Floral Maori Wrasse

Cheilinus chlorourus

Floral Maori Wrasse (Cheilinus chlorourus) is a large Indo-Pacific reef wrasse often found on lagoon and seaward reefs. It is a bottom-foraging predator of mollusks, crustaceans, and other benthic prey, and its color can change with age and mood.

Saltwater

Floral Maori Wrasse reference image — Paul Asman and Jill Lenoble, cc-by, via Wikimedia Commons. Source: Wikimedia Commons.

Identification points

Broad-headed wrasse with thick lips and a robust, deep body
Adults show irregular green, brown, and pinkish markings with a mottled or floral pattern
Tail is rounded to slightly emarginate, not forked, with long continuous dorsal and anal fins

Habitat

Coral reefs, reef flats, lagoon patches, and outer reef slopes with sand and rubble nearby; commonly along protected reef edges and drop-offs in clear tropical saltwater.

Bait notes

Not a common target species. If fishing where allowed, use fresh shellfish, crab pieces, shrimp, squid, or small reef fish baits on stout tackle; small cut baits near reef structure can take bites.

Behavior

Diurnal and generally solitary; cruises close to structure and picks food from the bottom, using its strong jaws to crush hard-shelled prey. Juveniles and adults can show striking color changes, especially at night or when stressed.

Caution

Reef-associated large wrasses may pose ciguatera risk in some regions; local consumption advisories matter. Strong jaws can crush hooks and light terminal tackle.

Fishing notes

Fish the bottom near coral heads, ledges, and rubble edges with enough weight to hold position. Use abrasion-resistant leader and be ready to steer fish away from reef; this species is more often encountered incidentally than targeted.