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
Spanish name: Napoleón
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)

Floral wrasse
(Cheilinus chlorourus)

Within the same family

Sixbar wrasse
(Thalassoma hardwicke)

Moon wrasse
(Thalassoma lunare)

Pearly razorfish
(Xyrichtys novacula)

Fourline wrasse
(Larabicus quadrilineatus)

Cigar wrasse
(Cheilio inermis)

Spanish hogfish
(Bodianus rufus)

Exquisite fairy wrasse
(Cirrhilabrus exquisitus)

Black leopard wrasse
(Macropharyngodon negrosensis)

Explore also

Striped fangblenny
(Meiacanthus grammistes)

Ringneck blenny
(Parablennius pilicornis)

Common snook
(Centropomus undecimalis)

Pallid goby
(Coryphopterus eidolon)

Gulf grouper
(Mycteroperca jordani)

Slender grouper
(Anyperodon leucogrammicus)

Halimeda ghost pipefish
(Solenostomus halimeda)

Wolf eel
(Anarrhichthys ocellatus)

Our latestUpdates

Sunday, March 23rd 2025

The plumose sea anemone

The plumose sea anemone is a key species in temperate and cold marine ecosystems. Its high adaptability, morphological diversity and reproductive strategies make it a crucial organism for understanding biological and ecological interactions in marine environments.

Saturday, March 22nd 2025

World Water Day 2025 | Save the glaciers

Glaciers are essential for drinking water, agriculture, industry, clean energy, and ecosystem preservation. However, their rapid melting threatens these vital resources, making it urgent to reduce carbon emissions and implement local strategies to protect these precious water reservoirs.

Friday, March 14th 2025

The narwhal

The narwhal is an Arctic cetacean well-known for its long, spiral tusk, which gives it a unique appearance. This cetacean is primarily found in the cold waters of the Arctic, where it lives in groups and is known for its seasonal migratory behaviors. The narwhal is of scientific interest due to its social behavior, biology and the mysteries surrounding the use of its tusk.

Photo of the Day

Baleine franche australe
(Eubalaena australis)