Napoleon Wrasse

Cheilinus undulatus

The Napoleon Wrasse is a very large reef wrasse known for its thick lips, forehead hump, and variable blue-green coloration. It inhabits Indo-Pacific coral reefs and is heavily protected in many places due to slow growth and vulnerability to overfishing.

Saltwater

Napoleon Wrasse reference image — Derek Keats from Johannesburg, South Africa, cc-by, via Wikimedia Commons. Source: Wikimedia Commons.

Identification points

Massive thick-lipped body with a prominent hump on the forehead in adults
Blue-green to olive body with irregular darker lines and blotches
Very large, fleshy pectoral fins and a robust wrasse-shaped head with protruding lips

Habitat

Warm tropical coral reefs, reef slopes, lagoon reefs, and seaward reef drop-offs in the Indo-Pacific, usually around complex coral structure and rubble from shallow water to moderate depths.

Bait notes

Not a common sport fish and often legally protected; where fishing is allowed, large crustacean baits, cut squid, or whole shellfish pieces would be the most species-appropriate offerings, but catch-and-release or avoidance is strongly preferred.

Behavior

A slow-moving but powerful reef predator that feeds on hard-shelled invertebrates such as mollusks, crustaceans, sea urchins, and reef animals; it is often seen patrolling drop-offs and cleaning stations and may approach divers.

Caution

Often protected or heavily regulated due to conservation concern; do not harvest without checking local rules. Large reef predators can also carry ciguatera risk in some areas.

Fishing notes

Best targeted, if legal, with heavy reef tackle near drop-offs and coral edges, using natural baits fished close to structure; however, anglers should check local regulations first because the species is protected or restricted across much of its range.