Common name: Humphead wrasse

General information

The Humphead Wrasse, also known as the Napoleon Wrasse or Maori Wrasse, is a large and charismatic marine fish that is highly sought after in the aquarium trade. Its scientific name is Cheilinus undulatus. This species is easily recognizable by its thick lips, prominent hump on its forehead, and beautiful, intricate patterns of blue-green and purplish lines across its face and body. Adult males can grow to impressive sizes, often exceeding one meter in length, making them one of the largest reef fishes.

Care

Due to their massive size and specific dietary requirements, Humphead Wrasses are not recommended for the average home aquarium. They require very large tanks, upwards of several hundred gallons, with plenty of open swimming space and robust filtration systems. Their diet in the wild consists mainly of mollusks, reef fish, sea urchins, crustaceans, and other invertebrates, so a varied diet that mimics these natural foods is essential for their well-being in captivity.

Reproduction

Humphead Wrasses are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they are born female and have the ability to change to male later in life. This usually occurs when there is an absence of a dominant male in the group. They are known for their elaborate courtship displays and are egg scatterers, releasing their eggs and sperm into the water column where fertilization occurs.

Habitat

The Humphead Wrasse is found on coral reefs and adjacent habitats such as seagrass beds and mangrove forests in the Indo-Pacific region. They are typically seen in depths ranging from 1 to 100 meters, but are most commonly found between 5 and 30 meters. Their natural range extends from the Red Sea and East Africa, across the Indian Ocean, to the central Pacific Ocean.