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.

nước mặn

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

Điểm nhận dạng

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

Môi trường sống

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.

Ghi chú mồi

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.

Hành vi

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.

Thận trọng

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.

Ghi chú câu cá

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.