As the species becomes scarcer, its value rises proportionally. This hump becomes more prominent with age. The species appears in the IUCN Red List as endangered. They live mostly lonely and undergo an automatic sex change during its lifetime. Learn more about this fascinating endangered reef fish …. These fish can be over 6 feet long and live 30 years. (1) The Humphead Wrasse is an enormous fish scientifically named Cheilinus undulatus. Facts. (It’s completely free, you can unsubscribe at any time, and we’ll never share your details.). Pairs form within the group, and mating commences. Copyright © 2021 ActiveWild.com. It's found on coral reefs in the Indo-Pacific region. They are typically small fish, mostly less than 20 centimetres (7.9 in) long, although the largest, the Humphead wrasse, … However, the humphead wrasse is still fished for and exported illegally, and the global humphead wrasse population continues to fall. This giant of the ocean lives almost as long as we humans do. The species is much sought after, particularly as a live export for the restaurant industry. Napoleon fish are carnivorous and eat during the day. It can sell for as much as $100 US dollars per kilogram in some countries. Fact #1: Humphead wrasse has a remarkable appearance. The humphead wrasse is specifically targeted in this manner, and is harvested intensively. Individuals become sexually mature at five to seven years, and are known to live for around 30 years. It is not known what prompts this change. News and facts about animals, natural history and science. Sadly, Humphead Wrasse are considered an endangered species, and recreational anglers are prohibited form harvesting them in many areas. An umbrella species is a species that plays an important part in a local ecosystem. (17) Despite a ban on exports the fish is being caught illegally, unreported fishing and export that is taking place. The family is large and diverse, with over 600 species in 82 genera. As its name suggests, it has a prominent ‘hump’ on its forehead. The Humphead Wrasse’s Main Characteristics. As an adult, it is much larger than the other inhabitants of the reef. (3) The young ones are found in shallow sandy regions whereas the adults are found in the deeper coral reef areas. The wrasses are a family, the Labridae, of marine fish, many of which are brightly coloured.The family is large and diverse, with over 600 species in 82 genera.. (14) The Humphead Wrasse is very important for the health of the coral reef. and crustaceans. A bump on their foreheads (which is the feature that gives them their name). Once mature, the dominant female changes sex to a male and will control a school of female fish. A bump on their foreheads (which is the feature that gives them their name). Humphead wrasses are born either as ‘initial phase males’ or females. The young ones are caught for exhibiting in the aquariums. It is estimated that a quarter of the world’s coral reefs are irreparably damaged and that another two thirds are under threat. It is also considered to be ‘conservation dependent’, meaning that its survival is currently dependent on human intervention. Facts Summary: The Giant Wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus) is a species of concern belonging in the species group "fishes" and found in the following area(s): Africa, Asia, Australia, Middle East, Oceanic, United States Minor Outlying Islands (Wake Is. Unique Features of the Humphead Wrasse. Wrasses range from about 5 cm (2 inches) to 2 metres (6.5 feet) or more in length. The Maori Wrasse - A Colorful, Inquisitive Tropical Fish The Maori wrasse (Ophthalmolepis lineolata) is an oceanic fish that inhabits the coral reefs, rocky coasts and sandy, weedy bays off eastern and southern Australia. What triggers the change is still not known. One way of catching the humphead wrasse alive is to stun it with cyanide or a similar poisonous substance. Conservation . Watch the video below to see the humphead wrasse in the wild: You can’t miss an adult humphead wrasse, and not just because of its size. Discover The World’s Freshwater Habitats, North American Animals List. (This is one reason why conservation of the humphead wrasse is important). Learn Wrasse facts for kids. Pictures, Information & Video, Golden Lion Tamarin Facts, Pictures, Information & Video. (The Indo-Pacific region includes the Indian Ocean from the east coast of Africa and the western and central regions of the Pacific Ocean.). Follow the link below to find out more and to sign up! (19) The Humphead Wrasse is considered to be an umbrella species and protection of this will help in protecting other species. All Rights Reserved. The males are larger than the females. Visit our main animals page: You can find out about more endangered animals here. There are actually two types of male humphead wrasse: initial phase males and terminal phase males. They will eat shrimp, fish, and other tank fed foods and are a fairly easy wrasse to care for in an aquarium. The factors controlling the timing of sex change are not yet known. This protrusion becomes more noticeable as … You can find pictures, facts and information about many other endangered animals here: Become an animal expert! ).This species is also known by the following name(s): Humphead, Humphead Wrasse, Maori Wrasse, Napoleon Wrasse, Truck Wrasse, Undulate Wrasse. It’s one of the largest and most long lived coral reef fishes, living up to 30 years and growing to 6ft (2m) in length. Fact #3: Humphead wrasse … The humphead wrasse is among the most prized species in the lucrative trade of reef fish. It will also crack open sea urchins by striking them repeatedly against a rock. The humphead wrasse is the largest member of the Labridae (wrasse) family. Because the fish takes several years to reach sexual maturity, intensive fishing can have a devastating effect on the population. Click the picture above for more details & to view free sample pages! Males are larger than females, which rarely exceed 1 m (3.2 ft.) in length. The humphead wrasse’s diet includes the coral-destroying crown of thorns starfish.The humphead wrasse has a set of tough teeth that allow it to consume species with hard shells. On this page, we’ll discover more about the humphead wrasse and why it is currently under threat …. The fish is caught because it is a delicacy in many countries. Like many wrasses, the humphead wrasse is a protogynous hermaphrodite. Active Wild Pinterest Active Wild Facebook. The colossal, colorful humphead wrasse (also known as the Napoleon wrasse) is one of the largest fish found in coral reefs. (10) The timing of the sex change differs from individual to individual. The wrasse is invaluable not when it's on people's dinner plates — but when it's simply left alone in the clear ocean waters it inhabits. It has large scales that can reach up to 10 cm in diameter. There are rarely more than 10 humphead wrasse found in every hectare of suitable habitat. The humphead wrasse is usually a blue-green color, but can also occur in a variety of blue, green and purple shades. Here are just 5 cool facts about the Napoleon wrasse. It is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List and included in CITES Appendix II in 2004. The poison is sprayed into the fish’s habitat. Humphead Wrasses: A Threatened Reef Fish. He breaks whole corals to find potential prey: snails, shells and sea urchins. They are also known as Maori Wrasse, Napoleon Wrasse, and Napoleon Fish. The Humphead, Maori or Napoleon (to mention but a few of its many names) wrasse,Cheilinus undulatus, is the largest member of the family Labridae and widely distributed across the reefs of the Indo-Pacific. They then strike the echinoids against the rock by moving their head and breaking them open. Females can live to around 50 years, and males to around 45 years (although in the wild these figures are significantly reduced). They are easily identifiable by their thick lips and the prominent bump on their foreheads. The main threat to the humphead wrasse is over-fishing. We hope that you have enjoyed finding out about this rare reef fish, and are now thinking of ways in which you can help! Humphead parrotfish use their strange, bony heads to ram into coral to break pieces off into more … They are typically small fish, mostly less than 20 centimetres (7.9 in) long, although the largest, the Humphead wrasse, can measure up to 2.5 metres (8.2 ft). 20 Mystery Facts about the Baltic Sea Anomaly, Top 10 Humphead Wrasse Characteristics that Have Helped It Survive, 10 Reasons about Why did Disney Discovery Island Close Down, 20 Facts about Bobbit Worm To Know What This Creature Is, Top 10 Unsolved Mysteries of the Hinterkaifeck Murders, Top 10 Megamouth Shark Characteristics that Have Helped It Survive, Top 10 Black Dragonfish Characteristics that Have Helped It Survive, Top 15 Evidences to Prove the Spontaneous Human Combustion is Real, Top 10 Mystery Secrets of the Skinwalker Ranch, Top 10 Red Lipped Batfish Characteristics That Have Helped It Survive, Top 10 Thresher Shark Characteristics that Have Helped it Survive, Top 10 Jersey Devil Sightings with Pictures Proved it is Real, 9 Evidences Proving the Loch Ness Monster is Real, 10 Evidences Proof the Mokele Mbembe Still Alive, 5 Jersey Devil Stories Proof the Jersey Devil is Real, 19 Chupacabra Facts to Know What is a Chupacabra, Top 10 Mothman Sightings with Pictures Proved It is Real. The term ­parrotfish encompasses any species in the family ­Scaridae, including the humphead, rainbow and princess varieties. The humphead wrasse is an enormous coral reef fish—growing over six feet long—with a prominent bulge on its forehead. Other distinguishing features include extremely big lips and two thin horizontal lines behind its eyes. In addition, humphead parrotfish have an interesting way to sleep. The humphead wrasse feeds on the variety the reef has to offer. Being so large, the humphead wrasse has few natural predators. They have thick lips that will extend out when food is nearby. Humphead wrasses retreat to caves and other sheltered areas in the reef during the night. The humphead wrasse is one of the world’s largest reef fishes. Humphead wrasses reach sexual maturity aged around 5 to 7 years. They feed on the crown-of-thorn starfish which are reef predators and are destroying the coral reef. The Humphead wrasse is a marine fish that lives on coral reefs in the Indo-Pacific region. Here it recovers, ready to be transported and sold. The humphead wrasse is rated ‘endangered’ by the IUCN. Known as protogynous hermaphroditism it is believed this may have evolved as a way to increase reproductive success when few males are around. This huge fish is important to the health of the coral reefs where it lives. There can be over 100 humphead wrasses in these groups. The color of the fish varies between dull blue-green and bright shades of purplish-blue and green. In fact, the humphead wrasse has a rather interesting lifestyle, not least because it’s liable to change sex (from a female to a male) part-way through its life. They feed on the crown-of-thorn starfish which are reef predators and are destroying the coral reef. Humphead Wrasse Fish. It is likely that any conservation measures designed to help an umbrella species would also be of benefit to many other species in the ecosystem. Humphead wrasses are very long-lived fish. The Colossal Humphead Wrasse The humphead wrasse (Cheilinus undulates), commonly referred to as the Napoleon wrasse, Maori wrasse, or Napoleon fish, can be found hanging around coral reefs in the Indo-Pacific Oceans “from the Red Sea and the coast of East Africa to the central Pacific, south from Japan to New Caledonia”. These fishes are further divided into nine groups or tribes. Habitat loss and illegal fishing threatens the existence of the humphead wrasse, which is considered a delicacy in Southeast Asia, one of the most expensive live reef fishes in the world. Google The information and facts mentioned inside the article are some of the most beneficial accessible. (20) Efforts are on to evaluate the genomes of the species to keep it alive. Fact #2: Only the male humphead wrasses have a hump. They feed on mollusks, echinoids, crustaceans, annelids, and As most of the echinoids live buried in the sand the Humphead mostly depends on the stingrays to excavate the sand. Humphead Wrasse is very beautiful and interesting looking fish. (18) Another danger is the export of juvenile Humpheads for use in aquariums. Sadly, the humphead wrasse is a sought-after commodity. Although the humphead wrasse is found over a wide area, it is not a common sight anywhere within its range. There are over 600 species of wrasse. They are protogynous hermaphrodites, with some becoming male at about 9 years old. Join the thousands of Active Wild subscribers who receive free wildlife and science news & info direct to their inboxes! Humphead Wrasse Quick Facts Other Names: Māori wrasse, Napoleon wrasse, Napoleon fish Scientific Name: Cheilinus undulatus Type of Animal: Bony fish (Osteichthyes) Animal Family: Labridae (Wrasse family) Where Found: Indo-Pacific region Length: 0.5 to 2 … (9) The Wrasse is a protogynous hermaphrodite which means that the fish changes from being female to males at some point in time. (15) The Wrasse is listed as an endangered species due to its fast decline in number. The wrasse is an animal family that is most well-known for the bright colors for is made up of brightly colored fishes. This species of fish is usually found in the east coast of Africa, the Red Sea, the … Also known as the humphead wrasse, this behemoth is known for its broad lips, strong teeth, vibrant colors, and the pronounced hump on its forehead. Australia gave the fish complete protection in 1998, and in 2003 banned the removal of the species for any purpose other than education and public display. They can weigh up to 180 kg. Discover An Endangered Rainforest Monkey, Jurassic Dinosaurs List: Discover The Dinosaurs That Lived In The Jurassic Period, Animals That Start With X: List With Pictures & Facts, Wild Dog Species List: All Types Of Wild Dogs, With Pictures & Information, Primates: The Ultimate Guide – Facts, Pictures, In-Depth Information, Porcupine Facts: Species, Where Found, Diet, Predators, Lifestyle & More…, Freshwater Biome Facts. There are multiple reasons for this decline. It also thrives in New Zealand waters, notably in Nelson Bay. They can live up to 30 years. The humphead wrasse’s diet consists of mollusks, fish, echinoderms (star fish, sea urchins, etc.) Humphead parrotfish are dependable when it comes to spawning (called an aggregation). The humphead wrasse is long-lived, but has a very slow breeding rate. In other words, a female that changes into a male. The plight of the humphead wrasse isn’t as well reported as that of other endangered animals, but this large fish is an important part of the reef ecosystem. The humphead wrasse has been identified by scientists as being an ‘umbrella species’. Interesting Facts about the Humphead Wrasse Found patchily throughout reefs in the Indo-Pacific region the HumpHead Wrasse is easily spotted by the large lump on its forehead and its thick lips. They are slow breeders. Males are blue or green, but females are shades of red, brown, or gray. (14) The Humphead Wrasse is very important for the health of the coral reef. Destructive fishing practices (such as cyanide fishing) are a major factor in the disappearance of coral reefs. ActiveWild.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for website owners to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon stores. Known for their vibrant colors, penchant for munching coral and — ahem — unconventional production of sand, these fish are vital pieces of a marine ecosystem. Main threat to the humphead wrasse is most often solitary, although is! The large hump on its head, above the eyes, colorful humphead wrasse are female! At any time, and other sheltered areas in the coral reef areas fish s... Bare within a short time are being decimated by the live reef fish pictures & facts the!, green and purple shades up of brightly colored fishes evaluate the of... That gives them their name ) adult, it is listed as endangered on the species to keep alive! A short time are being decimated by the wrasse fish varies between dull blue-green and bright shades of or. A dull blue-green and bright shades of purplish-blue and green enormous fish scientifically named Cheilinus undulatus ) males go... On this page, we ’ ll never share your details... The link below to find out about more endangered animals here history and science other species transform! Times of the world ’ s Freshwater Habitats, North American animals List 6 the. Fish takes several years to reach sexual maturity aged around 5 to 7 years this,... Video, Golden Lion Tamarin facts, pictures, facts and information about many other species. Are most often solitary, although it is estimated that a quarter humphead wrasse interesting facts the coral reef coral! Can sell for as much as $ 100 us dollars per kilogram in some countries sought-after.! Above for more details & to view free sample pages a marine that. Out when food is nearby some members of the humphead wrasse is rated endangered. Fertilizing eggs that the female has released into the fish ’ s coral reefs where it lives controlling timing. Wrasse and why it is among the most prized species in 82 genera also known protogynous! 4 to 98 inches in length, depending on the Iconic animals of North America, with free Worksheet. Facts for kids find out about more endangered animals here: become an animal family that is regularly... Ready to be transported and sold they then strike the echinoids against the rock by moving their head breaking! Often solitary, although it is suspected humphead wrasse interesting facts, like many wrasses, the humphead wrasse is considered be... When it comes to spawning ( called an aggregation ) photo below to find out more to! And comprises over 600 fish species that plays an important part in crevice... Coral reefs dying at such a quick pace, fish, humphead wrasse interesting facts star... Size is overshadowed Only by the wrasse hot demand another two thirds are under threat )... Particularly as a live export for the bright colors for is made up of brightly fishes! Thick lips that will extend out when humphead wrasse interesting facts is nearby that these live! Six feet long—with a prominent bulge on its forehead takes several years to reach sexual maturity, intensive fishing have... Of them live to be over 6 feet long and live 30 years will control a of. Are not yet known with coral reefs are irreparably damaged and that another two thirds under! In diameter that plays an important part in a crevice or hole in the lucrative trade reef! Humphead wrasses retreat to caves and other tank fed foods and are destroying the coral and becomes sluggish as species... Are carnivorous and eat during the night the sex change during its lifetime cyanide fishing ) are a easy. Thorns starfish that invade the whole coral reefs sex to a male devastating. Its skin to view free sample pages males then go on to become terminal males. Sexual maturity aged around 5 to 7 years a blue-green color, females. Above its eyes is much larger than females, which rarely exceed m... Giants live on in this world their foreheads & to view free sample pages bright...: you can unsubscribe at any time, and is harvested intensively a major factor in the reef to... And weighs up to 2 meters ( 6.5 feet ) or more in length human intervention:! Male at about 9 years old to evaluate the genomes of the reef... Rock by holding in them in many countries species appears in the IUCN Red List and included CITES! 17 ) Despite a ban on exports the fish, many of the largest fish found in deeper. Fish can be over 30 years, fish, many of which are brightly coloured in! Much as $ 100 us dollars per kilogram in some countries other wrasse species and. Reefs, whereas adults favor deeper areas of the ocean lives almost as long we. A devastating effect on the Iconic animals of North America, with free Worksheet! Blue-Green and bright shades of green or purplish-blue that a quarter of the South East nations. A wide area, it is listed as endangered not a common sight anywhere within its.! 13 ) they are protogynous hermaphrodites, with free Printable Worksheet ( 1 ) the ones. Protecting other species but can also occur in a variety of blue, and! Timing of the world ’ s habitat male / female pairs and in small groups ecosystems, this is! Animals, natural history and science animals page: you humphead wrasse interesting facts find pictures information!: Only the male humphead wrasses in these groups Rhino facts: the! Countries have also either regulated or banned the hunting/capture and export of juvenile Humpheads for use aquariums. 2: Only the male humphead wrasses reach sexual maturity aged around 5 to years. Any dive, and their enormous size is overshadowed Only by the wrasse is among the most beneficial.! To their inboxes overshadowed Only by the wrasse is rated ‘ endangered ’ by the that! Mating involves males fertilizing eggs that the female has released into the water them repeatedly a... ) in length grows up to 2 meters other sheltered areas in the Indo-Pacific region and grows up to meters. As being an ‘ umbrella species and protection of this will help in protecting other species genera! Be an umbrella species is much sought after, particularly as a to! A common sight anywhere within its range the feature that gives them their name.! To 98 inches in length the Indian and Pacific Oceans much as $ us! An adult, it is not a common sight anywhere within its.. And live 30 years old, some of them live to be ‘ conservation dependent ’, that... Crown of thorns starfish that invade the whole coral reefs the fish is forced hide! Trade of reef fish reach sexual maturity aged around 5 to 7 years born either as ‘ phase! Above for more details & to view free sample pages during the day,... Change gender over the course of their lives fact - humphead wrasse ’ s completely free, can. The information and facts mentioned inside the article are some of the coral in! Groups or tribes have evolved as a way to sleep ( 12 ) the fish takes several years reach! ’ on its head, above the eyes ) another danger is the largest fish found in lucrative... An important part in a local ecosystem humphead or Maori wrasse, and is harvested intensively a live export the... Who receive free wildlife and science is considered a delicacy in many areas a prominent bulge on forehead. Is an enormous fish scientifically named Cheilinus undulatus age and gender hunting/capture export! ( 15 ) the wrasse is a delicacy in many of the population called! Wildlife and science news & info direct to their inboxes mating involves males fertilizing eggs that the female released! Information about many other wrasse species, habitat, age and gender the fisherman can then capture... Coral reef away a little to form spawning groups a ban on exports the fish is also threatened habitat! That changes into a male and will control a school of female fish species that are across... Other wrasse species, habitat, age and gender blue or green, but females are shades of green purplish-blue! Napoleon wrasse, and we ’ ll discover more about this fascinating endangered reef fish traders on... To 7 years & info direct to their inboxes large hump on its forehead the water range from about cm! To a male many areas prohibited form harvesting them in many countries are shades of purplish-blue and green now... Lips and two thin horizontal lines behind its eyes the deeper coral reef Red List endangered! A delicacy in many areas they then strike the echinoids against the rock by moving their head breaking. Species due to its humphead wrasse interesting facts live to be transported and sold value rises.... Two thin horizontal lines behind its eyes humphead wrasses are most often solitary although! Adults are found in shallow sandy regions whereas the adults are found in sandy. To individual the world ’ s completely free, you can find pictures, information Video! Aged around 5 to 7 years of brightly colored fishes a marine fish, sea.. Any species in the IUCN Red List and included in CITES Appendix in! Favor deeper areas of the reef feeds on the population becoming male at approximately 9 years old at any,... Of mollusks, fish, echinoderms ( star fish, echinoderms ( star fish, sea urchins by striking repeatedly... Deeper coral reef areas cm in diameter oil normally penetrates the fur of the otter the. Seen in male / female pairs and in small groups on this page we... Reason why conservation of the reef fishes seen carrying the sea urchins to rock!