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Humphead wrasse

Cheilinus undulatus

The humphead wrasse is a colorful fish with a big, bumpy forehead. It swims in warm, tropical waters and loves to hide among coral reefs.

Habitat: Coral reefs

Appearance

The Humphead wrasse is a giant reef fish characterized by a prominent hump on its forehead, especially in males, and thick fleshy lips. Its scales are large, and colors range from greenish-brown to vibrant blue-green, often with two black lines behind each eye.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassActinopterygiiOrderPerciformesFamilyLabridaeGenusCheilinus
Humphead wrasse
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Humphead wrasse

Category

Fish

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

These smart fish have been observed using rocks to help them smash open shellfish.

They are the largest wrasse in the world, growing over two meters long!

They sleep in a mucous cocoon they build each night to hide their scent.

Young wrasse look very different from adults, with camouflaged stripes and spots.

Special abilities

Ability

Hump Power

Humphead wrasse has a large, bony hump on its forehead that helps them ram and break apart corals to expose hidden prey.

Ability

Gender Bender

Humphead wrasse can change sex from female to male when needed, which helps them maintain healthy breeding populations.

Ability

Toxin Immunity

Humphead wrasse has a special immunity to toxins that lets them safely eat venomous prey like boxfish and sea urchins.

Measurements & details

Length
100-230 cm
Weight
50-190 kg
Lifespan
20-50 years
Swim Speed
15 km/h
Maximum Depth
100 m
Water Type
Saltwater

Diet & Feeding

A mighty hunter that crunches on hard-shelled critters and venomous prey found on coral reefs.

Age differences: Juveniles eat smaller invertebrates; adults target larger, tougher prey like sea urchins and mollusks.

Primary Foods

  • sea urchins
  • mollusks
  • crustaceans
  • small fish
  • boxfish
  • crown-of-thorns starfish

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eats

Long-spined sea urchin

Diadema setosum

Feeds on venomous urchins, helping control their populations.

eats

Crown-of-thorns starfish

Acanthaster planci

Preys on this destructive starfish, protecting corals.

eats

Giant clam

Tridacna gigas

Uses strong jaws to crack open and consume large clams.

eats

Boxfish

Ostracion cubicus

Immune to toxins, they can safely consume boxfish.

eaten by

Grey reef shark

Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos

Larger sharks occasionally prey on juvenile or sick Humphead wrasse.

Traits

Also known as

Napoleon Wrasse

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always watch from a distance when observing fish in the ocean.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Humphead wrasse?

100-230 cm

How much does Humphead wrasse weigh?

50-190 kg

How long does Humphead wrasse live?

20-50 years

What does Humphead wrasse eat?

A mighty hunter that crunches on hard-shelled critters and venomous prey found on coral reefs.

How fast can Humphead wrasse swim?

15 km/h

Where is Humphead wrasse usually found?

Coral reefs

How does Humphead wrasse hunt?

Foraging

How deep can Humphead wrasse go?

100 m

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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