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Animal profile

Humphead Wrasse

Cheilinus undulatus

ActinopterygiiSteep outer reef slopes, channels and lagoon reefs to about 100 metresEndangered

Field profile

The largest wrasse, reaching about two metres and 190 kilograms, with thick lips and a bulbous forehead that grows with age. Adults crush hard-shelled prey including molluscs, sea urchins and crown-of-thorns starfish. Slow growth and predictable spawning aggregations make it highly vulnerable to fishing.

Scope note

This is an editorial profile, not a diagnostic field-identification guide or a substitute for current conservation assessments. Follow the cited sources on each fact for the evidence trail.

Published field notes

2023-12-26

Humphead Wrasse

The humphead wrasse eats crown-of-thorns starfish

Few reef animals will attack the venomous, spine-covered crown-of-thorns starfish. The humphead wrasse is among the handful that do, alongside the giant triton snail, which links its decline to coral loss.

Read with evidence →

Humphead Wrasse | Daily Animal Facts