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.

鹹水

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

識別要點

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

棲息地

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.

誘餌筆記

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.

行為

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.

警告

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

釣魚筆記

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.