically measures around 24 inches but can grow up to 90 inches, making it the largest member of the wrasse family.
The humphead wrasse is characterized by the prominent hump on the forehead of the adult male, its large fleshy mouth, and its bulging eyes
This fish is characterized by the prominent hump on the forehead of the adult male, its large fleshy mouth and bulging eyes. The hump on its head, reminiscent of french emperor Napoleon’s bicorne hat, is the reason for its french nickname.
Its coloring is vibrant and dazzling, with electric blue marbling on a green background.
The humphead wrasse moves through the water primarily using its pectoral fins.
Range
The humphead wrasse is found in the tropical waters of the Indian ocean, the Red sea and from southern Japan to the central islands of the Pacific ocean.
Habitat
The humphead wrasse prefers the shallow waters of coral reefs, often on the outer reef slopes. It is very common to see it along the edge of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef !
The humphead wrasse is a solitary, diurnal fish.
Diet
Carnivorous, it feeds on benthic invertebrates, mollusks, fish, sea urchins and can even ingest toxic species like boxfish and sea hares. It moves slowly and is therefore considered a harmless predator.
Reproduction
The humphead wrasse is a hermaphrodite ! It undergoes a sexual metamorphosis known as protogynous sequential hermaphroditism.
In simpler terms, the humphead wrasse is born female and later becomes male at sexual maturity with this change typically occurring around 15 years of age.
Did you know ?
The humphead wrasse can live up to 32 years !
Due to its late sexual maturity, the species is highly vulnerable to fishing. The humphead wrasse has been listed as an endangered species on the IUCN Red List since 1996 and its status was upgraded from « Vulnerable » to « Endangered » in 2004 !
The humphead wrasse is locally protected in Australia, the Philippines, the Maldives, Palau and New Caledonia.
Tips for observing
The humphead wrasse is not shy at all and easily approaches divers. It’s quite easy to swim near it as it puts on a show and often impresses with its size !
The humphead wrasse is a fish that typically measures around 24 inches but can reach up to 90 inches, making it the largest member of the wrasse family
Within the same genus
Abudjubbe wrasse
(Cheilinus abudjubbe)
(Cheilinus abudjubbe)
Floral wrasse
(Cheilinus chlorourus)
(Cheilinus chlorourus)
Within the same family
Surge wrasse
(Thalassoma purpureum)
(Thalassoma purpureum)
Sixbar wrasse
(Thalassoma hardwicke)
(Thalassoma hardwicke)
Half and half wrasse
(Hemigymnus melapterus)
(Hemigymnus melapterus)
Canary wrasse
(Halichoeres chrysus)
(Halichoeres chrysus)
Checkerboard wrasse
(Halichoeres hortulanus)
(Halichoeres hortulanus)
Black leopard wrasse
(Macropharyngodon negrosensis)
(Macropharyngodon negrosensis)
Bluescaled wrasse
(Cirrhilabrus cyanopleura)
(Cirrhilabrus cyanopleura)
Red sea thicklip wrasse
(Hemigymnus sexfasciatus)
(Hemigymnus sexfasciatus)
Explore also
Seale's cardinalfish
(Ostorhinchus sealei)
(Ostorhinchus sealei)
Yellowmargin triggerfish
(Pseudobalistes flavimarginatus)
(Pseudobalistes flavimarginatus)
Purple anthias
(Pseudanthias tuka)
(Pseudanthias tuka)
Aron's blenny
(Ecsenius aroni)
(Ecsenius aroni)
Pictus blenny
(Ecsenius pictus)
(Ecsenius pictus)
Polka dot batfish
(Ogcocephalus radiatus)
(Ogcocephalus radiatus)
Mandarin fish
(Synchiropus splendidus)
(Synchiropus splendidus)
Crown butterflyfish
(Chaetodon paucifasciatus)
(Chaetodon paucifasciatus)
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