Napoleon Wrasse

Description:

This was probably a Female, around 1 meter in size, with bright green/blue hues and nice patterns on its scales. Napoleon Wrasse is also known as Humphead Wrasse, Maori Wrasse and Mameng (in Philippines). The humphead wrasse is the largest living member of the Labridae family. Males are typically larger than females and are capable of reaching lengths of up to 2 meters from tip to tail and weighing up to 180 kg, but the average length is generally a little less than 1 meter. Females rarely grow larger than one meter in length. This species of fish can be easily identified by its large size, thick lips, two black lines behind its eyes, and the hump that appears on the forehead of larger adults. The color of the humphead wrasse can vary between a dull blue-green to more vibrant shades of green and purplish-blue. This particular reef fish prefers to live singly but adults are occasionally observed moving in small groups.

Habitat:

Tropical reefs. They are often seen now in Sipadan Island as the whole of Sipadan is a protected Marine Sanctuary. However, they are not seen in big numbers.

Notes:

The Napoleon Wrasse - Cheilinus undulatus is listed as Endangered in IUCN Red List and in Appendix II of CITES, due to over fishing or uncontrolled fishing and lost of habitats. This fish is considered a 'delicacy' especially among Chinese people and is highly priced.